Abrielle was irritated by Alfonso’s voice, which was particularly charming tonight. Yet it ruined her taste buds, and the white wine started leaving a bitter taste in her mouth.
"I never imagined you would arrive so early, dear sister-in-law." Alfonso sneered at her.
"It was unfortunate that my outfit didn’t take longer or the road was smooth tonight." Abrielle let out a snarky comnt.
Her jaw clenched, and thanks to the mask, her irritation was hidden. She recognized his voice as soon as she heard it behind her. Abrielle drew in a breath before turning towards the direction of the voice.
Leaning against a marble pillar, her least-liked brother-in-law was dressed in a midnight-blue coat embroidered with gold, a mask to match.
He looked every bit the noble rogue he was, his smirk hanging on his lips. As soon as their gaze t the distance between them disappeared for that mont. Every male in this family had killer looks and to confirm Abrielle’s belief that handso n are all dangerous
Abrielle barely spared him a glance as she continued forward. "It is so funny how you are the first to spot out. Your mistresses won’t be pleased." She forced herself to enjoy her wine taking slow sips.
Alfonso chuckled, falling into step beside her. "Not desperate, dear Abrielle. Simply entertained. I am glad you didn’t make wait long, I was getting bored."
She stopped abruptly, turning to him with a cool stare, she didn’t want a misunderstanding to happen in such a public event. "Then find amusent elsewhere. Their eyes are on us."
But he only grinned, eyes glinting behind his mask. He wasn’t going to make this night easy for her.
And, unfortunately, it was only just the beginning.
"I had no idea you cared what they say," Alfonso comnted, enjoying the company of his latest amusent.
"It is hard to ignore how vicious their tongues can be. Only the goddess knows what they are cooking in their heads." Abrielle’s eyes seed to have t a lady who was glaring at her. It was subtle but she recognized it.
She was sure it was one of Alfonso’s ex-mistress. It was crazy how he was able to fool them emotionally that they were still drawn to him after being discarded.
"As long as they don’t say it to your face it doesn’t matter." That was hard to do when it felt like their gaze haunted her. Abrielle didn’t answer and only took a sip of her unappetizing wine.
The sound of trumpets sliced through the air and the room fell silent. "Introducing the sun and moon of Darconia. Their majesty King Kaiden Von Drakkar and the beautiful queen Eleanor Von Drakkar." The highest royal couple’s presence was announced.
Everyone bowed in the direction of the grand stairs, at the top of the flight stood Kaiden and Eleanor. They didn’t have any masks. One thing is for sure: their presence carried authority, and they were the perfect definition of aged with grace.
The royal couple gracefully made their way down the grande stairs. Eleanor and Kaiden wore a matching white outfit decorated with gold while a beautiful crown stood on their heads. It was the official crown for the queen and king.
A few steps behind them, another couple followed; their faces were covered with a mask, but everyone recognized them. It was Callista and Lucian, the mont the female and male appeared everything around them naturally dulled.
It was a bit unexpected for Eleanor to approve of Callista accompanying Lucian. The heroic actions of Callista in saving her life truly left a soft spot on the queen.
Abrielle could Only imagine how Eleanor would react on finding out that the fire was caused by Abrielle.
Callista was wearing a lovely purple dress with her gorgeous white hair as snow allowed to cascade down to her waist. She was holding Lucian’s arm who had a soft smile on his face.
It was a grand entrance indeed. "Here cos the speech", Alfonso scoffed; he wasn’t fond of Eleanor. A royal attendant stood at the foot of the stairs with wine glasses.
The music softened as a royal attendant stepped forward, presenting a crystal glass of wine to Queen Eleanor and King Kaiden. The queen accepted the drink with a graceful nod, her every movent calculated elegance. She acted like a true queen, everything she did showed grace.
The hall fell into expectant silence as Eleanor lifted her glass, her sharp yet regal gaze sweeping across the gathered nobility. The guests were masked and adorned in their finest clothes. They all stood with expectant gazes to listen to her speech like it was the word of the goddess.
"To my dear friends and honoured guests," Eleanor began, her voice smooth and commanding everyone’s attention. No one dared to breathe too loudly. "Your presence here tonight has made this celebration truly splendid. I am deeply grateful for each of you."
She turned slightly, her golden earrings catching the candlelight sparkling in the faint lights, before continuing. "This past year has not been without its trials. There were monts I was uncertain I would stand before you again. But fate was rciful... and so was the goddess."
A murmur rippled through the crowd as Eleanor’s gaze fell upon Callista, the young priestess standing demurely near Lucian. Her gaze softened on seeing the priest.
Callista smiled at the queen as she lowered her head in modest humility.
"There is one among us to whom I owe my life," Eleanor announced, lifting her glass in Callista’s direction. "Callista Starlight, a brave priestess, your unwavering devotion and courage saved when I was at death’s door. For that, you shall not go unrecognized."
The queen’s lips curved into a small smile as she extended a hand toward the priestess.
"From this day forward, you shall bear the title of Holy Lady Callista. A small token of gratitude for the life you have restored."
The hall erupted into applause, though not without the occasional whispered exchange. A priestess granted a noble title? Such a thing was unheard of. Not just a royal title, one that rivals Abrielle’s title. The holy Lady was only given to the Nightshade family.
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