The grand doors of the hall swung open, and a hush fell over the crowd. Jane's heart raced as she stepped forward, her hand nestled firmly in Prince Dubois'. She could feel the weight of a multitude of eyes on them, yet the warmth of his grasp gave her courage.
"It's Prince Dubois and Lady Jane!" someone whispered, clearly excited.
Suddenly, thunderous applause erupted, catching Jane off guard. She glanced up at Dubois, who offered her an encouraging smile. His eyes, which used to seem so far away, now sparkled with warmth and affection.
As they moved down the center aisle, Jane marveled at the sea of smiling faces surrounding them. Courtiers bowed and curtsied, their gazes reflecting a blend of awe and admiration.
"They look so in love," a noblewoman sighed dreamily.
A flush crept up Jane's cheeks. Is this really happening? she thought. Just months ago, I was tending to goats, and now here I am...
"My dear," Dubois said softly, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "You're trembling."
"I'm just a little overwhelmed," Jane confessed, barely above a whisper. "I never expected..."
"Neither did I," he replied, his voice thick with emotion. "But here we are, together."
They reached the dais, where the King stood, his face etched with a mix of pride and concern as he looked at his son.
"Your Majesty," Jane said, curtsying gracefully.
The King's expression softened when he noticed her. "Rise, my dear. Today, you are our honored guest."
He turned to the crowd, lifting a jeweled goblet high, the hall now silent in anticipation.
"My loyal subjects," the King said, his voice strong and resonant. "Today, we gather to celebrate a miracle. Thanks to the grace of the gods and the unwavering dedication of this extraordinary young woman, my son has returned to us."
Cheers erupted once more. Jane felt Dubois wrap his arm around her waist, steadying her.
"And so," the King continued, "I announce a grand feast to honor Prince Dubois' recovery and Lady Jane's bravery. Let the kingdom rejoice!"
As the hall erupted into joyful noise, Jane's mind was in a whirlwind. Heroic? Devotion? I just did what anyone would do, she thought. But when she looked into Dubois' eyes, filled with love and gratitude, she understood that their connection ran deeper than mere duty or circumstance.
No matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.
The grand hall was abuzz with energy as servants hurried to prepare for the feast. Jane watched in awe as the already opulent chamber transformed around her.
"I've never seen anything like this," she whispered to Dubois, her eyes wide with wonder.
He gently squeezed her hand. "Just wait until you taste the food," he teased, a playful glint in his eye.
Tapestries of vibrant crimson and gold cascaded along the walls, their intricate designs catching the glow of thousands of candles. The air was rich with the delicious scents of roasting meats, freshly baked bread, and exotic spices that made Jane's mouth water.
"Is that... cinnamon?" she asked, taking a deep breath.
Dubois nodded. "And nutmeg. The royal chefs really go all out for occasions like this."
A group of servants whizzed by, bearing a huge silver platter laden with what looked like an entire roasted peacock, its stunning feathers fans out in a spectacular display.
"Good heavens," Jane gasped. "Do people actually eat that?"
Dubois chuckled. "It's mostly for presentation, but I wouldn't be shocked if some enthusiastic courtiers decide to try it."
As they watched the preparations unfold, a wave of unease washed over Jane. The sheer extravagance felt worlds away from her modest beginnings. She nervously tugged at the sleeve of her gown, acutely aware of how out of place she felt.
"What's bothering you?" Dubois asked, his brow knitting in concern.
Jane hesitated. "It's just... all of this. It's incredible, but I can't shake the feeling that I don't belong."
Dubois turned to her, his stare intense. "Jane, you belong here more than anyone else. You saved my life and restored hope to this kingdom. Never doubt your place by my side."
His words warmed her heart, but a familiar face in the crowd made her pulse race. There, at the edge of the gathering, stood Thalia.
Though she wore a mask of polite interest, Jane could sense the jealousy and frustration swirling beneath.
"Dubois," Jane whispered, "who's that woman in the emerald gown?"
He followed her gaze, his expression darkening slightly. "That's Lady Thalia. Let's just say she's always had her sights set on the throne."
A chill trickled down Jane's spine. Thalia, sensing their scrutiny, smiled—a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes—and raised her glass in a silent toast, never breaking eye contact with Jane.
"Should I be concerned?" Jane asked, her voice trembling just above the buzz of the feast preparations.
Dubois pulled her closer. "No," he said firmly. "Thalia may plot, but she holds no real power here. Not anymore."
But as Jane watched Thalia slip back into the crowd, she couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't over. The feast might be a celebration, but it felt like the real stakes were just beginning.
As the festivities kicked into gear, Jane and Dubois maneuvered through the crowd, their hands tightly clasped. The grand hall buzzed with excitement, the air filled with the irresistible aroma of roasted meats and spiced wine.
"My dear," an elderly duchess exclaimed, grasping Jane's free hand, "you've brought such brightness back to our prince's spirit. It's truly a miracle!"
Jane felt her cheeks flush. "Thank you, Your Grace. I—"
"She's illuminated the entire kingdom!" Dubois added, warmth filling his voice as he gazed at Jane. "We are incredibly fortunate."
A ripple of approving murmurs passed through the nearby courtiers. Jane caught snippets of their hushed conversations:
"What a love story..."
"...like something out of a fairy tale..."
"...gives one hope, doesn't it?"
Jane's heart swelled with a blend of pride and humility. She turned to Dubois, her eyes shining. "They really believe in us, don't they?"
He nodded, squeezing her hand. "As they should. Our love has defied even death itself."
As they mingled, the sheer opulence of the occasion began to weigh on Jane. The reality of her new role as a soon-to-be princess weighed heavily on her.
"I... I need a moment," she said quietly to Dubois. "Just to catch my breath."
He understood immediately, brushing a gentle kiss against her forehead. "Of course, my love. I'll be right here when you get back."
Jane slipped away from the joyous chaos, seeking solace in a quiet corridor. Leaning against the cool stone wall, she closed her eyes and took deep breaths. The sounds of laughter and music faded into a calming hum.
"How did I end up here?" she murmured to herself, her mind racing through the journey that brought her to this moment. From her simple life on the farm to the heart of the royal palace— it felt surreal.
She thought of her aunt and uncle, of the hard work and sacrifices that had shaped her early life. A lump formed in her throat as she recognized how far she'd come and how much she'd grown.
"I hope they'd be proud," Jane whispered, memories of her parents flooding back. She smoothed down her elaborate gown, a world away from the simple dresses of her past. And yet, beneath all the finery, she knew she was still the same Jane—compassionate, resilient, and fiercely in love.
Grounding herself in her new reality, Jane felt a curious mix of excitement and apprehension. The future stretched out before her, filled with promise and challenges. But with Dubois by her side, she felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Taking a deep breath, Jane straightened her shoulders and made her way back toward the grand hall. It was time to rejoin her prince and embrace her destiny.