Olivia's heart pounds within her with much force asthe polite insult she rendered on Cassia still echoed in her head. She questions her sanity if it was still alright or perhaps she might be running mad, already she could imagine Eleanor spitting insults at her for laying false accusations against her most favored child, not that she had no guts to face her back with her own words but what she feared was the King, Herin was a two faced man, of dual identity and character, he of course was no friend nor foe yet plays the role of an ally only when it would benefit him and now this evening, with the Queen's cheerful mood and well known character by all court members, he'd do everything to keep it that way even if it means to lock her up again.
Olivia's eyes search the crowd for him and surprisingly, meets his gaze on her, there's a knowing smile on his face, one which she couldn't comprehend whether good or bad, a pang of nervousness swells within her but she flashes at him a meek smile, it made him arch a brow, questioning her response, on a normal, Olivia was nothing more than a broody, annoying young lady so he describes her often. It disturbed him, Olivia could tell from the way he narrowed his eyes at her, there was a question in them that swirled like smoke but she shoved him off by turning her head the other way. From afar she sights Penelope clad in a peach evening dress with flowers and petals decorating the flow of the dress, by her side stood the grand duke Eric Winthone of Adrelyne. Olivia narrowed her eyes at the chattering and laughter that came from their direction, Olivia let her curious yet icy gaze rake over him, he was handsome and tall, so she'd thought, rich, elegant and high in rank and status, a good catch for the eyes of preying women but no! He still wasn't good enough, Olivia knew within her that this was wrong, prying into Penelope's growing love life was wrong but deep within as well, she wish for nothing more than the best for her sister, for all of them, even Cassia as well though it sounded unbelievable to her hearing. Not wanting wrong for them and only the best even if it wasn't them same with them when it came to their thoughts for her. She grimaced at the kiss Eric places on Penelope's knuckles, she watches with an arched brow as Penelope giggles at the act. Olivia huffs in frustration, perhaps she could go there herself, just when she'd move a feet, a chilly presence stops her in her tracks.
"Olivia, is anything the matter?" Herin's voice questions from behind, a smile slowly plasters on her face as she turns towards him, the iciness in her stare melts off, but still, there is no warmth in them. She give a very low bow before rising to meet his face, there was rather, a placid expression on his face but he doesn't say anything else.
" Your highness, there is nothing wrong."
He archs a brow again," and the evening, how is it treating you?"
Olivia take a quick look at the large ball room and then back to him, with a forced smile she replies with a nod. "Yes, it is going very smoothly for me. Thank you for showing your care." Then grimaced again at the bitter taste on her tongue for the white lie. Herin smirks, knowing it was all a lie but decides not to fan the gentle flames of trouble.
"Oh, I see. The ceremony will soon begin, I hope to have the first dance or has Anthonio taken the spot already?"
Olivia looks over his shoulder, taking a quick glance at Anthonio who was surrounded by different ladies of high class and rankings, amongst the little group was Cassia who stood too close to him. She turns back to Herin, who awaited for an answer, there was no how she could refuse his offer so she shakes her head in approval of his oofer, looking into the eyes of the man who made her fear and distrustful of all men apart from her father, he smiles at the response and give her a curt bow before leaving.
Olivia stares at his back thinking of what reason would he want a dance with her, was there something he wanted to know, perhaps something even she didn't know. Shaking her head she turns back to Penelope only to hear her giggles coming from the dance floor with Eric swirling her beautifully in the air, he was a good dancer but still— unimpressive!
Soon the announcer arrive, announcing the soon to start celebration markings, everyone gathers to there spots with Herin on the throne of her father's, with Eleanor by his right an the empty one by his left which was hers, the right was hers but Eleanor controlled everything even the King and besides, Olivia didn't care about where to sit as long as it was comfortable.
"Kingdom of Adrelyne, we are gathered here tonight to celebrate three remark ceremonies, the marriage of I to my beautiful wife Queen Eleanor..." Herin says with a glance at Eleanor who blushes meekly at him, Olivia rolls her eyes in disgust and continues to listen. "...My coronation and of course the most important, the birth of our dear heiress, Princess Olivia."
The crowd cheers much to her distaste, his tone made it seem like a mock at her, but now was no time to be angry. He gestured for her to come forth and with heavy steps, she walks towards him, by his side was a boy with a garnet hued velvet pillow on his hand and resting on it was a diamond tiara, Herin takes it and she vows, he crowns her and concludes with his words...
"On this special day, your twenty first birthday, we wish you long life and prosperity in your time of rule. Happy birthday Olivia."
The crowd cheers again at his words and then start to chant.
"All hail the future Queen, all hail the King!"
The crowd continues to chant, Olivia's eyes gaze through the crowd, Anthonio winks at her, feeling disgusted, her gaze finds Penelope with Eric by her side giving her a reassuring smile, Olivia returns it then a cold hand grasp gently on her elbow, she turns to the side to see Herin's hand placed there, a cold smile appears on his face—
"Shall we dance now?"