Obsession and Betrayal: A Royal Love Triangle

Dinner Party

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the castle grounds, preparations for the grand dinner party celebrating the end of the cold season were in full swing. Inside the grand dinner hall, Ida still couldn't get her mind off of the play. She couldn't stop thinking about him. She later found out that the man's name was Fredrick Newton, the play happened only 2 months ago but she still was struggling to maintain her composure. The vivid scene replayed in her mind, of his ending monologue leaving her feeling nauseated and strangely flustered.
As the guests began to arrive, she made a strong effort to conceal her inner emotions but her facade began to crack as the evening progressed. Dish after dish was brought out but she couldn't find herself to eat a single bit of what was put in front of her, her appetite consumed by memories of the performance. Costello, after watching the 3rd dish that had been untouched by Ida, could tell something was deeply bothering her.

Concern etched on his face,
"I really hope there's not anything wrong with the food that I have made tonight my lady."

With a forced smile, the princess excused herself from the dinner early, unable to endure the weight of her troubled thoughts any longer. Rushing up into her bed chambers, throwing herself into the chair and collapsing over her vanity. Not far behind was Costello almost barging into her room.
He knelt down beside her placing a hand on her back,
"My dearest what is wrong,"
She tries to choke out some response but she doesn't even know the answer to that question herself.
What is wrong...?
Heavier tears welled up in her eyes and her throat became tight, causing her to cry harder than before. She wraps her arms around his shoulders tightly, as he scoops her up out of the chair and sits her up on the edge of her bed. Standing up on his feet to lift her chin up and brush the tears from her cheeks and eyes.
Ida's breathing calmed and whatever seemed to have caused her hesitation has subsided, Costello smiles seeing the sadness and worry leave her and her body relax. Ida was about to say a great thank you and apologize for her behavior when he leaned in for a kiss and brought her face closer to his.
Her chest tightened and she seemed to freeze, quickly snapping out of her daze the back of her hand reacted on its out winding back and hitting his face.

Hard.

He stumbled back shocked and holding the side of his face. They both looked at each other stunned by the silence of the room defining. Costello could feel his eye start to become water from hurt and the burning on his cheek. He toke his leave swiftly leaving not saying a word.

Alone in her chambers, she found solace in the quiet, grappling with the unsettling emotions that had taken hold of her. Little did she know, the echoes of the past would continue to linger, casting a shadow over the festivities yet to come.