A Dance Of Crowns & Thrones | Book I

Chapter 86 | The Graduation Ceremony

The grand auditorium was adorned with exquisite decorations and filled with hundreds of dancing figures. The chandeliers glistened echoing their radiance to the high heavens, casting a white hue that reached towards the open glass ceiling. The live band's rhythm matched the dancers' movements, and fireworks lit up the sky in a golden display of extravagance.

Laughter and music filled the Allegiant Academy as souls found solace in the event. Toni and Richie stood together, champagne in hand, enjoying the festivities and greeting soldiers who arrived in the world of glittering lights.

As the music pulsated and the room filled with thousands of attendees, the two best friends would shortly anticipate the arrival of Cid and Matthew to kick off the ceremony. Champagnes in hand as they themselves had laughed and smiled at the events before them, they continued to greet the soldiers that made their way into the world of glittering lights, dressed in splendid, fitted black tuxedos.

"Well," Toni greeted more of the faculty and then leaned into Richie teasingly, "there's his girlfriend."

Curious, Richie leaned out slightly to look past Jesse and Jasmine, who were busy managing the event with the help of their committee. He caught a glimpse of Mya and Mackenzie in the crowd before noticing Eko and Luke dancing hand in hand on the dance floor.

The woman who had captured their Commander and best friend's heart stood before them, a sight that would surely throw Matthew off his game. She was stunning in her teal dress, drawing many eyes to her, possibly due to the long slit that revealed a hint of allure. Her black adorned mask added a mysterious charm to her appearance. As her French brunette waves framed her face, her laughter highlighted her captivating features.

The two men watched as Luke twirled Eko around the dance floor. It was clear that the couple was engrossed in a lively conversation, and Luke's jokes had Eko laughing all the while.

"This is a disaster waiting to happen," Richie remarked, acknowledging that Luke had a bold approach in pursuing her.

Toni redirected his focus to Richie. "You'll need to keep an eye on him," he advised, noting Richie's confusion.

"Why?" Richie questioned, then asked, "And what are you up to?"

Toni gestured towards Jesse, who was causing a scene in a daring red dress, clearly agitated from the event. "Aiden broke up with her this afternoon. I found her in the cafeteria, and she's been drinking wine ever since. She's beside herself, as she always is when it comes to that asshole."

Richie took a swig of his champagne, expressing his anger towards Aiden. "Fuck me, he's a fucking dick. I'll deck him, I'm done with his shit. What was it about this time?"

Toni replied through gritted teeth, "He wanted her to step down from her duties. He's an arrogant asshole who thinks she should focus on less demanding activities."

Their attention was diverted as more people entered the auditorium, and the cadets at the entrance checked off the attendees as they arrived. Toni and Richie welcomed them with smiles.

"What does that even mean?" Richie shook his head in confusion. "Where the hell is he?"

"He's not here yet," Toni said, taking another sip of his champagne. "But when he arrives, I'll kick his head in."

Richie leered, "I'll gladly join you."

Toni recognized the determination in Richie's expression and agreed wholeheartedly that he would never let anyone hurt Jesse the way he had seen her earlier. . Absolutely not. He's had it with Aiden and he was going to make sure he left Allegiant one way or another after tonight.