Chained Hearts: From Slavery to Sovereignty
Chapter 63: A little drama amidst the festivities

Chapter 63: Chapter 63: A little drama amidst the festivities

Cassian’s nerves were stretched to the breaking point, and he was certain the sweat beading at the back of his neck was visible now.

He gripped the edge of the table for support, plastering on his best noble-like smile. "It’s, uh, a private matter," he said vaguely, praying she wouldn’t pry further.

Instead, she gasped, her hands flying to her cheeks. "Oh, I understand! A secret mission, isn’t it? How thrilling! You must be so important.

I just knew it the moment I saw you!" She moved closer again, and Cassian instinctively leaned back, almost toppling into the table behind him.

"I, uh, I wouldn’t say that," he stammered, his voice a pitch higher than usual.

Before the girl could launch into another round of relentless chatter, a wave of murmurs swept through the hall, drawing everyone’s attention to the staircase.

Cassian nearly sagged with relief as the girl’s focus shifted, her sparkling eyes darting toward the commotion.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, clutching his sleeve briefly before letting go. "Someone important must be arriving! How exciting!

Don’t go anywhere, Cassian—I’ll find you later!" With that, she twirled away, her curls bouncing as she joined the crowd, craning their necks to see the latest arrival.

Cassian exhaled sharply, his shoulders sagging as the tension drained from his body. He placed the goblet back on the table, silently vowing never to let himself be cornered like that again.

Still, despite the ordeal, a faint chuckle escaped him as he watched her excitement ripple through the room. At least someone’s enjoying themselves.

Cassian’s eyes shifted to the stairs, and as he guessed, he could see the specks of silver sapphire grown at the entrance. The herald also announces at the same time that her highness, the first princess of the Aetherlyn kingdom, Princess Aurelia Aetheris, has arrived.

Everyone’s attention shifted to the newcomer; their eyes were brimming with eagerness, mostly noble men. After all, who does not want to involve a lovely princess in their life and get the support of the royal family?

The princes and princesses of the royal family will always be popular, wherever they go.

Cassian Look at the dazzling figure of the princess; she gained almost everyone’s attention like a fairy, who has descendant on the lands of mortals.

Her sapphire gown was shinning in the darkness of a knight, and the silver embroidery on it was twinkling on it like countless stars.

A small smile appeared on Cassian’s face as he looked at her; he was proud that someone like her is his friend, not a nobody.

Aurelia felt her nerves tinkling as she heard Herald announce her presence in the banquet filled with countless people.

Ahh! She sighed inwardly and took small steps inside the banquet hall. Her eyes fell on the crowd, and all eyes were locked on her. She felt conscious by so many stares. If someone asked her feelings at the time, she would say the first thought that came to her mind was to run away from there, but it was not an option.

She tries to give a small smile in the crowd but immediately remembers her mother’s words to be aloof or no one gives you the respect you command.

She did not give a damn about respect or commands anyone, but still she stopped her smile because she was sure her mother’s eyes were also on her, and she was definitely not ready for another lecture.

Aurelia looks in the crowd to find a familiar face, so she can distract herself from these never-ending stares of everyone.

One month has passed, but in just a short time she has gained an invaluable friend in him. She does not know how they became so close or how she came to trust him so easily when everyone was fake here. Is it his smile or was it his response that day that touched her heart?

But she did not regret befriending him; he was a sunshine in her life, always making her happy.

And she found him in the crowd, near a table, looking all like a little gentleman.

He was also looking at her and giving her an encouraging smile. a small smile curve at the corner of her lips.

At least someone was here to support her in the vast room filled with strangers.

Aurelia completed the last steps of the staircase while looking at Cassian, and he was also looking at her.

Both of them were happy in their little world, oblivious to the intense stare directed at both of them.

Dorian and Vincent, both of their intense stares, were locked on the two little figures, one who was hiding in the crowd and one who was outshining the entire noble of the Aetherlyn kingdom.

Amazement was clearly written in their eyes; their eyes were locked on their target, and the world beside them faded into the background.

Dorian eyes never left Cassian from the moment he stepped foot inside the banquet hall. He felt his breath was stolen at the moment.

And when the lady was pestering him, he wanted to drag her away from Cassian. How dare she seduce him in his presence? He gulped a large amount of wine and instantly felt a burning sensation in his throat.

But his mood became worse when he looked at the little exchange between him and his sister. He knew they were close, and it must be her idea to bring Cassian into the banquet hall.

Why did not this idea come to his mind? He could have brought Cassian with him also, and there was no need to hide in the crowd.

Dorian felt slightly dejected, and a cold aura enveloped him. Zain beside him looked at the cold sculpture and wondered, What know? Why is this Buddha emitting cold now? Did he want to freeze everyone here?

But he shrugged his shoulders and went towards the dessert area to grab something to eat. and enjoy himself.

On the other side of the hall, Prince Vincent leaned casually against a pillar with a goblet of wine in his hand, his dark eyes glinting with mischief. A lazy smirk played on his lips as he watched the scene unfold.

"Well, well," he murmured to himself, swirling the wine with carelessness. "What have we here? A charming little drama amidst the festivities."

Vincent’s gaze flicked between Aurelia and Cassian; amusement and curiosity clearly danced in his eyes.

The princess’s attention is usually so... reserved, but this one... He’s different. How interesting, he thought.