𝐑𝐄𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐘 • 𝐁𝐋

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟒

𝗕𝘂𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘁

The day of the magnificent celebration in honor of the Crown Prince's birthday had finally arrived. My heart danced with a combination of apprehension and nervousness as I found myself amidst the grandeur of the festivities. The ballroom sparkled with its lavish decorations and an air of eager anticipation permeated the atmosphere. The prospect of encountering the crown prince filled me with trepidation, yet the allure of attending such a magnificent celebration for the first time stirred a sense of excitement within me.

With an anxious gaze, I swept the crowd, hoping to catch sight of Theo. Being part of the esteemed Duke and Blackwood family, I was certain they had received an invitation. However, the vastness of the gathering made it challenging to spot familiar faces. I hesitated to embark on a search, wary of getting lost in the enormous castle or encountering unwanted characters. Though my worry threatened to overwhelm me, the comforting presence of my parents at my side provided a sense of solace.

"Darling, try not to let nervousness consume you," my mother's soothing voice reassured me, laced with gentle encouragement. "You look absolutely radiant tonight."

While I appreciated my mother's words, my concern extended beyond my appearance. Her reassuring sentiments did provide some comfort, yet my thoughts were preoccupied with meeting the crown prince. As I prepared to mingle with other characters for the first time, the prospect of having Theo by my side to lend support and familiarity would have eased my apprehension, but alas he was not here.

As the butler of the Silvercrest castle announced that the ballroom was now open for dancing, a pang of sadness washed over me. Couples twirled gracefully on the dance floor, a reminder of the painful memory of my ex-boyfriend's betrayal. My mood turned sour, and I found myself pouting as I glanced at my mother, who stood by my side.

"Mama, would you accompany me to the table filled with delectable food?" I asked, hoping that indulging in some delicious treats would help lift my spirits.

My mother looked at me with a knowing smile and nodded. "Of course, my dear. Let's go and savor the delicacies that await us. A little bit of culinary delight can work wonders for the soul."

As we made our way towards the table laden with an array of mouthwatering dishes, I couldn't help but notice my father engrossed in conversation with other nobles. I hesitated for a moment, torn between leaving him and giving in to the temptation of the feast.

Sensing my hesitation, my mother followed my gaze and let out a soft chuckle. "Oh, don't worry about your father, my love. He's perfectly capable of holding his own, after all, he's already old"

Her reassurance put me at ease, and I let out a laugh at her playful remark. "If Father hears you saying he's 'old,' he's going to get all sulky with you, Mama," I teased, the corners of my lips curling into a mischievous smile.

My mother playfully raised an eyebrow, a twinkle in her eyes. "Oh, I see how it is. Well, maybe I should just remind him of that 'old' remark later tonight and watch him pout," she replied, her voice filled with playful mischief.

We shared a knowing look, both of us aware that my father's youthful appearance and spirit belied his actual age. Our laughter filled the air as we approached the table, ready to indulge in the delectable treats and create cherished memories together.

As I took a bite of a scrumptious pastry, the flavors danced on my tongue, momentarily distracting me from the heaviness in my heart. My mother watched me with a gentle gaze, her presence a soothing balm to my wounded spirit. Just then, my father joined us at the table, his voice laced with playful reproach.