Chained Hearts: From Slavery to Sovereignty
Chapter 60: His Charm is Undeniable!

Chapter 60: Chapter 60: His Charm is Undeniable!

As the king and queen reach the last steps, the nobles straighten their position and become ready to greet their king and queen with uttermost respect.

The noblemen, who were dressed in the finest attire, kneeled on one leg and bowed their heads in honor while the noble ladies curtseyed with practiced grace. They dipped low with their skirts and flared elegantly around them.

The collective movements of nobles made the hall filled with silence; only the sounds of the rustling of fabric can be heard. The scene was filled with the uttermost respect for the sovereign of their kingdom.

The king acknowledged the bowing nobles with a slight nod, his gaze both stern and approving. Queen Selena’s expression filled with pride as she looked upon her subjects, her lips curving into a graceful smile. Her clear and sharp voice broke the silence of the hall.

"We are honored to welcome each and every one of you to our halls tonight. May this evening be one of celebration, peace, and unity between our kingdoms." Queen Selena’s voice vibrated throughout the entire banquet hall.

Her words were met with a round of polite applause, and as the guests straightened, their faces filled with admiration for their queen’s kind and elegant demeanor.

Her words were met with collective cheeriness and clapping from the crowd. Everyone’s faces were filled with admiration for the queen.

Seeing this situation, a subtle smile appeared on the queen’s face, and a glint flashed through her eyes.

The king extended his arm to the queen and guided her forward as they took their places at the head of the table, their each movement carrying the weight of centuries-old tradition.

The banquet hall was now brimming with the hum of admiration and respect as they awaited for the festivities to begin in earnest under the watchful presence of their king and queen.

The lively hum of conversation in the banquet hall grew quieter as the herald stepped forward once more, signaling that another important guest had arrived.

The nobles turned their attention toward the grand entrance, aware that the evening’s first royal visitors would soon enter. Musicians shifted their tune to a melody full of reverence and respect, adding a sense of grandeur to the hall.

The herald’s voice echoed through the room. "Presenting His Majesty, King Rhyzar Draconius Lysander, along with his esteemed entourage."

The doors opened wide, and King Rhyzar entered, his tall frame wrapped in deep crimson robes trimmed with rich gold. His face was serious, and his dark eyes surveyed the room with calm authority.

Behind him followed a small group of advisors, his loyal attendants, and several high-ranking nobles from Drakonia. Their attire, crafted from fine silks and velvets in the colors of their kingdom, lent them an air of distinguished elegance.

The guests of Drakonia straightened, some bowing and others nodding politely, as King Reginald and his company proceeded into the hall.

Courtiers exchanged glances, admiring the graceful way the attendants carried themselves and whispering amongst themselves about the visitors’ regal appearance.

A few of Aetherlyn’s highest-ranking noblemen stepped forward to greet the Drakonian king, offering polite nods and warm words of welcome, which he acknowledged with a respectful nod.

Though the nobles were courteous and respectful, a subtle tension lay beneath the surface. It wasn’t just the presence of the Drakonian king that intrigued them; it was the absence of someone else they were waiting for.

Murmurs spread quickly as nobles and guests craned their necks, casting glances behind King Rhyzar and his entourage, their eyes searching for a familiar figure who was nowhere in sight.

"Where is Prince Vincent?" one noblewoman whispered, fanning herself as she glanced at her companions.

"I heard he was supposed to arrive with his father," replied another, her voice laced with disappointment.

The noblewomen of Aetherlyn, draped in their finest gowns and adorned with sparkling jewels, had prepared all evening with the hope of making an impression on Prince Vincent.

who is not only known for his noble birth but for his charm and striking looks, Prince Vincent had become a figure of fascination for many, and many of the young ladies had hoped to catch his attention during the banquet.

But as the king and his attendants settled into the hall, there was no sign of the prince. The noblewomen exchanged glances of mild disappointment, their earlier excitement dimming just a little.

Still, a few held onto the hope that he would arrive later, perhaps making a grander entrance on his own. Quiet whispers of speculation passed through the room as each guest tried to guess the reason behind Prince Vincent’s absence.

"Perhaps he’ll make an entrance once the banquet begins," someone murmured hopefully.

"Or maybe he’s waiting for a better moment," another lady added, her eyes lingering on the grand staircase, half-expecting the prince to appear at any moment.

As the whispers about Prince Vincent’s absence floated through the room, the conversation shifted slightly, with several noblewomen turning their attention to the equally intriguing figure of Prince Dorian, Aetherlyn’s first prince and next in line for the throne.

Although he was often the topic of scandalous rumors, his presence commanded just as much fascination as it did caution. The ladies’ voices dropped to a near whisper as they shared glances and knowing smirks.

One of the ladies, a young noble with elaborate curls and a dress adorned with pearls, leaned in close to her friend.

"If Prince Vincent hasn’t arrived yet, it might be for the better. It means the crown prince may have less competition for attention tonight."

Her friend raised an eyebrow skeptically. "And risk setting her sights on Prince Dorian? He may be the crown prince, but everyone knows he’s hardly...anyways.

No one knows when he loses his temper, and you will be caught in that fire." She gave a faint, disapproving frown. "If the rumors are to be believed, he’s toyed with countless hearts—men and women alike."

Despite their words, a few ladies cast surreptitious glances toward the head of the hall, where Prince Dorian might soon appear, each secretly intrigued by his reputation.

One could almost see the excitement in their eyes, mingling with caution.

He was known to be charming and captivating, and though his supposed "playboy" tendencies were a subject of criticism, but they were also the rumors of his unpleasant personalities, which made him all the more alluring.

Another lady, fanning herself with a silk fan, leaned toward her small circle and whispered, "True, but his charm is undeniable. He has a way with words that leaves one... curious, to say the least."

Her cheeks flushed slightly as she recalled a past encounter with the prince. "And, after all, who among us could resist the possibility of becoming queen?"

"Queen, perhaps," another replied with a smirk, "but I’d say he’s more likely to leave you heartbroken before that crown is on your head." She glanced around to make sure no one was paying attention to them.

"It’s said that even the servants are not immune to his charms. You’d think he’d be more... merciful."