The main, grand palace of the empire was as magnificent as Irene's book described. A vast, tall fortress built sturdily with white walls and tall, strong windows. It stretched across acres of land, encompassed by endlessly flourishing gardens, and was in pristine condition despite being vacant for over a decade.
"Wow..."
Irene couldn't help but stare wide-eyed at the sheer size of it. For a moment, a lot of her anxiousness faded as she took a moment to marvel at the grandeur of an empire's royalty.
Multitudes of carriages lined the roads leading into the courtyard. Nobles from across all of Laydel gathered here - many of which Irene had never seen. All were dressed in luxurious, sparkling attire, and all paid homage to the Cherlianns and Prince Mikael as they passed.
"It's been so long since we came here." Sarah whispered, smiling up at the endlessly vast structure in front of them. Irene glanced up at her mother, still concerned about her health. But it seemed the duchess's condition had improved.
Just then, a man with deep red hair and eyes approached the waiting Cherlianns with a gracious smile. He was rather handsome for a servant, and looked to be in his early twenties. As soon as Rayvis noticed the man approach, a smile crossed his face.
"Tieve! Are you here to escort us in?" He asked.
Irene blinked. Tieve... Tieve Cevalier? A wave of recognition crossed her mind. That's right! He's Daniel's right-hand.
He was far more charming than Irene anticipated. Irene remembered writing about Tieve as a trusted friend of Daniel, who also helped Isabella out many times. He served as a middle man between them, oftentimes.
Irene smiled at the sight of him, but her heart was also racing with anxiousness. Seeing Tieve here makes me realise this is really happening. Daniel is finally taking his place in the empire.
"Yes, My Lord." Tieve responded smoothly to Rayvis. "If you would please follow me."
"No need to keep up the act of courtesy around us, you know." Rayvis sighed, nudging Tieve in the arm as they began to follow him in. "Where is Daniel?"
"His Highness is getting ready and waiting for guests to finish arriving. He won't be here immediately, so please feel free to sit and drink at your leisure."
The mention of Daniel only made Irene even more nervous. When she glanced at Mikael, he didn't seem very fazed by any of this. It was rather comforting having someone who cared so little about this sort of event, even though it was supposed to affect him the most.
As they walked through the halls, Rayvis chatted about various things with Tieve. Irene was content to just watch them whilst admiring the brilliant architecture and interior design. Rudien and Sarah were quiet, but also taking in the palace's features. Although they had been here before, so much time passed since they visited.
After all, no one stepped into the palace after the late Emperor and his wives passed away. It was odd to believe this place was actually where both Daniel and Mikael were born.
Tieve led the Cherlianns into a large hall, and as Irene stepped into it, her eyes widened in awe of the beauty surrounding her. Marble columns lined the walls, surrounding rows of windows with intricate, diamond-like designs. Glass chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their light reflecting off of the shining, white stones.
A grand staircase lined up against the walls, leading to a raised platform, which spread into corridors leading further into the palace. However, entry further in was strictly forbidden — and many guards patrolled the area in order to keep security in check. Considering the events that took place here in the past, it was best to remain cautious.
The entire hall was a buzz of elegantly dressed and exuberant aristocrats, all of whom were sitting or standing around in chatter. Many of the faces Irene recognised, having learned of them through her lessons as a noble. Almost everyone she knew was in attendance, although there were a lot of notable new faces. Everyone was dressed lavishly, waiting around in anticipation, but equally in awe of the Cherlianns the moment they stepped into the room.
Irene tried to keep her composure and ignore all the stares, having grown used to all the eyes following her and her family. The Duke of Cherliann was the most revered man in the empire, and his family too - admired by many.
But the looks and whispers they received were far less in comparison to the amount of attention on Mikael, for today.
"Is that the second prince?"
"He very closely resembles the late emperor."
"I hear that he has gathered much support from the aristocracy, and they are supporting him as rightful heir to the throne."
"Prince Mikael, he has very powerful affinity for magic. He would make a very strong ruler."
The whispers were so loud and incessant, Mikael already wanted to leave. Irene could tell he found all the staring unpleasant, but this was bound to happen. After all, he was the second prince.
I wonder when Daniel will show up... I don't think Mikael can take much more of this attention.
After Tieve excused himself, Irene decided to sit and wait for something to happen, rather than go around greeting everyone. She was still worried about Sarah's state, ensuring her mother was drinking and eating the hors d'oeuvres waiters were bringing around. Since Rudien was the esteemed Duke, many were approaching him from all sides. Rayvis was also mingling with the nobles, keeping up his duties as a Marquess.
