Kaidën laughed at Lord Stephan's jest, but his gaze wandered.
Where was Calantha?
He hadn't seen her since she excused herself.
"Need some fresh air," he said with a smile.
Lord Stephan nodded.
As Kaidën walked away, he scanned the crowd.
No sign of Calantha.
A servant passed by.
"Excuse me," Kaidën asked, "have you seen Princess Calantha? She said she'd be right back."
The servant hesitated.
"No, Your Highness. I haven't seen her."
Kaidën's unease grew.
She'd been gone too long.
Kaidën hurried to the room they shared, his heart racing.
"Calantha?" he called, pushing open the door.
Silence.
The room was empty.
No sign of Calantha.
Kaidën's unease turned to alarm.
He searched every corner, calling her name.
Still, no response.
He rushed to the balcony.
The night air offered no clues.
Where was she?
Kaidën's mind reeled.
Could she be with Elianora?
Or perhaps taking a walk?
But she'd promised to return.
Kaidën pushed through the crowded hall, anxiety rising.
He spotted Calantha's parents, the King and Queen, amidst the nobles.
"Your Majesties," Kaidën said, bowing slightly.
The King turned, a smile fading.
"Kaidën, enjoy the festivities?"
"No, Your Majesty," Kaidën replied, urgency in his voice. "I'm looking for Calantha. Have you seen her?"
The Queen's expression turned concerned.
"No, we haven't. We've been here, hosting our guests."
The King nodded.
"We assumed she was with you."
Kaidën's worry deepened.
"She was, but then she excused herself. She said she'd be right back... but she hasn't returned."
The Queen's brow furrowed.
"That's strange. Let's ask around."
The King gestured to a nearby noble.
"Lord Thomas, have you seen Princess Calantha?"
Lord Thomas shook his head.
"No, Your Majesty. Not since the music started."
Kaidën's unease grew.
He scanned the crowd, searching for Calantha's familiar smile.
Kaidën grasped a passing servant's arm.
"Excuse me, have you seen Princess Calantha?"
The servant's eyes widened.
"I saw her earlier, Your Highness. She was walking toward the east wing, alone with a maid."
YOU ARE READING
The Reluctant Bride
Fiction Historique"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. ...
