The royal ball was a dazzling affair, with the grand hall of the palace lit up by golden chandeliers and the air humming with music and laughter. Nobles from all corners of the kingdom had gathered, each eager to catch a glimpse of the infamous eldest son of the Eryndor family and his newlywed wife.
Basil entered the hall with Celeste by his side, his prideful demeanor as sharp as ever. Dressed in a tailored black suit adorned with subtle crimson accents, he exuded power and arrogance. Celeste, in contrast, wore a regal emerald-green gown, her beauty drawing countless stares.
As they stepped into the ballroom, the chatter grew louder, whispers spreading like wildfire.
"Is that truly him?"
"He dares to bring his wife here after what happened with the princess?"
"How bold—or foolish."
Basil ignored them all, his sharp gaze sweeping over the crowd until it landed on the royal family seated on their ornate thrones. King Reginald, a man with a commanding presence, wore a sly smile as his eyes met Basil's. Beside him sat his daughter, Princess Anastasia—the ex-fiancée Basil had unceremoniously discarded.
The King's Provocation
As Basil and Celeste approached, King Reginald stood, his voice booming over the room. "Ah, Basil Eryndor! You've truly outdone yourself this time. To think you'd have the audacity to attend with your new bride after your... previous engagement."
Laughter rippled through the crowd, but Basil remained unfazed. Instead, a smirk curled on his lips as he bowed with exaggerated politeness.
"Your Majesty, I appreciate the warm welcome," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "It's good to know you still think so highly of me."
Anastasia's icy blue eyes narrowed as she stood beside her father. "You've grown more insolent since we last met," she said, her voice sharp.
Basil turned to her, his smirk widening. "And you've grown lovelier, Anastasia. Perhaps it's the bitterness that suits you so well."
Gasps echoed throughout the hall, but Basil wasn't finished. He leaned slightly closer, his voice low enough that only she and the king could hear. "I must admit, I was worried your presence here might ruin the evening for my wife. But it seems she has nothing to fear. After all, a diamond shines brighter when surrounded by mere stones."
The Princess's Retort
Anastasia's cheeks flushed with anger, but she quickly composed herself, a cold smile forming on her lips. "You're as insufferable as ever, Basil. Tell me, does your wife know how easily you discard things when they lose their charm?"
Celeste, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally stepped forward. Her voice was calm but carried a sharp edge. "I assure you, Princess, I'm well aware of my husband's nature. But it seems you're mistaken—he doesn't discard things. He simply upgrades."
The room fell silent as the tension between the three crackled like a storm. Basil chuckled, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
Turning the Tables
"Anastasia," Basil said, his tone mockingly affectionate. "I do miss our time together. You were always so... predictable. But let me ease your concerns—I've found someone who challenges me in ways you never could."
The princess clenched her fists, but before she could respond, the king intervened. "Enough of this childish bickering," he said, though there was amusement in his tone. "Let's not forget why we're here—to celebrate unity and alliances."
Basil straightened, his smirk returning. "Of course, Your Majesty. Let's not let old wounds overshadow a joyous occasion."
The Dance Floor
As the music resumed, Basil took Celeste's hand and led her to the dance floor. His sharp tongue and arrogance had once again stolen the spotlight, but as they moved gracefully to the music, his focus shifted entirely to his wife.
"You handled that well," he said, his tone softer than usual.
Celeste raised an eyebrow. "Is that your way of complimenting me?"
"Don't get used to it," he replied with a smirk. "But yes, you were impressive."
As they danced, the crowd watched in awe. Despite Basil's reputation, there was no denying the power and presence he exuded. For the first time in years, the infamous eldest son seemed untouchable—not because of his arrogance, but because of the woman at his side.
The evening continued, but the exchange with Anastasia lingered in everyone's minds. Basil had turned the tables once again, proving that no matter the situation, he was always a step ahead.