Three days later, the royal palace was adorned in splendor. Banners bearing the sigils of Nixel and Gube fluttered in the warm breeze, and the scent of honey-roasted meats, spiced wine, and fresh blossoms lingered in the air. The grand banquet hall was lit by golden chandeliers, and music drifted from a corner where royal minstrels played soft courtly tunes.
The celebration banquet had begun.
Nobles from across the kingdom filled the hall in resplendent attire. Lords in deep-hued velvet and silver-trimmed cloaks spoke in murmurs, while ladies swept past in gowns of brocade and silk, their jewels catching the light with every graceful turn. At the high table, King Edward sat at the center, his expression unreadable. On his right was Queen Anastasia, poised and serene; next to her was Mary. On his left sat the Crown Prince of Gube, flanked by his sister, Princess Katrina.
Katrina looked radiant in a gown of sapphire blue that complemented her delicate features. Though her expression was calm, there was a quiet strength in her eyes. Beside her, Prince Lucan, still pale from his recovery, sat in quiet dignity. The injury had not robbed him of presence; if anything, the solemn calm he carried added to the impression of wisdom beyond his years.
Whispers rippled through the crowd as he lifted his cup in a silent toast to the princess. Googlᴇ search NovєlFіre.net
The envoy that accompanied the Crown Prince of Gube was seated at a table close to the front, followed by the dukes and lords of status within the royal city.
Lady Thorne and her daughter Amber entered slightly later, drawing a few curious glances. Amber’s gown was tasteful, if not extravagant—a soft gold that matched her mother’s. Lord Thorne, already seated near the front with several high-ranking lords, acknowledged his daughter with a slight nod. But when his gaze landed on his wife, it lingered coldly.
Lady Thorne lowered her eyes. A few ladies smiled at her. She noticed the subtle mockery from those who had once been members of Mary’s court. Mary had been close to Lady Thorne, and Lady Thorne had used that closeness to show off to others. She had even hinted at her daughter marrying the Crown Prince. In the end, Anastasia; who had once been overlooked married the Crown Prince, and now even the second prince was engaged to the princess of Gube.
Lady Thorne looked toward Mary but noticed she was engaged in small talk with Anastasia. With her head lowered, she found her seat, and Amber sat beside her.
As the first course was servedhoney-glazed quail with wildberries, Mary leaned slightly toward Anastasia.
"The banquet is flawless so far," she said softly. "You’ve done well."
This was the first time Anastasia had been in charge of a palace banquet.
Anastasia smiled when she heard this. "I tried my best," she replied with a humble smile.
Not long after, the court herald stepped forward, his voice echoing as he struck his staff upon the marble floor.
"His Majesty, King Edward of Nixel, bids welcome to our honored guests from the Kingdom of Gube. This celebration marks not only a new alliance between our great kingdoms, but also the union of two noble hearts—Prince Lucan of Nixel and Princess Katrina of Gube."
A round of applause filled the hall. Goblets clinked, and cheer rose with the music.
But amid the joy, not all hearts were at ease.
Lady Thorne remained stiff in her seat, aware of Mary’s occasional glances in her direction. Amber, however, seemed more at ease, her eyes occasionally drifting toward the second prince. She did not know if it was due to her father’s words but the second prince looks quite pleasing to her.
And in a quiet corner of the hall, Duchess Anita whispered to Lady Robert, "A second prince who might die soon and a foreign princess who may never belong. What a convenient way to keep the throne in one hand." She felt heartache just thinking about how Anastasia; once forgotten had become the most noble woman in the kingdom.
Lady Robert only smiled.
"Convenient..." she murmured, recalling her husband’s words from the previous night. The Kingdom of Gube had not fallen to the point of sacrificing their most precious daughter. This marriage was a calculated scheme. It was likely they hoped to plant spies in Nixel’s royal court. Perhaps they even hoped the princess would bear a son to the second prince—one who could later lay claim to the throne. Gube had always desired control over Nixel.
"Mother, what do you mean?" Duchess Anita asked, noting her mother’s contemplative expression.
"This marriage is not as simple as it seems. Your stepdaughter is having trouble conceiving, and that might be aiding Gube’s plan," Lady Robert replied, shaking her head. Her daughter was indeed short-sighted. What could a mistress’s daughter become? If she had trained Anastasia well, she might be reaping the benefits now.
Seeing her mother’s reaction, Duchess Anita paused to consider, and soon realized the possible motives of Gube.
"But if that’s the case, why would King Edward permit the marriage?" she asked.
"Nixel needs peace more than anything right now. The king does not want to fight both internal and external wars at the same time. Gube’s plots will take a few years to unfold. He doesn’t have to worry about it yet," Lady Robert said.
Similar conversations echoed among different noble circles. Some saw through Gube’s plans. Others believed it was King Edward’s way of ensuring that his brother’s children could not fight for the throne.
The celebration continued for a while longer. Mary had intended for Katrina to meet several noble ladies. Eventually, the noblewomen moved their celebration to another hall.
As Anastasia turned to leave, she felt a burning gaze on her. She turned in that direction but saw no one.
"My queen, what is the matter?" Grater asked, noticing her distraction.
"It’s nothing," Anastasia replied. She saw no one, so she pushed the thought to the back of her mind.
Meanwhile, Ernest let out a deep breath as he managed to avoid Anastasia’s gaze. He had not expected her instincts to be so sharp. She looked so beautiful that he couldn’t take his eyes off her—but he understood that his feelings for her were not something others should notice.
Now that she was out of the hall, he no longer wanted to remain inside. He exited through another door.
What he did not expect was for someone to bump into him the moment he stepped outside.
Out of courtesy, Ernest caught her to prevent her from falling.
"Are you all right?" he asked, shocked when he saw who she was.