The celebration was grand. The music was lovely, the decorations exquisite, and every dish that appeared carried a tantalizing fragrance. Two of the princes had taken partners on the dance floor. Prince Hendrick was working his way through the garden of flowers that had presented themselves this evening, while Prince Linden was dancing with his fiancée, Lady Emelina. The other two princes, Prince Rhett and Prince Albin, were standing beside the wall, conversing amongst their close group of friends. Prince Rhett was enjoying the food and speaking a bit rudely if one must be honest. He interrupted his friends on occasion and did not always finish his food before opening his mouth to speak. His etiquette was not at the level one expected of an imperial prince. Prince Albin continuously corrected his brother when he made errors, but was otherwise distracted, staring at a certain young noble that was dancing. Emperor Leon and Empress Laurenzia were alternating between dancing and exchanging pleasantries with the guests.

While the other members of the imperial royal family were enjoying the festivities, Princess Adela was standing against the wall, holding a fan in front of her flushed face. Many young ladies had gathered around her to offer their congratulations on the possibility of obtaining such an excellent partner, but the young princess was not paying much attention, responding to their words without offering many of her own. Robin Wintrane, who happened to be the daughter of the empress’ childhood friend, was continually gushing over the duke’s appearance. Princess Adela was thinking about the duke, of course, but she was also thinking about him, the young man she had been so excited to meet this evening.

Her eyes drifted across the ballroom, searching for that familiar blue hair in the sea of guests.

“May I ask what you seek, Princess? I might be able to assist you.” A low, playful voice drew her attention to the side.

Princess Adela turned and her eyes widened with surprise. “I was looking for you, Lord Corbett!”

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The young man with the boyish face chuckled, revealing a dimple on his left cheek. “What in the world would have Your Highness searching for me? I dare not say that we are so close for that.”

The princess motioned for the others surrounding her to leave and fidgeted with a few loose strands of hair. “Lord Corbett, I insist that you stop pretending that what happened between us the last time we met was nothing.”

“Princess Adela, it would be in your best interest to pretend as well,” he sighed. His tone became more serious. “My brother is inheriting our title so I will be free to be with the person I love.”

The girl’s irises constricted. “The person you love…?”

“Yes, a few years ago, I fell in love with a girl who had no status or title, one of the girls who works in the kitchen, and… Actually, I do not think it necessary to share all of the details about this with you. I apologize for what happened the last time we met. I could see your interests and I did not wish to be so quick to dismiss them. Should something have happened to my brother, I would not have been able to take a commoner as my wife, and if I had to marry among the nobility, I thought that marrying you would be best.”

The princess’s demeanor cooled and her eyes froze over. “You wanted to keep me as a backup?”

Corbett felt a chill run through his body. “I would not have phrased it in such a way, but that is not inaccurate.”

Adela shook her head. “Lord Corbett, I cannot say I have enjoyed speaking with you, but I can say that if you do not remove yourself from my sight and my home with haste, I will remove you myself. Please take note that should you decide to stay for the duration of the party, I will have one of your limbs severed from your body for making me feel like a fool.” The princess’ bloodlust was so palpable that some nobles turned their attention to the two.

“But Princess, I thought it would be best to clarify things between us if you are to marry Osmar-”

A knight suddenly appeared and placed their sword to the man’s throat. “The princess told you to leave.”

Corbett’s eyes filled with anger for just a moment before relenting. “Very well. I shall take my leave, Your Highness. Please continue to have an enjoyable evening.”

The young man bowed politely and left without another word.