Chronicles: Silent Breath

Chapter 3

The grand hall was already full of guests when I arrived, my torn dress drawing curious glances and whispers. I ignored them, focusing on finding a seat near the queen.

"My dearest," she said as I approached her, "you look beautiful."

I smiled and curtsied before her. "Thank you, your Highness," I replied, taking the seat to her right.

The queen was stunning in a golden gown, her dark hair styled in an elegant updo adorned with intricate braids. She smiled kindly at me, her eyes filled with warmth and happiness.

"I know this is all new for you and your brother, being adopted is a big change, but a good one too," she said. "So, I hope you don't mind that I invited my trusted friends to share in my happiness."

"Of course not," I assured her. "I'm grateful for this opportunity."

The queen smiled and nodded. "I know, my dear. Now, let us enjoy this evening and celebrate our union."

Just then, the king entered the grand hall, Helies at his side. The guests rose from their seats, bowing in respect. The king acknowledged their salute with a nod, then walked toward us.

"My dear," he said, "you look beautiful. I'm so glad to have you by my side tonight."

The queen smiled at him warmly. "And I'm grateful to have you as well," he said smiling to me.

The king sat to her left, Helies taking the seat to his left.

A server poured me a glass of wine and I thanked them as the music began to play. The queen raised her glass, as did the rest of the guests, and I did the same. The king took his place at her side, his eyes sparkling with happiness as he gazed at the queen.

"My dear friends," he said, his voice booming across the hall, "tonight we gather to celebrate something very special. The arrival of our new family members, Theya the new princess of our realm and Helies, who would be a great king for our future nation. Tonight, we welcome them to our family. To the new royal family!" He raised his glass.

"To the new royal family!" the guests echoed, raising their glasses and clinking them together.

The music grew louder, and the atmosphere in the grand hall became more lively. People danced, ate, and drank, enjoying themselves as they celebrated our new status as members of the royal family. Helies, unable to remain seated, danced with one woman after another, his laughter echoing through the grand hall. He seemed to be having the time of his life, while I felt out of place here. The only person I had a connection to was Helies, and he was a damn jerk. I just wanted to go to my room and hide, but I knew I couldn't do that.

Just as I was contemplating how to escape this night, an old man approached me. He was wearing comical shorts that looked like two balloons and a white shirt with red flowers. He bowed to me with exaggerated elegance, his eyes twinkling with merriment.

"My beautiful princess, would you do me the great honor of dancing with me?" he asked.

"I'm afraid I'm still learning," I replied, shaking my head humbly. "I wouldn't be a good partner for you."

The old man chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, in that case, I'm sure I would learn a thing or two from such a young and beautiful princess," he said with a wink.

Before I could respond, a blond-haired man interjected himself into our conversation. "The new princess is too kind to reject an old man like you," he sneered, looking down at the older man with disdain. "I'm sure she would prefer to dance with someone closer to her age." He smirked at me, his blue eyes sparkling with confidence.

"I'm not sure I agree with you, sir," I replied icily, giving the blond man a cold stare. "If you'll excuse me," I added, standing up and turning to leave.

To my dismay, the blond-haired man grabbed my hand forcefully, pulling me towards the dance floor. "I think it's time for you to dance, princess," he said with a smile that did nothing to hide his arrogance.