𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐄

12

Edith entered the grand dining hall, carrying a silver tray with a crystal glass of freshly squeezed purple grape juice, a favorite of Prince Vincent.

Meanwhile, Marx, the king's servant, placed a steaming platter of eggs and bacon before the King.

The King cleared his throat, looking around at his family. "With everyone here, let's begin," he declared. The clinking of cutlery against porcelain filled the room as they started their meal.

Christopher lightly tapped Sophia's foot with his own. She glanced at him, her cheeks flushing slightly.

"Asael, I trust you slept well?" the King asked between bites, his gaze shifting to his youngest son. The entire table fell silent, awaiting his response.

Asael forced a smile, trying to shake off the lingering tension from last night. "Yes, father. I'm well-rested, thank you," he lied smoothly. His eyes flickered to Vincent, hoping the prince hadn't noticed his nervousness.

Mid-meal, Edith returned, carrying another plate of fresh pastries. She leaned down to place it before Prince Vincent. He reached out, taking one, but as she straightened, he leaned in close. "The woman?"

Edith blinked, momentarily taken aback. "Oh! Bridget, Your Highness? Yes, she's in the royal kitchen, preparing the dishes I'm bringing for you," she whispered back, her eyes darting around the table to ensure no one else had overheard.

The King set his utensils down, a warm smile spreading across his face.  "As we're all here, I suppose it's a good time to make an announcement," he declared, his eyes twinkling.

Sophia's gaze flickered from the King to Christopher, her heart pounding in her chest. She wondered if this announcement had something to do with them.

The King stood up, with a proud face, "Christopher, my dear son, and Sophia, who has been like a daughter to us - I am overjoyed to announce their engagement!" A wide smile spread across his face as he looked at the couple.

"And.... we shall celebrate this joyous occasion with a grand ball tomorrow evening."

Sophia's eyes widened in shock as she turned to Christopher. She felt like she was in a dream, unable to process the King's words. Christopher, on the other hand, looked calmly at his father, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

The table erupted in congratulations and excited chatter. Asael looked stunned, his eyes darting between Christopher and Sophia. Vincent, however, remained silent, his brow furrowed in thought.

Edith, trying to hide her own surprise, quickly excused herself to spread the news to the rest of the staff and begin preparations for the ball.

✮✮✮

With her chores completed and a rare moment of free time on her hands, Bridget decided to go deeper into the palace than she usually did. She wandered through the grand halls, her eyes exploring the opulent tapestries and lavish art that adorned the walls.

The sound of clashing steel grew louder, and she followed the noise until she stumbled upon a large, sandy area within the palace grounds.

She froze, her eyes fixed on the shirtless figure wielding a sword with deadly precision in the center of the practice ground.

Prince Vincent, lost in his training, his sweat-drenched hair clung to his forehead, and his muscles rippled with each powerful swing of his sword.

Bridget stood transfixed, her eyes fixed on him and a confusing feeling she didn't know what to name in her veins.

Suddenly, Vincent's blade struck a training dummy with a resounding thud.

As he wiped the sweat from his brow, he finally noticed Bridget standing at the edge of the practice ground.