A Dance Of Crowns & Thrones | Book I

Chapter 148 | March 15th | The Gilded Gala

Timeline - March 15th | ( 6 weeks later)

Matthew stood alone on the balcony, the soft strains of music drifting from the dance hall where the annual gala was in full swing, continuing into the early morning hours. The distinguished guests, celebrated for their accomplishments in the Academies, reveled with the abandon of inebriated soldiers. His role in the event had ended long ago.

The music shifted as the band changed tunes, blending various melodies and rhythms. Despite the festive atmosphere, Matthew was troubled. He rested his fingers on the cool steel railing, his gaze fixed on the Empyris Academy. The soft golden glow from the Academy illuminated the surrounding area, casting a serene light across the city that had developed around it, hugging the northern coast.

A small city had sprouted around the Academy, nestled along its northern coast. Beyond the beach lands, only an expansive, dark void stretched out, blending into an invisible horizon.

Unbeknownst to Matthew, a figure stood at the entrance of the balcony with a short brunette beside him. Charlotte, dressed in a flowing yellow silk gown that shimmered softly in the moonlight, looked up at Toni. The gown draped elegantly to the floor, cinched at the waist with a delicate sash, and the fabric caught the light, creating a subtle, radiant glow.

"Maybe you should talk to him?" she suggested, her voice gentle yet determined.

Toni nodded, his eyes softening as he looked at her. He leaned in and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. "You'll be okay for ten minutes?"

Charlotte, her cheeks flushed with a mix of excitement and shyness, replied, "It's not every day you get to go to these kinds of events."

Toni smiled, a reassuring warmth in his expression. "Well, give me ten minutes, and then we can get back to dancing and mingling." 

Charlotte returned his smile with a small, appreciative nod, the soft yellow of her gown reflecting the faint light of the gala. "Ten minutes and not a moment longer with all these people—it's too much," she said with a teasing lilt in her voice.

Toni chuckled, his eyes warm as he looked at her. "You'll get used to it."

"Really?" Charlotte's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I'll get used to it, huh?"

"Yeah," Toni said with a grin. She stepped onto her tiptoes, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. With a quick squeeze of his hand, she turned and disappeared back inside the ballroom.

Toni watched her go, the soft click of her heels fading as she rejoined the festivities. He turned his attention back to Matthew, who remained lost in thought, staring off into the distance. The pounding music from the gala created a rhythmic backdrop to the scene. Toni stepped forward onto the balcony, his expression shifting to one of concern and camaraderie.

"Hey."

Matthew turned at the sound of the voice. When he recognized Toni, a half-hearted smile flickered across his face.

"You might have forgotten, but there's a party going on inside," Toni said, his tone laced with amusement.

Matthew, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit that spoke of both elegance and formality, leaned against the stone archway that framed the entrance to the ballroom. The cool night air contrasted with the warmth of the gala's interior. He shook his head slightly, acknowledging Toni's presence.

"Yeah, I know," Matthew replied.

"And the Headmaster's conspicuously absent out here alone, while his fiancée and her entourage of our drunken friends are out on the dance floor with the soldiers, keeping them entertained. You don't want the columns writing any more about the two of you, do you?" Toni added, his smirk widening.