In the Shadows~zayn au~Completed ✅EDITING

~Chapter 2: Early Arrival~

Her birthday party was the event of the year, throwing all other parties to shame. Any who could claim import were there and every noble in the country was dying of impatience the weeks before, hoping for an invitation. Young women made their societal debuts at the annual Heir's party and they all wanted to make a splash on their first nights. With

Though this party was Kalysta's debut as well, as her eighteenth birthday, she couldn't bring herself to care as much as she should have. How could she pay attention to suitors with tensions so high between the nations? Her father hadn't spoken in jest about her growing up quickly. His present to her on her sixteenth birthday had been to let her begin making the ruling decisions for country. She hadn't taken it lightly.

She sat at the head table to the left of her father and mother as people made a procession, leaving gifts at the table and expressing their supposed happiness and well-wishes for her future. She tried to accept the gifts graciously, though they were gifts of things she already possessed in plenty, jewelry, expensive clothes, baubles, and novelty toys.

"Thank you, Lord and Lady Deplat, for your gracious gift to the crown," she expressed. "Your loyalty and kindness will not be forgotten." It was a rote passage, always said during the receiving of gifts by a royal party.

"Long life and peace upon you, your Highness."

The next couple stepped up to give their gifts and present their debuting daughter, but they were interrupted.

A commotion began near the main doors as an unfamiliar man strode in accompanied by a retinue. Kalysta knew who this was immediately. They'd told her father the Ambassador would arrive "soon" and apparently that meant today... of all days.

Her father's palace executor scurried in a hairsbreadth after the Ambassador and got ahead, making his way up to the Royal table to whisper what should have been announced prior to the Ambassador's entry.

"Your Royal Majesties, my utmost apologies," he said. "The Ambassador of Mullingar has arrived early and has insisted upon joining the festivities. He professes to have a gift for the Princess's birthday as well. He would not take no for an answer."

Kalysta looked at the Ambassador suspiciously. What kind of Ambassador flouted proper etiquette and barged into a party unannounced? The man had stopped halfway through the hall as if waiting on how he'd be received. His face was haughty and his chin ever so slightly raised.

"My men said a fortnight!" her father hissed under his breath. "No matter. Thank you, Andrew."

King Jonathan stood, bringing all attention to him and effectively silencing the confused whispers filling the hall.

"Ambassador Zayn, your presence here is welcomed!" he announced broadly. "Please join us at the king's table. We look forward to opening negotiations between our nations!"

"Many thanks, your Majesty," the Ambassador called, bowing at the waist from where he stood. He waved away his followers to take places near the main doors and then began making his way up to the table. The rest of the people in the room began their frantic whispering again.

"Franklin," her father said quickly to the side. "I think it's about time you were off to your studies, hmm?"

"Yes, Pa-pa," her younger brother said, rising from his place next to her. "I go, but I know you're just trying to be rid of me. You always make me leave when there are interesting people to meet."

"Nonsense," her father huffed. "It's late is all. You can have extra dessert if you'd like."

The boy simply pouted and nodded before making his way down from the raised platform and through the guests to a side door to exit, his minder following close after.

Kalysta's attention returned to the ambassador, who moved toward Franklin's empty seat.

They all three rose to greet him.

"Your Majesties, your Highness," he said bowing, addressing her parents and then her, "it is my pleasure to be here to begin diplomatic discussion on behalf of Mullingar."

His voice lilted and his accent was gripping. As she glanced around, she noticed that the women in the room were looking at the newcomer aghast. Here in this country, where pale and flawless skin were considered attractive and elite, his nationality and sun-darkened skin made him an oddity and therefore an unfortunate eyesore. This only piqued the Kalysta's interest in the man.

During her perusal, her father moved from the table, bowing slightly in return and offering his hand, a symbol of peace. The ambassador accepted the gesture, locking forearms with King Jonathan and thereby displaying his desire to come to a amicable agreement between both nations. Next he bowed to her mother, taking the Queen's hand gently and placing a chaste kiss upon it.

Finally, he turned to Kalysta, bowing once more. When she met his eyes, she was struck by the intelligence and depth they held. Since he'd been promoted so high and so quickly, she'd hoped he would be easy to confound in political dealings, but her hopes were dashed when she saw the way he took in everything around him in such a discerning manner.

She offered her hand and he lifted it firmly, bending at the waist to press his warm lips against the spot where it met her wrist. His eyes never left hers and the sparkling brown depths, with their amber streaks and gold flecks, held her attention like her studies had never been able to do.

Oh, this was going to be interesting.

A/N: Hey guys! Let me know what you think! I'm eager for feedback!!