Kaidën's father approached, a warm smile on his face.
"Kaidën, I'd like you to meet Lord Stephan and Lady Elizabeth," he said.
Kaidën nodded, exchanging pleasantries with the nobles.
As they conversed, he glanced around, enjoying the festival's lively atmosphere.
Lord Stephan spoke of his estates, and Kaidën listened intently.
The music and laughter filled the air.
Kaidën chuckled at a witty remark.
.................
Calantha's limp form hung in her captor's arms.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed.
A hooded figure emerged from the shadows.
"Perfect timing," Calantha's captor whispered.
The newcomer's gaze fell on Calantha.
"Unconscious already?"
"Needed to silence her," the captor replied.
The hooded figure nodded.
"How are we getting her out? The entrance is swarming with guards."
Calantha's captor hesitated.
"I was thinking the east wing. Less guarded."
The hooded figure frowned.
"Too risky. We need a diversion."
The captor nodded.
"I have an idea. Follow me."
Together, they moved swiftly, carrying Calantha deeper into darkness.
Their whispers grew fainter.
Elianora emerged from the shadows, her eyes gleaming in the dim light.
"Did you get her?" she asked, her voice low and urgent.
"Yes, but we need a plan to escape. The guards are everywhere."
Elianora's smile spread.
"Leave that to me."
The hooded figure exchanged a skeptical glance with the captor.
"What do you have in mind?" the captor asked.
Elianora's gaze never left Calantha's unconscious form.
"I've arranged a distraction. It will clear the east wing. You'll have a window to escape."
The captor's eyes narrowed.
"What kind of distraction?"
Elianora's smile grew wider.
"Trust me. It will be... memorable."
The hooded figure nodded.
"Alright, we'll follow your lead."
Elianora's eyes sparkled.
"Good. Let's get Calantha out of here."
With a wave of her hand, Elianora led the group into the darkness.
Elianora led the group through the winding corridors, Calantha's captor and the hooded figure following closely.
They reached a secluded courtyard.
Elianora stopped before a large wooden door.
"Wait here," she whispered.
She disappeared into the shadows.
Moments passed.
A faint humming noise grew louder.
Suddenly, the sky erupted in a kaleidoscope of colors.
Fireworks exploded above the castle, illuminating the night.
The booming explosions echoed through the corridors.
Guards rushed to investigate, abandoning their posts.
The east wing cleared.
Elianora reappeared, a satisfied smile on her face.
"Now's our chance."
The captor nodded.
"Let's move."
The group hastened through the empty corridors.
They reached a hidden exit.
Elianora produced a key.
The door creaked open.
A dark carriage awaited.
"Now, let's get her out of here," Elianora said.
The captor handed Calantha to the hooded figure.
As they boarded the carriage, Elianora's smile faltered.
For a fleeting moment, a glimmer of unease crossed her face.
The carriage hurtled through the darkness, its wheels rumbling on the uneven road.
Elianora settled into her seat, a triumphant glint in her eye.
"It will take them a while to realize their precious princess is missing," she said.
The captor grunted.
"King Charles will be pleased."
Elianora's smile widened.
"Yes, he'll be ecstatic. This changes everything."
The hooded figure spoke up.
"And what of Kaidën? He'll search for her."
Elianora waved her hand dismissively.
"Kaidën's devotion is admirable, but he's no match for our plan."
Calantha's captor shifted uncomfortably.
"What's the plan for Calantha?"
Elianora's gaze turned cold.
"That's need-to-know information. You've done your part."
The carriage sped on, leaving the castle and its illuminated chaos behind.
YOU ARE READING
The Reluctant Bride
Historical Fiction"When duty demands sacrifice, can love conquer all? In a world of royal politics and ancient alliances, Princess Calantha Valtania is forced into a marriage with Prince Kaidën Valorian of Eldrida. But Calantha's heart rebels against the arrangemen. ...
