As the grand carriage arrived at the palace, Rosalena and her siblings stepped out, the golden chandeliers casting a warm glow over the grand entrance. The royal guards bowed, announcing their arrival.
Airna was the first to step into the ballroom.
The moment she entered, the entire hall fell silent.
Her soft pink hair glowed under the golden light, her crystal-blue eyes resembling the clearest sky. She looked like an angel draped in blue silk, her beauty so pure that every young nobleman in the room couldn't help but admire her. They whispered among themselves, eager for a chance to approach her.
Then, the Crown Prince made his entrance.
He walked into the ballroom with his father, the Emperor, and his mother, the Empress. The air grew tense with admiration as every young noblewoman in the room fixed their eyes on him, their hearts racing.
He was the epitome of elegance—golden hair, sharp features, and piercing emerald eyes. Every girl in the empire longed for a single glance from him.
And yet, his gaze was fixed on none of them.
Suddenly, the grand doors opened once more.
Rosalena stepped in, escorted by her brother Christopher.
The entire room froze.
Dressed in a dark red gown embroidered with shimmering gemstones, Rosalena looked otherworldly. Her ruby-red eyes sparkled with confidence, her long silver hair flowing down in soft curls. Every movement she made radiated grace and power.
A murmur of astonishment spread through the crowd.
"She looks breathtaking…"
"Even more beautiful than the Empress in her youth!"
The young noble ladies, who had hoped to shine tonight, now felt nothing but jealousy as Rosalena effortlessly stole the spotlight.
Even the Crown Prince—who once dismissed her as an arrogant and cruel woman—couldn't take his eyes off her.
For the first time, she wasn't the desperate woman chasing after him. Instead, she was standing in the center of attention, completely untouchable.
"Rosalena!" A familiar voice called out.
Turning, she saw her best friend Mariyana rushing toward her.
"Ooooh, Rosee, you look absolutely marvelous!" Mariyana grinned. "This is the perfect time to forget that damn Crown Prince. Just find a new man—one who's actually your type."
Rosalena chuckled. "You might be right about that."
Just then, the atmosphere in the ballroom shifted.
The doors opened once more, and a tall figure stepped inside.
The Grand Duke's son—Alexander von Ravenhart.
A collective gasp swept through the crowd.
Alexander, the most handsome man in the empire, carried himself with effortless charm. His jet-black hair contrasted sharply with his piercing amethyst eyes—eyes that seemed to glow like rare gemstones. His presence alone commanded attention, and every girl in the room swooned at the sight of him.
Rosalena's breath hitched.
"Oh my… he's totally my type."
Alexander made his way toward the Emperor and Empress, greeting them with elegance before turning to the Crown Prince for a brief conversation.
Then, the music started.
The first dance of the evening was about to begin.
Rosalena smirked to herself, knowing that the Crown Prince would soon walk over to Airna and ask her for the first dance. After all, he was smitten with her innocence.
But to her surprise, the Crown Prince didn't move toward her sister.
Instead, he turned and walked straight toward her.