Mikael stayed close with Rayvis. Although he wasn't doing a lot of talking, it was good for him to show his face at least. Irene kept an eye on him worriedly, but figured he would be fine in her elder brother's company.
Many young noblewomen were eyeing the noblemen with sparkling eyes, whispering with folding fans over their faces, and acting coy or elegant, like swans gliding past trying to attract a mate.
This came as no surprise to her. There were very handsome men among the younger generation of aristocrats. As expected of a story of mine - of course I'll make it abundant with pretty boys.
Irene noticed Isabella across the hall, and smiled when the chestnut-haired girl flashed her a winsome smile. She was dressed beautifully, in a soft peach-coloured gown, her brown doe eyes lighting up at the sight of her friend.
Sarah noticed their little interaction, and smiled. "You should go and socialise too, Darling," Her voice was gentle, and Irene frowned a little when her mother stroked her hair. "I know I worried you, but really I'm fine. Please go and enjoy yourself."
Irene shook her head, her golden eyes gazing up at her mother in perturbation. "No, I'm not leaving you on your own. I'll stay with you until Rayvis or Papa get back."
A cheeky grin crossed the duchess's face as she chuckled. "Oh, are you sure? It does look like there are a few notably handsome young men who are also desiring your attention."
Huh?
Irene glanced towards the empty area in which many of the nobles were standing around talking, and flinched at the amount of times she made awkward eye contact with some of the young men.
Sarah was right — they were rather handsome. Charming, even. The type of boys who glanced back with beautiful smiles and eyes gleaming with interest.
They're probably more interested in my status than me.
Irene sighed. "I'll pass, Mother. Maybe in another few years."
Sarah chuckled softly, her gloved fingers tracing Irene's face as she brushed some strands of white hair aside. "Alright, in that case I guess I will monopolise you today."
Irene enjoyed the moments with her mother, spent talking and laughing and trying the sweets and savoury bites brought to their table. Many of the noblewomen usually gathered at one place, and Sarah was a leading figure in high society. But the hall was so enormous and everyone was so mixed in with one another, it was difficult to identify where people with closer connections were.
That and, it seemed Rayvis and Rudien were not straying too far from the table, ensuring not many approached Sarah or Irene. Perhaps because of what happened at the carriage earlier, they were being protective — allowing the two women of Cherliann to enjoy their little corner of this elaborate and gigantic ball.
"My Lady, would you like some wine?" A servant graciously asked, holding a tray of delicate wine glasses in his arm.
Sarah shook her head. "Ah- no thank you."
Irene found this rather odd, and raised an eyebrow. "You aren't going to drink, Mother? You usually ask for wine." She questioned, after the servant took his leave to the next table.
Sarah shook her head. "I'm still not quite well. I don't want to burden your father by getting drunk," she chuckled softly, and then her eyes lit up as though she had just remembered something. "You know, before you and Rayvis were born, there was an event where I drank so much alcohol, Rudien had to carry me back to the carriage."
Irene's eyes widened. "Really?" That's the first I've heard her do something that reckless — but then again, Mother is a free spirit.
Sarah laughed upon remembering it, and it made Irene smile to see her happy. "Yes! I even threw up all over him on the journey back. I was so scared he was going to murder me!"
Now that I think about it, Rudien wasn't exactly the loving husband or father back then. The fact that she can laugh about this now shows their relationship has come a long way.
Irene smiled, giggling softly along with her mother. "Was he angry with you?"
Sarah glanced up at her husband, a smile painting her face. "I'm sure I must have pushed his buttons multiple times, but he was patient with me. He was just a man burdened with many unspoken hardships in his life..."
There was so much love in her mother's eyes, and Irene couldn't help but smile. Rudien was still immersed in conversation with other noblemen who came crowding around him, oblivious to how lovingly Sarah was watching him in that moment.
"He didn't know how to love, even if he wanted to. But he has come a very long way, ever since you were born."
Irene smiled, reminiscent of the days she would spend waiting to grow up as a baby. Even Rudien, who somehow grew obsessively interested in her, had changed as a result of her coming into this world. She still couldn't quite comprehend it - but a large part of her was so used to this being her reality, she almost forgot at times it was a miracle to begin with.
Just then — a loud instrument began to play, cutting through the noise in the room and gathering everyone's attention.
Irene jolted slightly, suddenly feeling her heart beginning to race at the sight of everyone standing up, and gathering around the foot of the grand staircase.
Daniel is arriving.
