The Princess' Harem
Chapter 157: The Grand Deception

Chapter 157: The Grand Deception

The decision settled. The next morning, a royal decree swept through Elysia. It announced the engagement of Princess Viana, Queen-in-waiting, to Crown Prince Rayne Elwick of Valendale.

The news spread like wildfire. Excitement buzzed through the city, drowning out lingering fear. The people, battered by recent chaos, craved hope. This alliance offered it. They spoke of a new golden age, a powerful new beginning for the kingdom.

King Clive and Queen Isabella, guided by Viana and Rayne’s careful suggestions, planned a grand banquet. It would be held for the nobles.

The purpose was clear, to officially announce the engagement, to solidify the image of a strong, united front. To send an undeniable message to Lazarus, and the world beyond their borders.

Preparations began swiftly. The royal chefs worked without rest, creating elaborate dishes, intricate and flavorful. Musicians practiced grand, celebratory pieces. Servants polished every surface, and hung new tapestries, vibrant with the crests of both kingdoms.

The palace, still recovering, vibrated with a new, forced energy. It was a grand facade, a necessary one.

Viana moved through it all. She greeted nobles, her smile fixed and bright. She accepted congratulations, each word rehearsed. Every interaction was a performance, every polite phrase, a line in a carefully crafted script.

Rayne was often by her side. He played his part perfectly, showing appropriate affection, subtle glances, a tender hand on her arm. He spoke of hopeful future, of Valendale’s unwavering support.

His presence reassured the nervous nobles, bolstering the image of strength, of stability.

Viana watched him, and saw his commitment. His intelligence in handling their public display, was natural.

***

The day of the banquet arrived. The main hall of the imperial palace shimmered, draped in Elysian green and mixed with Valendale blue.

Sunlight poured through tall arched windows, reflecting off polished silver. The air smelled of roasted meats, sweet wines.

Nobles arrived in their finest silks, their jewels glittered under the light. Whispers filled the room, about the royal match, and Elysia’s return to glory.

Viana stood beside her parents, wearing a gown of deep green velvet, embroidered with silver threat that sparkles like few on forest leaves. Rayne stood nearby, looking regal in his Valendale blue tunic, smiled in confident.

King Clive rose and the murmurs died down. His voice resonated through the vast hall.

"My loyal nobles," he began, his words clear, his face held deep pride. "Tonight, we celebrate not just the resilience of Elysia. We celebrate its glorious future, a bond that will safeguard our kingdom for generations."

He paused, then looked at Viana and Rayne. "It is with immense joy, profound hope. Than Queen Isabella and I announce the engagement of our beloved daughter, Princess Viana Yanis, to Prince Rayne Elwick of Valendale!"

A wave of applause erupted, cheers filled the hall. Nobles raised their goblets high.

"To Princess Viana! To Prince Rayne! To Elysia! To Valendale!"

The sound were deafening. Viana forced a radiant smile, bright and unwavering. She curtsied deeply, a graceful, practiced movement. Rayne bowed, accepting the accolades.

He took her hand and brought it to his lips, a slow, elegant gesture. His touch was warm, a calculated action. It sent a ripple of pleased murmurs through the crowd.

Viana met Rayne’s gaze for a fleeting second, and saw the familiar, knowing gleam in his eyes. He played his part, she played hers. The deception felt real, now publicly declared.

The feasting began, music swelled, dancers twirled in vibrant silks. Viana moved through the hall, engaging in polite conversation, accepting more congratulations.

She remembered the system’s words, she could view all candidate love percentages. The thought felt intrusive, unsettling, yet also, potentially useful.

She dismissed it for now, her focus remained on the performance, on the watchful eyes around her, on the unknown eyes that might be watching from afar.

Later, a small group gathered in a less formal salon. Joel, Reyes, Arden, Kaley who was still in the palace, were there. They observed the festivities from a distance.

Their expressions were calm, their faces betrayed little emotion. They too, were part of the secret, knowing the truth behind the smiles and the cheers.

Viana and Rayne approached them, each carrying a small glass of berry wine.

"The performance is going well," she murmured, her voice low, blended with the ambient music.

Joe nodded, his eyes scanned the room with alertness, constantly assessing. He met Viana’s gaze, a quiet understanding passed between them.

"Indeed, Princess," Joel murmured, his voice low. "The nobles believe it. They cling to this hope."

Reyes, ever watchful, stood beside him, his arms were crossed over his chest. "Lazarus will hear of it," Reyes stated, his voice calm, certain. "He will believe it too."

Viana took a sip of wine, its berry scent was sweet. Her gaze swept over them.

Lazarus needed to move. This grand engagement, this beautiful lie, had to work. It was her best bait.

Rayne stepped closer to the group, holding his own glass of wine. He mer each person’s gaze, a quiet acknowledgement passing between them.

"The deception will work," Rayne said, his voice steady. He spoke with the quiet confidence of a general assessing a battlefield. "Lazarus, if he is the man you describe, will see this as a direct challenge."

He looked at Viana, his blue eyes held hers. "My apologies, Princess, for my initial public enthusiasm. It was... convincing, I believe. But the knowledge of its true purpose adds a certain gravity to the performance."

Viana felt a warmth spread through her, not from the wine, it was from Rayne’s words.

’No apology needed, Prince Rayne," she replied, her voice low, meant only for their small circle. "Your performance was impeccable. It sold the lie. That is what matters."

The other men looked at her with an amused look, of her unawareness of the Crown Prince’s genuine excitements. He wasn’t pretending to be overjoyed with his engagement with her.

And for now, what they could do was to wait, for her brilliant ’grand deception’ to work, while holding back their own feelings toward her.