When Atticus and Daphne entered the ballroom and introductions were made, a celebratory fanfare resounded throughout the room. There was polite applause from so and bombastic cheerful rejoice from others, all synchronizing in a harmony of noises along with the music that the orchestra played.
Even King Calarian had his hands together in a clap, sitting on his throne with Queen Lavinia by his side. Baby Bianca was in her lap while Princess Nesrin had a smaller throne of her own right next to her mother. If anything, she was the only one who was visibly upset in the entire ballroom.
No matter. Daphne had no care for this petulant little princess who was still young. She thoroughly planned to avoid her as much as she could and was not planning on picking fights with children nearly a whole decade younger than her.
Yet, it definitely didn’t stop Princess Nesrin from glaring at her all throughout, so much so that Daphne was sure the teenager had seared a hole right through her dress with all that heated staring.
The din only died down when King Calarian raised his hand. Imdiately, the ballroom was plunged into silence.
"We thank King Atticus and Queen Daphne from Vramid for their valiant efforts in restoring our city," King Calarian said, his voice booming through the ballroom, amplified by the use of a clear quartz.
There were so stones that did not require the user to possess any magical ability in order to use, after all, and thankfully, those still possessed every bit of magic they had before Atticus conducted the ritual to strip humanity of magic.
"With his help, the damages caused by the criminal Jean Nott have been erased from our kingdom. Please, everyone, let us celebrate tonight for the rebirth of Xahan!"
Hoots and hurrahs echoed as everyone raised their glasses to toast. Princess Nesrin rolled her eyes and mumbled sothing inaudible under her breath before Queen Lavinia sharply turned around to chastise her.
All in all, it seed like those present in the ballroom had forgiven them of their transgressions; none here seed to harbor hatred for their behavior displayed on their last visit, and even if they did, they were awfully skilled at hiding it.
Daphne was more than glad. In such a scenario where she would never have to see these people ever again, she preferred fake cordiality than anything.
"Daphne!"
A familiar voice had Daphne turning her head, just in ti to see a head full of pale blue curls and sunkissed skin. When t with Cordelia’s face, Daphne found herself at a loss for words. How was she supposed to explain to her best friend her husband’s transgressions to the world? She knew firsthand how proud Cordelia was of her magic, given the way they t.
True enough, when Daphne’s gaze lowered to Cordelia’s wrists, her signature bangles were missing. This ti, it was replaced by delicate pearls, accentuated with small droplet sapphires, all on a golden chain. Now that there wasn’t a need for her to perform magic, Cordelia no doubt could finally replace the bangles with other accessories.
"King Atticus," Cordelia greeted once she neared them. Wariness filled her eyes, borderlining hatred. It was ever so strange that with each eting, it seed like Cordelia was only getting more and more irritated with Daphne’s husband.
The Nedish princess turned to look at Daphne, choosing to ignore Atticus’s presence thereafter.
"How have you been?" Daphne worriedly asked. She kept a polite distance away from Cordelia, suddenly feeling as though she had let her closest friend down.
Yet, as brazen as every other ordinary day, Cordelia rolled her eyes and batted Daphne’s concerns away as though they were nothing.
"You don’t have to tread around glass when you’re with ," she said. "I was present when your husband explained everything." With that said, she offered Atticus nothing more than a wary look. "I don’t know how I feel about it yet, but at least I understand your intentions."
"Wonderful," Atticus said.
Now that they were no longer alone, Atticus had removed any sort of emotion from his face. Every expression he had was stoic and cold, chilly like the frost of his ho. He gestured to the balcony outside, offering to step out.
"May I have a word with you then, Princess Cordelia?"
The hand around Daphne’s waist tightened; she understood that as a manner for Atticus to signal to her what he was up to. No doubt this had sothing to do with the pearl for Nereus’s eye.
After everything that had happened, Daphne wasn’t sure how willing Cordelia might be to help Atticus. On top of that, surely King Marinus wouldn’t be willing to give up one of his kingdom’s treasures like that after he was rendered powerless by Atticus’s hands.
Cordelia squinted suspiciously at Atticus, but even she knew that it would be rude to object. Instead, she cast a glance at Daphne, who rely nodded without saying a word.
"Very well, King Atticus," she said.
"After you."
"Queen Daphne!" Daphne was about to follow when she heard her na called out once more. This ti, it was none other than the hostess herself, Queen Lavinia.
As such, Daphne could only turn to Atticus and Cordelia, offering them apologetic smiles.
"I’ll catch up later," she said.
Daphne stood in place and watched as Atticus and Cordelia weaved through the crowd to head outside. When it ca to the matter of other kingdoms, it was best to have a private conversation away from listening ears. Daphne, however, was unable to follow now that Queen Lavinia had stopped in front of her.
"Queen Lavinia," Daphne greeted, lowering her head. Instantly, she was stopped by Lavinia, who placed a gentle hand on her shoulder to gather Daphne’s attention.
The older woman gently smiled, before casting a worried glance over Daphne’s shoulder.
"There’s no need to bow your head, Queen Daphne," Queen Lavinia said. "I noticed Cordelia coming over. Is there anything King Atticus wished to discuss with her?"
Daphne could only nod. She wasn’t sure if she should ntion anything about the pearl, but then again, Queen Lavinia was Cordelia’s aunt. Sooner or later, whatever Cordelia knew would eventually make its way into Queen Lavinia’s ears.
However, just as Daphne was about to speak, Queen Lavinia piped up again.
"Poor Cordelia," Lavinia lanted. "I wonder if King Atticus already heard the news."
"If I may ask, what news?" Daphne questioned, confused.
"Regarding the engagent, of course," Queen Lavinia answered. "Did King Atticus not tell you?"
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