Chapter 7

As Cornelius and Annabeth made their way back to the grand ballroom, the anticipation in the air was palpable. Annabeth was captivated by the golden-haired lady named Abel, whose presence seemed to light up the evening. Under the moonlit sky, Abel's hair shone like a halo, a striking contrast to the more familiar faces of the Andigre society. Annabeth, who had only seen such grandeur in the Grand Duchess and Duchess Arcelia of House Callascione, was astonished by the sudden appearance of such an extraordinary beauty.

Cornelius, meanwhile, felt an unsettling familiarity every time he glanced at Abel. Despite their brief encounters at the pastry shop and the restaurant, he couldn't quite place where he had seen her before. The feeling tugged at the edges of his memory, elusive and frustrating.

As the grand ballroom doors opened, a hush fell over the room. King Einar, standing on the dais, exuded an aura of authority and gravitas. His voice, commanding and clear, cut through the murmur of the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests," King Einar began, his tone heavy with anticipation, "Tonight marks a significant moment for my son, Crown Prince Cornelius, and for the entire Andigre Kingdom."

The guests, eager and expectant, focused intently on the King. Cornelius and Annabeth stood close together, exchanging a poignant, silent glance. Cornelius's demeanor was one of controlled indifference, his face a mask of calm that belied the swirling emotions beneath. Annabeth's eyes, on the other hand, spoke volumes of her sadness and resignation. Their unspoken conversation was a testament to the weight of the moment.

King Einar continued, his voice steady. "Before I unveil the identity of the future Crown Princess, I wish to express my gratitude to Duke Lennon and Duchess Arcelia of House Callascione."

The room erupted in murmurs of agreement. Duke Lennon and Duchess Arcelia's contributions to the kingdom were well-known, and their support was highly respected.

"Duke Lennon and Duchess Arcelia," King Einar said, "have been unwavering pillars of strength for our kingdom. Their dedication in raising their children has set a standard for all, and their guidance has been invaluable."

As the King spoke, Cornelius and Annabeth exchanged another meaningful glance. Their silent communication was an intense display of their shared understanding and emotional complexity.

King Einar took a deep breath before continuing. "It is with immense pride and personal joy that I announce the future Crown Princess. This lady has captured my heart since her childhood. Her intelligence and wisdom surpass all others I have encountered, including Duke Lennon himself."

The crowd buzzed with whispers of astonishment. The identity of the mysterious lady remained shrouded in intrigue, and the excitement in the room was palpable.

King Einar paused for dramatic effect. "She has been kept away from the public eye by her father, residing abroad, and is the second daughter of Duke Lennon of House Callascione."

A collective gasp swept through the guests. The revelation that Christabel was the second daughter of House Callascione was met with shock and fascination. The society of Andigre Kingdom had been unaware of her existence, and the news caused a stir.

"Please join me in welcoming Lady Christabel of House Callascione," King Einar concluded, extending a hand toward the elegantly poised figure beside him.

As Christabel stepped forward with graceful confidence, the room's atmosphere shifted. Her composed demeanor and regal bearing commanded attention. Cornelius and Christabel prepared for their first dance as an engaged couple. The music began, and the guests refocused on the celebration, their murmurs fading into the rhythm of the waltz.

During their dance, Christabel exuded an air of calm elegance, her movements precise and deliberate. Cornelius, maintaining an air of studied detachment, turned to her. "Lady Christabel, this is quite the unexpected twist. How do you find yourself so poised amid all this chaos?"

Christabel's expression remained serene, her voice smooth and measured. "Your Highness, adaptability is a key trait for anyone in a position such as mine. One must remain composed and handle situations with clarity, no matter how unexpected."

Cornelius raised an eyebrow, impressed by her composure. "Indeed. It seems you've been well-prepared for this role. I've heard little about you prior to tonight, and yet you handle the spotlight with remarkable grace."

Christabel's eyes sparkled with quiet determination. "Preparation is crucial. It's not merely about adapting to a new role but understanding the responsibilities that come with it. I've had time to prepare myself for this, even if the circumstances are far from what I imagined."

Their conversation was momentarily interrupted by the lively chatter of the guests, who had gathered around the dance floor. The ambiance was filled with curiosity and excitement, as everyone eagerly anticipated the next phase of the evening.

Unbeknownst to the celebrants, a shadowy figure observed the festivities from a secluded corner of the grand ballroom. His eyes, cold and calculating, followed the engaged couple with a sinister glint. His presence was almost invisible, but his words, spoken in a low, menacing tone, pierced through the noise.

"Such a wonderful and disgusting scene that I want to gladly destroy it with my own hands," the mysterious figure said, his voice carrying a dangerous aura that sent shivers down the spines of those nearby. The figure's companion, a shadowy presence, nodded in silent agreement, the air thick with a sense of foreboding.

As the music swirled and the guests danced, the atmosphere in the grand ballroom was one of joy and celebration. Yet, beneath the surface, an undercurrent of tension simmered, adding an unexpected layer of intrigue to the night's events.

When the dance concluded, Cornelius and Christabel made their way back to the royal family. The grand ballroom buzzed with renewed energy as the guests celebrated the engagement, the anticipation of what lay ahead for the kingdom hanging in the air.

Cornelius and Annabeth, now reunited with the royal family, exchanged another silent glance. The weight of the moment was evident in their eyes, a poignant reminder of the complex emotions they were grappling with. The silent conversation between them was a testament to their shared experience and the unspoken understanding of their situation.

Christabel, fully aware of the charged atmosphere, chose to focus on her role in the unfolding events. The engagement was a necessary step in her mission, and while the personal dynamics were intricate, she remained steadfast in her purpose.

As the night progressed, the grand ballroom became a stage for new beginnings and the unfolding drama of the Andigre Kingdom. For Cornelius and Christabel, the path ahead was fraught with both challenges and opportunities, and their union marked a pivotal moment in the kingdom's history.