The grand hall of the castle was filled with the glow of candlelight, casting flickering shadows on the stone walls. Outside, a light drizzle tapped against the windows, but within, warmth and laughter echoed through the space. The room was adorned with colorful banners and flowers, a rare sight in the castle, signifying a special occasion—the coming of age ceremony for Isolde.

Isolde stood at the center of the hall, dressed in a flowing gown of deep green, the color of the Calradian royal family. Her expression was calm and poised, but there was a flicker of apprehension in her eyes as she surveyed the room. On the dais, King Cedric sat with a stern but proud expression, his eyes never leaving his eldest daughter.

"Isolde," he began, his voice resonating through the hall, "today, you step into the role of an adult, carrying the responsibilities that come with our bloodline. You have always shown grace and wisdom beyond your years. It is now time to take on the duties that await you."

Isolde nodded, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. She felt the weight of the room's gaze on her, a mixture of expectation and admiration. At the edge of the crowd, her sisters stood together, each displaying different expressions. Morwen’s eyes were sharp, analyzing the ceremony's every detail. Elspeth’s gaze was soft, filled with pride and a hint of concern. Ailsa, the youngest, fidgeted restlessly, her lips pressed into a thin line.

After King Cedric's speech, a murmur spread through the crowd as Lady Althea, the queen's elder sister and a figure of authority among the nobility, approached Isolde. She carried a silver circlet in her hands, a symbol of Isolde's new status. As she placed it gently on Isolde's head, the room erupted in applause.

"You are now a woman of Calradia," Lady Althea declared, her voice steady and warm. As the applause died down, she gazed at Isolde with a mixture of pride and sadness. "Your mother would be so proud of you, Isolde," she continued softly, her eyes reflecting the sorrow of a sister who had lost someone dear. "It is a shame she had to miss all of her daughters and son's coming of age ceremonies. But as her representative, I am here to tell you that you embody her strength and grace. You are the reflection of her love and wisdom, and today, as you take on this new role, I know she watches over you with pride."

Isolde felt a lump in her throat and blinked back the tears that threatened to spill over. Lady Althea’s words were a comfort, a reminder of the mother she barely remembered but deeply missed. She bowed her head slightly. "Thank you, Aunt Althea. I will strive to honor her memory in all that I do."

The room remained silent for a moment, a shared sense of loss passing through those who had known Queen Ailith. Then, the atmosphere shifted as King Cedric stood once more, signaling the next part of the ceremony.

"As tradition dictates," he began, "it is expected that the eldest daughter of the royal family will soon be betrothed. However..." He paused, glancing briefly at Isolde and then at the crowd. "I have decided to postpone the announcement of Isolde's engagement. We have a large selection of candidates, each worthy in their own right, but I find myself unable to make a final decision at this time."

A murmur spread through the hall, surprise rippling among the guests. Isolde kept her face composed, though inside, a mixture of relief and uncertainty churned. This was not what she had expected; she had been prepared to hear the name of her future husband tonight.

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King Cedric raised a hand to quiet the crowd. "This is not a decision I take lightly. My daughter's future is of utmost importance, and I will not rush into an arrangement that does not serve the best interests of Calradia and our family. When the time is right, and the right match is found, the announcement will be made."

The guests nodded in understanding, though whispers of speculation continued to buzz through the hall. King Cedric's postponement had introduced an unexpected turn in the evening's proceedings. As the ceremony transitioned into a feast, people began to mingle, and Isolde finally moved towards her sisters.

Ailsa was the first to speak, her voice a mix of excitement and unease. "So... no engagement yet? Does that mean you’re free for a while longer?"

Isolde chuckled softly, her eyes softening at her youngest sister. "For now, yes. It seems so."

Morwen stepped forward, her gaze serious. "Father's hesitation is unusual. He always has a plan. Do you think he's really uncertain, or is there something more to this?"

Isolde sighed, looking around to ensure no one was listening. "I think he's genuinely conflicted. The alliances are fragile, and choosing the wrong match could lead to more instability. But it also gives us time—time to prepare, to strengthen ourselves."

Elspeth exhaled a sigh of relief, stepping closer to Isolde. "I'm glad. It gives us more time to be together, as a family."

Isolde turned to face her sisters fully, her expression composed but earnest. "Yes, it does. But it also means that when the decision comes, it will carry even more weight. Father is not postponing out of indecision; he's doing it to ensure that when the time comes, the choice is irrefutable."

Ailsa frowned, looking between her sisters with a mix of confusion and anger. "But why does it have to be you? Why can’t they find some other way to make alliances?"

Isolde knelt down slightly to meet Ailsa’s eye level. "We all have roles to play, Ailsa. Mine happens to be this one. It's not about being trapped, it's about using what we have to keep our family safe."

Morwen’s eyes softened, understanding the gravity of Isolde’s words. "You’re buying us time. Time to maneuver, to make our own choices. You're making the first sacrifice so that we might have a chance to shape our futures."

Isolde nodded. "Exactly. And in this time, we must grow stronger. All of us. We must use this postponement to our advantage."

Ailsa's eyes glistened with unshed tears, her voice quivering. "But you’re leaving us... won’t you miss us?"

Isolde pulled her youngest sister into a tight embrace. "I will miss you all every single day. But just because I'm married doesn't mean I'm gone. I will always be your sister. And I will always be here for you, in whatever way I can."

The sisters stood in a tight circle, the weight of Isolde's words sinking in. This ceremony was not just a passage into womanhood; it was a declaration of her stepping into a role that would change their family dynamics forever.

Elspeth nodded, placing her hand on Isolde's. "We'll support you, in whatever way we can."

Ailsa sniffled, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. "And I’ll train extra hard so I can protect you, even from far away!"

Isolde laughed softly, pulling them all into a group hug. "Thank you. I couldn’t ask for better sisters."

Across the hall, Lady Althea watched the sisters with a gentle smile, her thoughts with her late sister. Despite the sadness, there was pride in her eyes. Isolde was growing into a woman her mother would have been proud of, and Lady Althea, as Queen Ailith’s representative, felt a sense of fulfillment in witnessing this moment.

King Cedric watched as well, a mixture of pride and sorrow on his face. He had bought them time, just as Isolde intended to buy them even more. This was a turning point for their family, one that would shape the future of Calradia.