<on hiatus> 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 - 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

𝟑𝟏

[a few days later]

[knighton royal palace]

[ballroom]

[that night]

Nicholas was wearing the uniform of the Auden elite royal knights. He only came occasionally to the training grounds, since he prioritised his studies more and there were more than enough knights working and training at the palace.

It was almost similar to his house uniform. It was white with gold detailing along with black gloves. Emblems of the Auden elite royal knights and House Wayne were pinned to his uniform, and his long red cloak which was draped around his shoulders flowed as he walked towards the ballroom doors.

After that night, he would no longer be the finest noble bachelor. He'd be officially engaged, and would be a married man in a matter of a month.

"Are you ready, your grace?" Mark, his secretary, asked him as he waited by the ballroom door with him.

"I can't believe this is actually happening," Nicholas sighed.

"Don't worry, your grace," Mark said. "Everything will be alright. I'll be with you every step of the way."

"Thank you, Mark," smiled Nicholas. "But, will it really though..." he couldn't help but think out loud.

"Regardless of your feelings for her highness," sighed Mark, knowing the truth behind everything since he was an agent of the Force himself, "this is the only way."

"Yes," Nicholas nodded.

It was the only way to get close to the Head of the enemy. He'd use this engagement and marriage to his advantage. He'd exploit them and take them down for good.

"I heard that your sister told Princess Cadenza about it," Mark said.

"How'd you know?" Nicholas raised an eyebrow.

"We gossip, brother," said a voice.

"Ah, you're here," Nicholas smiled upon seeing his younger twin sister.

"You look so dashing in your knights' uniform," Olivia complimented, looking up at her brother in awe.

"I have to wear this," shrugged Nicholas. "This is a sign that our kingdoms would be united soon."

"But it's also sad at the same time," Olivia sighed.

"Cheer up, Liv," Nicholas said as he hugged his sister, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"How are you so nonchalant about this engagement?" Olivia said, looking up at him from their hug. "You deserve better than this..." she sighed.

"I'll be fine, Liv," Nicholas assured her. "It will be a somewhat... loveless... marriage... but... well... it's for the best."

"Your grace," said Mark. "I believe it's time."

"What about Cadence?" Olivia said.

"... if things don't turn out the way they're supposed to go from now on... I guess..." Nicholas searched for a proper way to describe it, "well... she would just have to wait for me. Alright. Mark, Olivia, look out for anything suspicious," Nicholas said, and they nodded as Princess Macy and Justin came into view. 

She was wearing a blue dress with trumpet sleeves, matching blue stilettos, white gloves, and silver accessories, including her necklace, bracelet and tiara. Nicholas extended his hand out for her to take. She placed her hand in his'.