Arial and Martha were about to step into the carriage when their mother, Queen Lirien, emerged, resplendent in a gown of deep emerald silk that shimmered in the moonlight. Her crown, adorned with glittering jewels, caught the light with every step.
Martha greeted her with a small, graceful bow. "Mother, you look stunning."
The queen's lips curved into a pleased smile. "My beautiful Martha," she said warmly, cupping her daughter's face, "you are a vision tonight. I'm certain you'll captivate every noble at the ball."
Arial stood slightly behind, feeling invisible under the queen's gaze. But then, Queen Lirien's sharp eyes flicked toward her, narrowing at the sight of the silver gown. Her tone turned icy.
"And where, might I ask, did you get that dress?"
Arial froze, her heart hammering. She opened her mouth to explain but found no words.
Before she could speak, Martha stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "I gave it to her, Mother. I wanted her to come with me tonight."
The queen's expression hardened, her eyes narrowing at Martha. "And why, exactly, did you think that was a good idea?"
Martha hesitated, then took a deep breath. "Because she's my sister, Mother. She belongs at the ball, too."
For a moment, Queen Lirien said nothing, her gaze icy and calculating. Then, without another word, she swept past them into the carriage.
Martha turned to Arial, her eyes filled with silent encouragement. "Come on," she whispered, taking Arial's hand and guiding her inside.
The door shut behind them, and the carriage jolted to life, rumbling toward Kandell Castle.
---
As the carriage approached the towering gates of Kandell Castle, Martha let out a soft gasp of awe. The castle was a masterpiece of architecture, its massive stone walls illuminated by golden lanterns. Intricate carvings adorned every surface, and the turrets reached toward the heavens.
Arial stared, her breath catching at the sheer grandeur. Kandell Castle dwarfed their own home, its magnificence almost otherworldly. But while Martha's excitement shone like a flame, Arial felt a knot of anxiety tighten in her chest.
They stepped out of the carriage, and Queen Lirien gestured for them to follow. Arial trailed behind, her steps hesitant, as the queen and Martha glided forward with regal poise.
The sound of music and laughter spilled from the ballroom, mingling with the scent of fresh roses that adorned the castle's entrance. When they entered the grand hall, Arial's senses were overwhelmed. Chandeliers of crystal hung like frozen waterfalls, casting shimmering light over the swirling colors of silk and satin.
Martha turned to Arial, her eyes alight with excitement. "Isn't it beautiful?"
Arial could only nod, speechless.
The queen drifted off to mingle with other nobles, leaving the sisters to explore the room. Martha took Arial's hand and whispered, "Let's dance!"
Arial hesitated, glancing at the swirling mass of nobles on the dance floor. "Martha, I can't. I'll make a fool of myself."
Martha smiled, her tone teasing. "You'll never know unless you try." She pulled Arial onto the floor, guiding her into a simple waltz.
Though awkward at first, Arial found herself laughing as Martha spun her in a playful circle. For a moment, the worries that weighed on her heart lifted, replaced by the joy of the music and her sister's infectious energy.
But then, the music faltered, and a hush fell over the room. All eyes turned to the grand staircase, where a tall, dark-haired man stood at the top. His sharp blue eyes scanned the crowd, and his black coat, embroidered with silver, fit him like a second skin.
Martha's grip on Arial's hand tightened. "That's Prince Lucas," she whispered, her voice tinged with awe. "The eldest son of the Kandell family."
Arial's gaze followed Martha's. Prince Lucas descended the staircase with a grace that commanded attention, his serious expression unreadable. She'd heard of him before—his charm and charisma were the talk of the kingdom—but seeing him in person was entirely different.
The prince approached them, his gaze lingering on Martha before shifting to Arial. For a fleeting moment, his cool composure wavered, a flicker of something—surprise, perhaps—crossing his features.
Martha curtsied low. "Your Highness," she said, her voice smooth and practiced.
"Princess Martha," Lucas replied, his tone formal but polite. "You look radiant tonight."
Martha flushed with delight. "Thank you, Your Highness."
Then his piercing blue eyes turned to Arial, who stood frozen under his gaze. "And you must be Princess Arial," he said, his tone softening slightly.
Arial quickly dipped into a curtsy. "It's an honor, Your Highness," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lucas studied her for a moment longer, then inclined his head. "The honor is mine."
Before Arial could process the exchange, Lucas extended his hand to Martha. "May I have this dance, Princess?"
Martha beamed. "I would be delighted."
As the prince led Martha onto the dance floor, Arial stepped back, feeling the familiar ache of being overshadowed. She watched as they twirled with effortless grace, the prince's focus entirely on her sister.
Arial was about to retreat to the sidelines when a smooth voice interrupted her thoughts. "May I have the honor of this dance, Princess Arial?"
Startled, she turned to see a young man with vibrant green eyes and a disarming smile. He was impeccably dressed, his black coat trimmed with gold, and his manner radiated confidence.
Arial hesitated. "I—are you sure?"
The man chuckled. "I wouldn't ask if I weren't." He extended his hand, and something in his gaze—kindness, perhaps—made her accept.
As they moved onto the dance floor, Arial found herself relaxing in his presence. He guided her through the steps with ease, and soon she was smiling, caught up in the joy of the moment.
"You're a natural," the man said, his tone warm.
Arial laughed softly. "I doubt that, but thank you."
When the dance ended, he bowed low over her hand. "Thank you for the pleasure of your company, Princess."
"May I know your name?" Arial asked, her curiosity piqued.
The man straightened, his green eyes twinkling. "Elrine," he said with a charming smile. "And I hope this won't be our last dance."
As he disappeared into the crowd, Arial's thoughts lingered on his name. For the first time that night, she felt more than just a shadow.