Chapter - 24
Fixing the collar of my black suit, I ran a hand along the front of my pants, ensuring everything was perfectly in place. Taking a steadying breath, I made my way to the grand ballroom.
The faint strains of music filtered into the hallway as I approached, the lively notes blending with the low hum of conversation. Two towering double doors stood ahead, and as I reached them, a liveried servant bowed deeply and turned to open them with a ceremonial flourish.
"Presenting His Highness, Prince Damon Vallore!" the servant announced, his voice cutting clear through the music and murmurs of the assembled guests.
The ballroom quieted for a moment as all eyes turned toward me. Nobles clad in their finest silks and adorned with glittering jewels parted like a sea to allow me entry, their gazes filled with curiosity, admiration, and perhaps a touch of trepidation.
My gaze swept over the crowd. It was a parade of power and influence, each noble trying to outshine the other with their attire and their presence. The air was heavy with the mingled scents of perfume and wine.
At the far end of the room, a raised platform held two thrones—one for my mother, Queen Lirael, and one for me. I made my way through the throng, nodding politely at those who bowed or curtsied in my direction. As I ascended the platform, I let my posture straighten further before taking my seat.
It wasn't long before the first of the nobles approached me. An older man with a stately demeanor stepped forward, his rich green velvet coat embroidered with gold filigree. His white hair was neatly combed, and a golden chain of office adorned his chest. He bowed deeply.
"Your Highness," he began, "allow me to introduce myself. I am Duke Althar Emdrel, the Minister of Finance." He straightened and offered a small, polite smile.
"Duke Emdrel," I said with a nod, noting the sharpness in his gaze. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine, Your Highness," he replied. "It is reassuring to see you restored to health. I have no doubt your leadership will bring even greater prosperity to our kingdom."
Before I could respond, another figure joined us—a broad-shouldered man with salt-and-pepper hair and a stern expression. His attire was more subdued than the Duke's but carried an air of authority. He bowed as well.
"Your Highness," he began, "I am Duke Varnis Talrek, Minister of Internal Affairs." He straightened and met my gaze directly. "It is an honor to stand before the future of our great kingdom."
"Duke Talrek," I acknowledged, "I look forward to working with you to ensure the stability and prosperity of Celadrin."
The three of us exchanged brief pleasantries, their words a mixture of veiled flattery and subtle probing as they sought to gauge my demeanor and intentions. It was clear they were weighing me not just as a prince, but as their future king.
As we spoke, the servant at the door announced again, his voice resonating through the ballroom: "Her Majesty, Queen Lirael Vallore!"
All eyes turned to the entrance, and I did the same. The room fell silent for a moment before a ripple of murmured admiration passed through the crowd. Lirael entered with all the grace and poise of a queen, her golden hair shimmering in the light and her emerald green gown hugging her figure perfectly. She had clearly taken time to refresh herself, her makeup flawless and her demeanor radiant.
I couldn't help but notice the subtle touches—her hair had been restyled into an elegant updo, a few loose strands framing her face, and her lips were freshly painted with a deeper red than before. Our intimate moment in the carriage passed through my mind, as I thought how this perfect woman had been serving my cock just a little while ago.
Lirael ascended the platform, taking her seat beside me. Her hand brushed mine briefly as she settled in.
The room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for her to speak or give a signal. With a serene smile, she addressed the assembled nobles. "My lords and ladies, thank you for gracing us with your presence tonight. Let us celebrate this momentous occasion and the bright future of Celadrin."
The crowd responded with polite applause, and as the music resumed, the atmosphere of the ballroom grew livelier once more.
A minute later, a tall man approached the platform. He wore an impeccably tailored black suit adorned with silver embroidery that denoted his status as one of the kingdom's high-ranking nobles. By his side were his family: a stunningly beautiful woman with long black hair and striking blue eyes, dressed in a daring black gown that accentuated her ample figure with a plunging neckline. Behind them walked a younger man, likely his son, bearing his father's strong features, accompanied by his wife, a petite, blonde-haired beauty with warm brown eyes and a delicate blue dress that perfectly complemented her graceful frame. Finally, a young woman followed, the very image of her mother with flowing black hair, sapphire eyes, and a dress that highlighted her own voluptuous curves, her posture exuding confidence.
The man bowed deeply as he reached us, and I noticed a glimmer of emotion in his eyes. His wife and children followed suit, their bows and curtsies executed with perfect decorum.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness," he said, "It is an honor to stand before you on this joyous occasion."
"Duke Karvelis," Lirael greeted warmly, her eyes softening at the sight of him. "It's always a pleasure to see you. How have you been?"
Karvelis straightened, his strong features softening as he smiled through misty eyes. "I am overwhelmed with joy, Your Majesty. Seeing Prince Damon here, recovered and thriving, has brought me more happiness than words can express. It is truly a miracle."
The sincerity in his voice made me regard him more closely. His emotions were genuine, his loyalty palpable.
Turning to me, he said, "Your Highness, I cannot express how much it means to see you standing here today. I revered your grandfather, King Aldrain, and looked up to him as a man of unparalleled wisdom and strength. When your father took the throne, I pledged my service to him and remained a faithful ally until the end of his days. Since then, it has been my honor to serve your mother, Queen Lirael, and now…" His voice wavered slightly as he bowed again, "I pledge my loyalty to you, Prince Damon. My family and I have always been indebted to the Vallore dynasty. We are your loyal supporters, now and forever."
"Duke Karvelis," I said, inclining my head, "your loyalty to my family will not go unnoticed. I look forward to working with you to ensure the prosperity of the kingdom."
The Duke's face brightened with pride. "It will be my honor, Your Highness."
After a few more words of gratitude, Karvelis led his family away, though not before his wife and daughter cast lingering, appreciative glances in my direction. Their beauty was striking, to say the least, and the daughter's air of confidence suggested she was accustomed to attention.
As they moved away, Lirael leaned toward me, her voice thoughtful. "Karvelis is a good man. He's been a staunch supporter of our family, even in the hardest of times. Without him, many of the western territories would have faltered."
She glanced briefly at the Duke's daughter, who was now mingling gracefully with the crowd. "And his daughter—Rivanna—is a gifted young Tamer. Skilled, intelligent, and poised. She would make a fine candidate for your bride, Damon. The match would strengthen the Vallore dynasty."
I nodded, not dismissing the suggestion. Rivanna certainly carried herself well from what I could see.