Ivana's entrance into the ballroom felt like a spark igniting tinder. The whispers began immediately, flowing through the crowd like a wave. The princess, in her shimmering gown of sapphire blue, adorned with layers of fine silver lace, captivated everyone in attendance, and for a moment, she relished in the stolen glances and hushed voices around her.
King Arthur, standing proudly near the dais, smiled with a warm, fatherly pride that tempered the night's extravagance with a rare, quiet sincerity. He waved her over, and she obliged, leaning in as he whispered, "Do try not to outshine the chandeliers too much, my dear. We don't want them jealous."
Ivana chuckled, giving him a quick wink. "I'll do my best, Father, though I can't promise anything."
But just as she was about to move away, her gaze caught on a familiar figure across the room. It was Edmund, half-hidden among the golden tapestries near the far wall. Dressed impeccably, he stood out even amidst the opulence, exuding a quiet intensity that seemed to repel and attract attention all at once. A murmur passed through the crowd as others noticed him, whispers darting through the room like mischievous fireflies.
Ivana moved towards him, navigating through the bustling crowd with effortless grace, and as she neared, her lips curled into a teasing smile. "Edmund," she called, her tone playfully mocking. "Lurking in the shadows already? You haven't even greeted the host yet."
Edmund inclined his head with mock solemnity. "Princess Ivana," he returned, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "One can hardly interrupt when the entire room seems besotted with you."
"Oh, I don't think it's me they're watching. Perhaps they've noticed that King Leopold's court is suddenly a bit more… intriguing," she quipped, crossing her arms and leaning in ever so slightly.
"If by intriguing, you mean somewhat infamous," he replied, a hint of pride in his tone. "I do have a reputation to uphold."
Ivana chuckled. "Yes, well, your reputation seems to be causing quite the stir. In fact, some seem to think your presence might disrupt this entire evening."
The dance floor was crowded with nobles, their chatter rising in a cacophony of laughs, gasps, and murmurs as people passed around rumors and observations like candy. Ivana noticed how, despite the usual extravagance, tonight the court seemed to thrum with extra tension, with sidelong glances and barely concealed whispers.
"Look at them," she murmured, sweeping her gaze over the crowd. "All here, watching, waiting for the slightest scandal." She flashed him a grin. "Wouldn't it be a shame to disappoint?"
Edmund raised an eyebrow. "You're suggesting we put on a little performance?"
"Oh, I'm always one for theatrics," she replied, her eyes sparkling. "But I thought you'd know that by now."
"Let's not overestimate your charms, Ivana," he replied, his tone teasingly lofty. "Not everyone is swayed so easily."
Ivana's brow rose, unamused but secretly delighted. "So I'm not charming, then? Do tell, dear Edmund—how exactly have I failed to enchant?"
He leaned closer, his voice low enough that only she could hear. "You've done everything in your power to enchant, which is precisely why I've learned to watch you so carefully. It's quite revealing."
"Revealing, you say?" she shot back. "Well, let's see if you're as perceptive as you think." With a mischievous smile, she gestured toward the side gardens that led off from the ballroom.
Edmund followed her with an amused, cautious look, slipping through the door into the gardens, which were strung with delicate, glimmering lights. Shadows and soft laughter from other wandering couples drifted between the hedges and rose-covered trellises. The two strolled deeper into the garden until they were out of earshot of the palace.
Ivana paused, her gaze flicking back toward the ballroom before focusing on Edmund. "So, tell me—why exactly are you here?"
"You think my presence has some ulterior motive?" he asked, feigning innocence. "I'm hurt, Ivana."
"Are you really?" she teased, leaning in. "I'd think you'd be rather pleased with yourself, hiding behind royal pretenses and enjoying the rumors."
"You assume I enjoy causing trouble," he replied, a glint of challenge in his eyes. "It's rather dangerous to make assumptions."
"Oh, I know the thrill of a bit of danger," she countered, her voice smooth. "And I suspect you do, too. After all, one doesn't usually get a royal invitation from your side of the palace without some reason."
Their banter was interrupted by a sudden movement. From the corner of her eye, Ivana caught sight of a few young nobles peering at them from behind a rosebush, their hushed giggles betraying their eavesdropping. She rolled her eyes and lowered her voice.
"So, I suppose we'll have to behave," she muttered. "Or give them something to really talk about."
Edmund smirked. "Perhaps we should choose the latter."
"Tempting, but I think you'd miss the point," Ivana whispered back. "Besides, there are much better ways to make a lasting impression."
His gaze lingered on her, his smirk shifting into something more contemplative. "Like what?"
Ivana raised an eyebrow, stepping back with a half-smile. "Oh, wouldn't you like to know?"
As they moved further through the garden, a soft breeze rustled the trees, and Ivana felt a sudden pang of nostalgia—of days when games like these were all they had, before royal titles and the weight of duty settled over them. There was a strange warmth in Edmund's gaze, a familiarity she hadn't felt in a long time.
"Tell me something, Edmund," she said after a pause. "Is your purpose tonight entirely diplomatic, or are you here for… other reasons?"
He regarded her with a careful expression. "You don't truly expect me to answer that, do you?"
"No," she replied, tilting her head. "But it's always worth asking. You've always been just out of reach—like a shadow."
They reached the far edge of the garden, where the palace lights were faint, and only the soft glow of fireflies illuminated their faces. Edmund paused, looking at her with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat.
"You assume I'm always hiding," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "But perhaps I'm only waiting for the right moment to show my hand."
Ivana's breath caught, and for once, she found herself speechless. She could feel the weight of everything unspoken between them, a delicate dance of loyalty, rivalry, and something else that neither dared name.
But just as quickly as it began, the moment was gone. Edmund straightened, his composure returning. "Until next time, Princess."
And with that, he stepped back, leaving Ivana alone beneath the glow of the fireflies, wondering just what she had missed—and what she might have found if she'd looked just a little bit closer.