Arial entered the ballroom with a composed expression, though her heart still raced from the encounter with Queen Lirien. The music had shifted to a softer, slower tune, but it did little to soothe her nerves. Her mind swirled with thoughts of her stepmother's words—her biting criticisms, the venom in her gaze. Yet, beneath the sting, there was something else: a quiet resolve.
She made her way across the polished marble floor, weaving through the clusters of nobles who were laughing, drinking, and exchanging pleasantries. The golden chandeliers cast a warm glow, but it did little to lighten her mood. Arial's eyes sought the familiar faces of those who had offered her brief solace during her stay at the castle—the few she could trust, if only in small doses.
Her gaze landed on Prince Elrine, standing near the entrance, his youthful smile bright against the formal attire of his dark blue tunic. He appeared at ease, the perfect image of a royal, surrounded by other guests, but the moment his eyes met Arial's, there was an unmistakable flicker of concern in his gaze.
Before she could acknowledge him, a sudden voice called her name.
"Arial."
She turned, her heart leaping to her throat at the sight of Lord Darnell, one of her mother's allies. His tall frame and piercing blue eyes were well known among the court, though his attention was far from flattering. Arial had often sensed his calculating gaze lingering on her during past events, and she had learned to keep her distance.
"Lord Darnell," she greeted him coolly, forcing a polite smile. "What can I do for you?"
The lord gave her a charming smile, though his eyes never left her. "I was just admiring your grace on the dance floor with Prince Elrine earlier," he said, his tone dripping with insincerity. "Such a lovely pair, aren't you?"
Arial stiffened. The insinuation in his voice made her skin crawl. She could feel the heat rising to her cheeks, but she swallowed her irritation and met his gaze squarely. "It was simply a dance, Lord Darnell. Nothing more."
"Ah, of course," he replied smoothly, taking a step closer. "But surely you must realize the eyes of the court are on you now. A dance with a prince is no small matter, my dear." His smile deepened, but there was no warmth in it. "Perhaps it's time to consider what your future holds. There's no shame in using your... charms to secure a better place in this world."
Arial felt a wave of disgust wash over her, but she forced herself to remain calm. "My place is not to be dictated by the likes of you," she said, her voice firm.
Lord Darnell chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah, so defiant. You remind me of your late mother in that way—so full of spirit." His tone turned colder. "But let's not forget, dear Arial, your position here is tenuous at best. Even if your stepmother were to leave the picture, you would be nothing more than a pawn in this game."
Before Arial could respond, the deep voice of Prince Elrine broke through the tension.
"Lord Darnell," he said smoothly, stepping between the two. His presence was like a shield, protective and commanding. "I believe Lady Arial was in the middle of something. Perhaps you should let her be."
The lord's smile faltered, but he masked it with a polite nod. "Of course, Your Highness. I was merely offering some advice to your... friend."
Prince Elrine didn't even glance at him as he spoke. "And I'm sure Lady Arial does not require your advice." His voice was firm, though there was a softness in his gaze as he turned to Arial. "Are you all right?" he asked quietly, his tone low enough only she could hear.
Arial nodded, though her chest tightened with the weight of the moment. "Thank you, Prince Elrine. I appreciate the intervention, but I'm fine."
He studied her for a moment, his brows furrowed. "You don't seem fine," he murmured, though he didn't press further. "Would you like to get some air?"
Arial hesitated, unsure of what to do. The ball had become a suffocating cage. She had come here in search of something—perhaps answers, perhaps a way out—but it seemed every turn only led to more traps. Yet, something about Elrine's presence, his quiet concern, was oddly comforting.
She nodded. "Yes, I think that would be good."
Without another word, Elrine gestured for her to follow, and the two made their way toward the side doors. As they stepped outside into the cool night air, the sounds of the ballroom faded, replaced by the quiet rustle of the evening breeze. The grounds of the castle stretched out before them—vast and open, yet still tightly controlled. The distant stars above seemed to mock her confinement.
Elrine glanced over at her. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen. The last thing I wanted was to cause you trouble."
Arial gave a small, rueful smile. "It's not your fault," she said quietly. "I'm used to trouble."
He looked at her with an expression she couldn't quite read. "I don't think you should be," he said after a moment, his voice quiet but earnest.
The sincerity in his tone caught her off guard. For the first time in what felt like forever, someone was speaking to her as though she mattered. Not as a political pawn, not as a burden, but as someone with her own value.
She met his gaze, her heart pounding, but she quickly looked away, unsure of what to say. Her emotions were a tangled mess, and the last thing she needed was to confuse things further.
Elrine broke the silence, his voice light yet carrying an undertone of seriousness. "Arial, I don't know what it is that drives you or what you're hoping for, but I can see that you're not the kind of person who will just sit by and let things happen to you. You have the strength to change your path. But be careful—there are people here who will do anything to keep you in your place."
Arial turned back to him, her thoughts swirling. His words struck a chord within her, a whisper of something she hadn't allowed herself to believe—freedom.
"Thank you," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll remember that."
The two stood in silence for a long moment, the weight of their unspoken thoughts hanging heavy between them. In that brief, fleeting moment, Arial felt a glimmer of something she hadn't felt in years—a sense of hope.
Maybe, just maybe, there was a way out of this.