An announcer began to make some sort of speech, but the words drowned out of Irene's ears as both she and Sarah went over to Rudien, standing closely by him. Everyone's attention remained glued to the doors above the stair case, where Daniel was going to walk out of any moment now.
Irene glanced at Mikael and Rayvis several metres away. Neither of them seemed to be having much of a notable reaction.
But everyone was waiting in anticipation. After all, for majority of the people in this hall - this would be the first time they ever laid eyes on the first prince.
There were no paintings of him since birth.
No leaks of his appearance from while he lived in hiding.
All that was known about him was that he resembled his mother - the late Empress Yestala Atlan.
Irene could see the Atlans standing away from the crowd, but they didn't seem to be drawing much attention. They were still trying to recover from their tarnished reputation after Daniel supposedly ran away from them.
To think the most powerful house in Laydel has lost face because of Daniel...
"Now, may I introduce to you - the current First Prince of Laydel, and twenty-fifth heir to the imperial throne," The announced finally turned around to face the door, queuing his entrance. "Daniel Carsius Laydel."
Irene's eyes widened, holding her breath as she watched the scene before in front of her. Like a scene from a story book - the giant doors flung open, and the tall, imposing figure of their host finally entered.
He appeared like a fantasy — his pair of deep, cerulean eyes framed by long lashes, with an intimidating capability to pierce into others like a sharp-edged knife. But the soft, kind aura he wore over himself like a mask, pleased the eyes of those gazing at him in reverence.
Daniel's regal domination of the room seemed almost unreal. Irene could hardly believe he was the same person she saw crying about his weaknesses a few years ago. She stared at the way the light seemed to sink into his skin, seeping the brightness from his surroundings and how the incandescent candles faded, yielding to his shadow.
But his figure still burst with colour; deep blue eyes, moonlight skin and raven hair which framed his face and neck beautifully. He was gorgeous - decorated like a man who just stepped out of a painting, both charming yet dangerous. The proportions of his face were perfectly shaped, enough so that all the young women were left swooning more so than with anyone else. He was young, but far more grown up in ways others could not comprehend.
Even Irene herself, struggled to feel any familiarity with the man who was the male lead of her story. Seeing Daniel now, made her aware of how different her reality was.
Irene avoided looking at him for too long. His presence simultaneously intimidated her, yet filled her with curiosity.
Her attention quickly drew towards Mikael; wondering what kind of expression he would be wearing as he watched his brother step into the room.
There was little emotion on his face, but even the second prince seemed unable to turn away from the sight before him.
Rayvis was smirking rather playfully, and she could have sworn she saw him say to Mikael, "well isn't he quite the specimen?" which brought a smile to her face. Even in this situation, it seemed her brother was able to make jokes.
Daniel came to a halt, eyes glazing over the faces of the guests in the room, until they stopped at Duke Atlan's.
The prince offered a small, charming smile.
"Uncle. I'm glad that you're here." Daniel's voice reverberated through the room like honey dripping through a bee's treasured nest. He gazed at his uncle, who seemed to be staring back at him with indifference.
There was a silent moment, before Karvus Atlan finally bowed his head, courteously. "I dare not miss my beloved nephew's ball."
Daniel dipped his head. The prince then turned to Freya and Ferid, his cousins, as well as the Duchess of Atlan. They smiled and bowed with grace and smiles so kind - no one would suspect there were any ill feelings between them.
"It's good to see you all, thank you for all you've done for me. I hope you'll enjoy this evening." Daniel seemed pleased by their presence, which came as a surprise.
Irene's eyes narrowed slightly. I can't tell what he's thinking...
There was nothing but kindness in the way Daniel delivered those words. And the fact that he did this, left everyone in the room in silence.
Reputation was something that mattered more to House Atlan than anything - and it was the one thing they lost value in because of Daniel's disappearance.
There's no way there isn't tension between them, yet they seem to be getting along just fine in front of everyone...
Whether this warm greeting to his family was to help restore their honour and dispel rumours — or a warning to them, telling them underhandedly to behave themselves, no one knew.
Irene only caught a quick glimpse of the people and faces around her, but they were all in varying states of awe and wonderment. Daniel was completely unreadable. There was little to no crack in the fortress he had built around himself. No one could decide whether they should fear him or adore his charming nature.
In a way, he resembled more a villain than a hero in that moment.
He really isn't the same character I wrote him as...
Irene swallowed, watching as the crowd began to slowly dispel and people began to surround the prince with a barrage of questions. Nobles were practically lining up to talk to him, but they were quickly dismissed, as soon as someone else caught his attention.
Mikael.