Chained Hearts: From Slavery to Sovereignty
Chapter 64: A challenge? I accept

Chapter 64: 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.

He had never played a role of father in her life. He was just a king in her eyes, and she respected that.

The king nodded approvingly but he said nothing, just like previous time and Aurelia did not expect anything from him.

But it gives the chance to the queen to step forward.

Selena’s sharp eyes scanned Aurelia’s attire, her posture, and every detail. Then, as if granting a rare boon, Selena offered a small nod of approval.

"Well done, Aurelia," the queen said to Aurelia and placed her gloved hands on the Aurelia’s hands, like a loving mother, but only she knows the reality.

The weight of that gesture was not for the princess, but to show everyone unity and grace of royals, but to Aurelia, it felt like a shackle.

Still, she maintained her serene expression, her fingers trembling only slightly beneath her mother’s touch.

"Thank you, Mother," Aurelia replied with a neutral voice. Thankfully, her voice did not betray the emotions churning inside her.

Selena’s lips curled into a faint smile but her sharp gaze still lingered on the princess, and Aurelia understood it. It was a silent warning to stay composed and behave. Behave according to her and be her puppet.

A small sardonically smile appeared on her face, and the little light in her eyes dimmed.

Releasing Aurelia, the queen turned her attention toward a figure standing nearby and it was him, Prince Vincent.

Vincent was dressed impeccably in his royal attire. He watched the interaction between the queen and princess with mild amusement.

His sharp features betrayed curiosity as the queen approached him. The crowd hushed slightly, They were eager to see how this exchange would unfold.

Your Highness, Queen Selena greeted Prince Vincent with a sweet tone, her voice was so smoot that it made Aurelia cringe internally.

It is an honor to have you here this evening, she continued with a fake smile.

"The honor is mine, Your Majesty," Vincent replied with a polite smile and inclined his head slightly. However, his dark eyes did not lingered on the queen but flickered on the princess, who stood behind the queen like a poised doll.

Selena followed his gaze, and a delighted smile appeared on his face. She gestured lightly toward her daughter and said, May I introduce my daughter, Princess Aurelia Aetheris?

Vincent stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Princess Aurelia," he said with a warm voice, but his eyes held amusement and intrigue that unsettled princess Aurelia.

"Your Highness," Aurelia replied in a small voice and curtsey with the perfect amount of grace.

Queen Selena’s hand lingered in the air briefly before she continued. "You’ll find my daughter a most engaging conversationalist. Perhaps you might take the opportunity to get to know her better this evening."

The words were polite, but the underlying command was clear. Selena’s gaze flicked between the two, her expression was unreadable.

Vincent’s smirk widened ever so slightly. "I look forward to the opportunity," he said smoothly.

Aurelia stiffened inwardly, though her face betrayed nothing. Her mind raced. She calculated her next steps. Of course, she thought bitterly. Mother wastes no time arranging my life.

Selena gave a small nod of satisfaction, as though the matter was already settled. "I trust you both will enjoy the evening," she said before stepping away, her regal presence parting the crowd as she moved.

As the queen vanished among the crowd of nobility, the banquet officially began. Music filled the room, and servers began to weave across the hall, carrying trays of wine and food. Laughter and talk erupted as guests mingled, their silks and diamonds striking the candlelight.

Aurelia turned to Vincent with a strained smile. "It seems we’ve been assigned an evening together, Your Highness."

"Indeed," Vincent said, his tone light but his stare sharp. "I must admit, Princess, I am attracted by your reputation. I’ve heard you’re both clever and quick-witted."

Aurelia raised an eyebrow, her smile growing faintly mischievous. "Flattery is a useful tool, isn’t it? Though I must warn you, I’m far from the graceful paragon my mother believes me to be."

"Good," Vincent said, surprising her. "I’d hate for you to be predictable."

Aurelia blinked, caught off guard. But she recovered quickly, letting a faint laugh escape her lips. "Predictable? Oh, you’ll find I’m full of surprises, Your Highness. Shall we test that over a dance?"

Vincent tilted his head, his smile deepening. "A challenge? I accept."

Cassian, watching the interaction from his corner, felt a pang of unease. He knew Aurelia was deliberately trying to fend Vincent off, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that Vincent was enjoying the game far too much.

As the music began anew, Aurelia and Vincent moved to the dance floor. Cassian’s attention lingered on the princess, silently willing her strength.

"Your interest in the princess is admirable," a low, familiar voice said behind him.

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