From the Ballroom's inner entrance, a silver-haired young man entered. Sculptured features complemented his clear, azure-colored eyes, while his graceful, dignified gait attested to his royal lineage. The young man's gaze stayed focused ahead, yet the mischievous quirk at the corner of his lips was enough to bewitch the female observers and garner admiration or jealousy from his peers, including his older half-brother, Louis.
The scar on his face is gone, Elaine noted, standing among the crowds. Though she preferred to distance herself from troublesome situations, she was not an ungrateful person. Elaine attended tonight's banquet despite risking the Duke's suspicion to express her gratitude to Alexander for the medicine. No matter the motive, the fact remained that his gift saved her life. Besides, with their telepathic communication, she would not have to approach him to initiate contact.
The Third Prince reached the Étoile's sovereigns and bowed before addressing the guests. "I am honored to welcome our Empire's pillars and allies to my celebration. I hope you all will enjoy yourselves tonight." Alexander completed his short oration and nodded toward the court's musicians to continue their performance—soothing, elegant tunes again emitted from their instruments.
Everyone clapped and then returned to their circles, continuing previous unfinished discussions. The royal hosts started making rounds, greeting every aristocrat and their descendants. Liviane finally released Elaine, holding Armes and heading to socialize with the other Houses' matriarchs. The Duke stayed behind and carried on his conversation with the Grand Duke and Duke d'Amboise. "Go and enjoy yourself." He nudged Elaine, sending her another 'warm' smile.
"Thank you, father." She curtsied to the Houses' heads, then dismissed herself. Elaine proceeded to a table in the Ballroom's corner and sat down, repeating Estella's tendency of people watching. Servants holding trays of appetizers walked by and offered to her, but she refused them all.
Despite her beauty and status, no noble young men or ladies dared to approach her. Lady Estella's renowned dislike of socializing was an open secret among the younger aristocrats. It was better to leave the Croix's eldest daughter to her vices than attempt to curry favor with her. The efforts might backfire, angering Lady Estella and destroying one's social status. After all, the Croix's ruling family members did not have a reputation for their amiable nature.
Wearing his virtuous mask, the Crown Prince ambled toward Elaine a while later. "Lady Estella, I heard you have been bedridden of late and were very worried."
She stood up and curtsied. "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I am much better now." Elaine lowered her head, hiding a mocking smile. Gerard had kept close tabs on his future son-in-law, and she also received a copy of the weekly report. Estella's incompetent fiancé had occupied his time playing Casanova throughout Soleias, cajoling young, naïve aristocratic women in the day while bedding their mature counterparts at night. It was an endless cycle of depravity and self-indulgence, leaving an unpleasant aftertaste in Elaine's mouth.
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"I apologize for not being able to visit you before, milady. My days were swamped with court duties." In truth, Louis would prefer any other activities besides dealing with his haughty fiancée. Even at tonight's banquet, the Empress chastised his delayed greeting of Estella. No matter how much he wished to avoid her, such discourteous behavior was frowned upon and might bring the wrath of Duke Geris. The Crown Prince was terrified of his far-removed uncle and understood his dependency on the House of Croix.
"Is that so?" She lifted her gaze, and calm silver eyes glistened like diamonds under the luminous chandeliers' glow. Her statement was neither accepting nor accusatory, yet the immense pressure emitting from it caused an uncomfortable sensation to travel down Louis' body.
Ding…ding…ding
The bell tower chimed eight, signaling time for the first dance. "Would you allow me a dance, Lady Estella?" The Crown Prince extended his hand while furtively exhaling in relief at the topic diversion. He swallowed the lump in his throat and eked out an awkward smile. Somehow, the young girl before him had become more intimidating since their last encounter.
"It would be my honor, Your Highness." Elaine accepted his invitation despite her disgust. She motioned Cecil to stand by and followed Louis to the dance floor. The Third Prince also led his partner, Amara, toward the center. Their gazes focused on each other, ignoring the admiring and envious looks of many. Elaine's eyes searched crowds and found the older d'Artois brother standing further back, staring forlornly at the perfect couple. The music started, and she returned her attention to Estella's fiancé, looking forward more to the ending than the waltz itself.
"Shall we, milady?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
The Crown Prince and Elaine twirled around the Ballroom, floating on the polished marble floor like actors performing on stage for the observing spectators. Unlike Estella's coming-of-age celebration, Louis took special care to supply Elaine with ample loving glances. Though secretly rolled her eyes, she returned his gesture. It was apparent Estella's fiancé's tenderness originated not from himself but from the pressuring gazes of the ruling monarch and his court.
'Meet me at the royal garden after the first dance.' Alexander's voice suddenly rang inside Elaine's head, and then she caught a glimpse of him passing her with his dance partner.
'What is going on, Your Highness?' she questioned.
'You will find out soon,' he responded before again becoming silent, not answering her further transmissions.
Something is going to happen…
The Third Prince's message assured Elaine of that fact. Her eyes darted the room, seeking more clues.
"Is something wrong, milady?" Louis inquired, ignorance filled his expression.
"Forgive me, Your Highness. I feel a bit dizzy. Perhaps my illness has not been completely cured," she lied. Elaine lowered her gaze, analyzing her options. She doubted the Duke would tell her anything even if she confronted him. For now, she could only trust Alexander's words.