The next day dawned with a flurry of activity in the royal palace. The grand event was upon them, and preparations for the engagement ceremony were in full swing. The air was electric with anticipation, and every corner of the palace seemed to hum with energy.
Narrator:
In the grand halls, servants moved quickly, decorating the vast ballroom with banners embroidered in gold and blue—the royal colors. Chandeliers sparkled like a thousand stars as they were polished to perfection, and fragrant flowers from all corners of the kingdom filled the air with their sweet perfume. Musicians rehearsed, tuning their instruments for the evening ahead.
In the king's chambers, King Henry sat at his desk, overlooking a stack of invitations bearing the royal seal. He had personally ensured that every noble family of importance had been invited. A messenger stood at attention, ready to deliver the invitations to the four great dukes and other noble families.
King Henry: (handing the stack of invitations to the messenger, his voice firm and resolute)
"Make sure these reach every corner of the kingdom. The Great Dukes, especially—ensure they understand the importance of Events.
Messenger: (bowing deeply)
"Yes, Your Majesty."
With that, the messenger left, setting off to deliver the news that would soon shake the noble class of the kingdom.
Narrator:
In the west, the invitation arrived at the grand estate of Duke Rhys Aelfric, where the servants whispered of the grand engagement. In the north, the ice-cold Duchess Celestia Norrin raised an eyebrow at the unexpected announcement. The east saw Duke Alaric Vayne receive the letter with curiosity, while in the south, the wise and experienced Duke Mathias Drayton read the royal summons with a measured nod.
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The week passed in a blur of excitement, gossip, and anticipation as the news of the engagement spread throughout the kingdom. Every noble family, every influential figure was eager to witness the grand event that would not only announce the new Duke of Zarador but also celebrate the engagement of Princess Yumehime.
Narrator:
The palace grounds were alive with vibrant activity as banners of gold and blue fluttered in the wind. The ballroom shimmered, ready to welcome the kingdom's elite. Each chandelier sparkled like a constellation, casting a warm glow across the polished marble floors. Servants hurried to ensure that every detail was perfect—the flowers, the decorations, the seating arrangements.
The grand ballroom filled quickly as noble families arrived, one by one. King Henry and Queen Elenor stood by the entrance, graciously greeting the guests who approached with bows and curtsies. The murmurs of excitement filled the hall as eyes turned toward Princess Yumehime, who stood in her dazzling gown, her silver and green hair catching the light like precious threads of moonlight. Her sparkling eyes scanned the ballroom, a hint of nervousness visible as she waited for Sai to make his appearance.
Princess Yumehime: (whispering to herself, glancing around)
"Where is he?"
Narrator:
The princess was not the only one wondering where the newly appointed Duke of Zarador was. In the midst of the gathered crowd, a figure stepped forward—Duke Rhys Aelfric, his imposing presence demanding attention. His sharp eyes turned toward the king as he approached.
Duke Rhys Aelfric: (in a low, steady voice)
"Your Majesty, with all due respect, what is it that you see in this young man, Sai? He is no noble, yet he is being given the title of Duke and the hand of the princess in marriage. Surely, this raises some concerns."
King Henry: (turning toward the duke, his gaze unwavering)
"Sai is no ordinary man, Duke Rhys. His strength and his potential far surpass what you might imagine. There are reasons beyond what is visible to the eye. Trust in my judgment, and you will see in time."
Just as Duke Rhys opened his mouth to respond, a sudden shift in the atmosphere gripped the room. The temperature seemed to drop, and the guests turned toward the entrance. A subtle yet powerful draconic aura filled the air—a force that sent shivers down the spine of every noble in the room.
The doors to the ballroom creaked open, and Sai appeared. His presence was overwhelming, his black suit sleek and regal, complementing his midnight-black hair. But it was his golden eyes, glowing faintly with the essence of a dragon, that captured everyone's attention. A ripple of gasps and whispers spread across the hall as the aura around him intensified, giving the sense that something otherworldly stood among them.
Narrator:
It was as if a storm had entered the room, commanding the very air around him. All eyes locked onto Sai, who walked forward with a confidence that made it clear—he was no ordinary man.
King Henry: (smiling subtly, as if satisfied with the display)
"There he is—the man worthy of the title."
Narrator:
The engagement ceremony began immediately after Sai's dramatic entrance. The crowd watched in silence as he approached Princess Yumehime, who, despite her composure, could not hide the faint blush that crept across her cheeks.
Sai: (his voice calm but intense as he approached the princess, bowing slightly)
"I apologize for keeping you waiting, Princess."
Princess Yumehime: (smiling softly, her voice barely above a whisper)
"You're here now. That's what matters."
As Sai stood by her side, the priest overseeing the ceremony began the formal proceedings. The nobles watched in awe, captivated by Sai's commanding presence and the quiet elegance of Princess Yumehime. The golden bands symbolizing their union were presented, and as they were placed on their fingers, a cheer erupted from the crowd.
Narrator:
But even as the ceremony continued, a question hung in the air for some—what did King Henry truly see in Sai? And what was the real significance of his appointment as the Duke of Zarador?