As the grand doors opened, all eyes turned to the couple stepping into the ballroom. Aeliana and Lucian were a vision of unity, their appearances carefully chosen to represent both their worlds.
Aeliana's gown shimmered like starlight, blending light and dark elements seamlessly.
Her outfit consists of golden vines crawling up to cover her chest, intertwined with silver-painted stars,flowing gradient midnight-blue skirt train trailed behind. Her platinum-blonde hair, adorned with delicate moonstones, reflecting a soft glow like magical lights, giving her an ethereal aura.
Lucian stood tall and imposing beside her, his tailored suit perfectly complementing her attire. The black fabric shimmered with subtle silver embroidery along the lapels and cuffs, resembling constellations. His crimson eyes, usually sharp and intimidating, now softened as he glanced at Aeliana, though his presence radiated authority.
The room filled with esteemed nobility from both demonkin and light kind, all with hushed whispers of confusion. Nobles from both the Light and Dark realms eyed the event with confusion and growing curiosity.
...
The soft ting of crystal against crystal silenced the crowd, and all eyes turned toward her. Queen Celithe Faelith, as it was personally requested by Aeliana that she was the one to hold the event. And it was her honor to do so for her dearest step-daughter.
"My esteemed and honored ladies and gents," she began, her voice smooth and commanding. "Tonight, we gather not just to celebrate, but to witness a momentous occasion that could shape our future." She turned toward Aeliana, her eyes warm yet expectant. "Princess Aeliana, the floor is yours."
Aeliana froze for a moment, her nerves threatening to take over. Her hand tightened around Lucian's instinctively, and he responded by squeezing it gently.
She looked back at him, finding his support in her words and he gives a reassuring nod.
"You've got this in the bag." he murmured under his breath, his voice and tone low enough that only she alone could hear him.
Kael, standing at the edge of the big crowd, rolled his eyes, his expression sour, a twinge of jealousy in his thoughts as she watch the both of them.
Aeliana exhales a deep breath, straightened her sloughing form, and stepped forword. Her mouth on the mic, though intially hesistant, toughen up as her voice grew louder and more powerful.
"My friends and guests, light and dark alike," she began "You maybe wondering what is this commotion and ball necessary?" she continued, "Yes it is, For I have news a revelation if you will—"
"But for centuries, our lands have been soaked with the blood of countless generations. We have been clinging onto our old ways; our grudges, letting them define us and—DIVIDE US.."
"But tonight…" She paused, glancing at Lucian, who gave her a small nod. "
"Tonight, we take a step towards change.."
The crowd began to murmur, loads of confusion and non-stop skeptism rippling through them like water.
"I am here to announce my engagement," Aeliana said, her voice proud ringing out clear and concise.
"To Demon Lord Lucian."
All of them gasped, followed by a cacophony of complaints, murmured whispers and incredulous excuses.
"Absurd!" someone muttered.
"Impossible!" another voice hissed.
Lucian stepped forward, his presence immediately silencing the crowd. His crimson eyes scanned the room like lasers, daring anyone to speak against him. When the room was terrified of him, fell into a uneasy silence. He signaled for Aeliana and gestured her to wrap things up.
"I know this is unexpected," Aeliana said, her tone softening. "And I know it may even seem impossible. But ask yourselves: how many more lives must we lose? How many more centuries of hatred must we endure? Do we truly wish for our children and their children to inherit this endless cycle of bloodshed?"
The room remains dead silent, letting her words sink in.
"And I believe we can be better. This union—our union—represents the possibility of peace. Of unity. Of a future where light and dark can coexist without fear or hatred."
There was one single clap echoed from the back of the room, hesitant but alone, it was sincere at best. Slowly, it was joined by another, and then another, until the room was filled with applause.
Aeliana smiled, her heart swelling with relief. "To both Demonkin and Light kind. Let this be the start of our friendship and the foundation of a new future."
The crowd, united in that moment, raised their glasses in agreement. "To friendship!" they echoed, their voices resounding through the ballroom.
Lucian leaned close to Aeliana, his voice a low murmur against her ear. "You were incredible."
IN THE BALCONY
The cool night air brushed against her skin as she stood beside Lucian, gazing out over the borderlands. .
"You did well tonight," he said, his tone lighter than usual.
Aeliana turned to him, a small smile playing on her lips. "Coming from you, that almost sounds like a compliment."
He smirked. "Don't get ahead on yourself, princess."
"I'm still debating whether you need more practice before our next grand speech."
She rolled her eyes, but the banter eased her nerves. "You're incorrigible."
"And you look stunning," he replied smoothly, his gaze softening that it made her pleased.
Her cheeks flushed, and she averted her gaze, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her gown.
"How do you remain so cool and calm? How do you do it?"
Lucian stepped closer, his hand brushing against hers on the balustrade. "Because I know what I want. And I don't let anything stand in getting in my way."
Weight of his words hung in the air between them, and for a moment, the world seemed to have halted for them. Aeliana's heart beat so fast as his hand gently cupped her chin, tilting her face to him. Two breaths away from kissing.
He smirk as he found himself leaning in.
A shadow moved at the edge of the balcony. The faint sound of a footstep made Aeliana pull back abruptly. She sighed, defeated.
Her eyes darted to the darkness near the stained-glass entrance, where a figure emerged. The faint glow lit revealed Kael, his sharp features firing a grim expression.
"Kael," Aeliana said, startled. "What are you doing out here?"
He stepped forward slowly, his piercing gaze fixed on her, ignoring Lucian entirely. "I could ask you the same question, Princess."
Lucian straightened, his expression hardening. Kael's eyes flicked at Lucian, his jaw tightening before returning to Aeliana. Lucian giving him a gloating expression that he has secured his partner
"Is there a reason you're skulking in the shadows, Kael?"
"You left the ball early. Your guests are starting to notice."
Aeliana frowned, sensing the tension in his voice. "It's just a moment to breathe, Kael. Is something wrong?"
Aeliana froze, her breath catching. "Why are you here, Kael?"
"This alliance. This… engagement. It's madness, Aeliana. You're putting yourself in danger—putting all of us in danger."
Lucian stepped forward, his crimson eyes flashing. "Watch your tone, soldier."
Kael's hand moved subtly, but deliberately, toward the hilt of his blade. "And you watch your actions, demon. I've yet to be convinced you deserve her."
"Kael!" Aeliana's voice rose sharply, stepping between them. "That's enough!"
But Kael didn't lower his hand. His gaze was locked on Lucian, his tension palpable. And in the silence that followed, Aeliana's worst fear took shape: this wasn't just concern or jealousy. Kael wasn't here to argue.
He was here to act.
The sound of steel whispering free from its sheath broke the night. Aeliana's heart sank as she realized the truth. The ambusher wasn't a stranger. It was Kael.
And he had come prepared.