Chapter 64: A challenge? I accept
The soft clinking of glasses and low murmurs of the noble filled that banquet as Princess Aurelia descended the staircase and walked towards the monarch of their kingdom.
Her small steps were deliberate and slow and her sapphire gown shimmering like an ocean under the moonlight.
She held her chin high and her lips pressed thinly in a small smile. Her mother’s words echoing in her mind: "Grace is your weapon. Power your shield. Do not falter."
Her gaze swept across the room for a few seconds, and she met Cassian’s encouraging smile. Her heart lightened at the moment, but it did not last long. Soon she reached the main hall where the high throne was located and where the king and queen awaited her.
King Alaric sat straight on the throne with a pride and stern expression, as a king should carry.
While Queen Selena radiated her icy elegance as always and her never-ending judging look.
She stopped at a respectful distance away from them, neither close nor too far and bended into a deep bow that spoke of duty, not deference.
"Father. Mother," She greeted them softly, her voice neither soft nor arrogant, it was just plain without any emotions.
She does not have a joy, one who met their parents, it almost felt like they are strangers. She was also not close to her father. He was just a distant memory in her mind. Aside from an official meeting or dinner she had never met him.