Chapter 30: chapter 29

Sybil

As twilight descended upon the kingdom of Éze, the grand palace shimmered with an ethereal glow. Lanterns lined the marble pathways, and the sweet scent of blooming jasmine wafted through the air.

Tonight was the annual Royal Ball, an event that drew nobles and commoners alike, all eager to glimpse the splendor of the royal family and revel in an evening of merriment.

Inside the opulent ballroom, the atmosphere pulsed with excitement.

Crystal chandeliers sparkled like stars, casting a warm light over the elegantly adorned guests.

Ladies draped in silks and satins twirled in their gowns, while men in tailored coats and polished boots set the scene for a amidst the joviality, all eyes were drawn to one fignight of dance and laughter.

As much as it seems like marvelous ball, it's quite the opposite for someone who's standing next to two women lusting over the prince.

"Are you also here for looking at the prince hoping maybe he would ask you for a dance.?"

I look at the blonde woman in front of me .

"Are you talking to me ?"

"Of course I am."

"No I just came to escort my sister."

"Oh...thank goodness you're not here for the prince ."

I look at her shaking my head confused to the core. She ignores my reaction introducing me to her friend and herself as Lady Clarissa.

“Look at him,” sighed  Lady Athena  , a striking brunette with a reputation for her sharp tongue or thus said the blonde .

“Even engaged, he carries himself with such charm.It’s as if he were born to be adored.”

“Such a tragedy for us,” replied Lady Clarissa, who adjusted her elaborate feathered hat. “Ludovica is a fortunate woman—yet, I cannot help but think that she does not deserve him.”

“Deserve him?” Lady Athena scoffed.“What does that even mean? He is a prince, and she is merely a duke’s daughter.It is a match of convenience, not of love.”

Wow, she really does have a sharp tongue.

Across the room,  Cyrelas laughed heartily with his friends, a group of young noblemen who probably shared tales of adventure and mischief.

Despite the laughter, a shadow crossed his face when he glanced at Ludovica, who was engaged in conversation with her mother, her expression a mixture of pride and trepidation.

“Why does he look so pained?” Lady Clarissa mused, her eyes narrowing.“He ought to be reveling in the attention.”

“Perhaps he longs for something more,” Lady Athena suggested, a glimmer of mischief in her eyes.“Or someone more.”

I felt my heart race at her last sentence. Is he being that obvious.

Can't they just stop looking at him , I mean the dance floor was alive with swirling skirts and twirling partners, yet the ladies’ gaze remained fixed on him.

.It was as if an unspoken competition unfolded among them, each vying for his attention, even if only for a fleeting moment.

.The air crackled with tension as they assessed each other’s chances.

“Did you hear?” Lady Clarissa whispered, drawing closer to us.“They say the prince has been seen wandering the gardens alone, lost in thought. What if he seeks solace from the burdens of his engagement? Perhaps he wishes for the thrill of romance.”

“Romance?” Lady Athena echoed, her eyes sparkling with intrigue.“What if we dared to approach him? A royal ball is the perfect setting for an enchanting encounter.”

As if summoned by their words, Cyrelas stepped away from his friends and approached the refreshment table.

He filled a crystal goblet with sweet nectar, casting a fleeting glance around the room.The moment his gaze fell upon the group of ladies or rather...me, a subtle blush crept up his cheeks.

The whispers grew hushed, and the air thickened with anticipation.

“Dare I say, he notices us,” Lady Clarissa breathed, clutching her fan tightly.“This is our chance.”

"Wait he's coming here.ah! How do I look?"

"Aren't you going to at least fix yourself?"

Athena asks me while patting her hair . With an unspoken agreement, the ladies straightened their backs as Cyrelas approached.

I think I should leave. But wouldn't that be obvious. No I should just leave.

I turn to leave until a hand stops me .

"Please don't leave . We can't seem desperate . You'll say that you convinced us to come here because we weren't even interested. "

"What!? I don't even know you two."

I look at him and I really need to escape from here.

"Please let me go."

I turn to leave but his voice stops me .

"Ladies!"

I could hear  their hearts racing like the drums of the orchestra playing a lively waltz.

As he reached us , he looked at us with a smile ,

Lady Athena stepped forward, a coy smile on her lips

“Your Highness,” she began, her voice smooth as silk, “it seems the evening has cast a spell upon us. Might we have the honor of a dance?”

I thought she said she didn't want to seem desperate.

Cyrelas regarded them, amused yet cautious.“I am flattered by your request, ladies, but I fear it is unwise for me to dance with anyone other than my fiancée.”

“But would it not be a fleeting moment of joy?” Lady Clarissa interjected, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“A chance to experience the magic of the night together, even if only for a moment?”

"Ahh...I apologize. I really can't. But since I'm on a mission of getting to know everyone in my town , I can arrange something for a day I'm free."

"Really?"

"Yes...but only if you have an escort. Is this lady here your escort?"

He points at me and I roll my eyes looking away .

"Yes ! She is . She's our cousin but she's fierce. We're here today because of her. Nothing can happen with her around."

Are these two women nuts? Do they even know me. And what is Cyrelas thinking suggesting if I'm their escort?

"Well...wait a moment... Vittorio!"

Vittorio rushes to us nodding to the ladies.

"Your highness?"

"Do I have anything Tommorow?"

"Uh... I'll che-"

"Reschedule whatever that is supposed to happen . I have an appointment with the ladies here?"

"Your hig-"

"Clear!?"

"Yes , your highness."

Vittorio leaves and I just look at Cyrelas who's acting sweetly with the ladies.

I could've said no but I have a chance to talk to him about Ludovica. I don't have a choice .