Arrival

After working on Raquel’s backlog for another two hours, Ryker and Raquel decided to finish for the day. Their engagement party was tonight and there was much to do before it started.

The palace became a place of chaos as servants and nobles rushed around to prepare for the ball party. Not even Ryker’s quarters were spared from the chaos as Lord Myster hurried to get Ryker properly ready for the event.

When Ryker was finally dressed in his engagement suit that Lady Diana had prepared for him, Lord Myster gave a once overall before smiling.

“You look great, your grace.” Lord Myster said with a tone of relief.

Straightening his heavy, red coat, Ryker huffed in annoyance, “Is all this jewelry that necessary? I’m going to make some noble ladies jealous with the amount I’m wearing.”

“It’s necessary that you wear it considering the emperor gifted the outfit to you.” Lord Myster answered. “Jewelry here is a sign of wealth and power here. As the Crown Princess’s fianceé, you must be adorned with countless jewels.”

“I get that. The tailor explained it to both of us.” Ryker grumbled. “I just wished showing wealth and power was done differently and with less weight…”

Ryker tugged on the coat once more, the weight being uncomfortable on his shoulders. It was like he was wearing a chain-mail instead of a silk coat with jewels and chains decorating it.

“I suppose you’re right but the Cadilaria Empire has only been around for 50 years. The power structure among the nobility isn’t as established as the Pellan Kingdom with its 658 years of history.” Lord Myster said. “Besides it’s only for one night. You’ll never need to wear that coat again.”

“Because a new one will be made for the wedding.” Ryker muttered.

“Cheer up.” Lord Myster patted Ryker’s shoulder. “Just think of tonight as your debut to the Cadilaria Empire. It’ll be a great opportunity to extend your influence in the empire and gain more allies and business.”

“I suppose so.” Ryker nodded, straightening his coat one last time. “Best we get going then. Her highness must be waiting for us.”

Lord Myster nodded and the two made their way out of Ryker’s quarters. They walked for a bit before parting ways. Ryker headed straight to Raquel's quarters while Lord Myster turned left to head towards the ballroom where the engagement party was being hosted.

When Ryker got to Raquel’s quarters, he knocked on the door, silently waiting for Raquel to appear. The two were meant to enter the ballroom together where their engagement was to be announced by the emperor.

Thus they had decided to meet at Raquel’s quarters. Lord Myster meanwhile would head to the ball ahead of time to make sure there were no problems.

“Good evening, your grace.” Nicole murmured as she opened the door. “Her highness is still getting ready but you can wait in the drawing room.”

Ryker nodded in understanding and followed Nicole to the drawing room where Ryker had come clean to Raquel about his revenge plot two days ago.

He noticed that Nicole was dressed differently from her normal purple gowns, wearing a modest, blue gown. He guessed she was also going to the ball, making him wonder which noble house she belonged to.

“Tea?” Nicole asked, holding up a teapot.

“Sure.” Ryker nodded, deciding that tea would probably help him calm his nerves.

It had been a while since he had gone to a social event and even then his family’s influence helped him greatly. But now he was like a little tiny fish thrown into the big ocean.

The thought made his stomach churned with nervousness and excitement. Tonight could mean gaining countless powerful allies or making even more enemies.

Taking the teacup from Nicole, Ryker brought the cup to his lips, the smell of roses calming his nerves. He blew on the tea with an icy breath of magic before taking a small sip.

The tea warmed his body as it slid down his throat, calming his mind further with the comfort of drinking tea.

Now calm, he could properly access his stagey for the evening. It was best to play the loving fianceé, keeping close to Raquel. He would also need to learn more about the empire’s nobles so he would have to make sure that servers didn’t top up his glass with alcohol.

“I’m done, Duke Ryker.” Raquel suddenly called out.

Ryker placed his half empty cup down and stood up. Turning to the direction of the voice, Ryker found himself staring at Raquel.

She was wearing a tight, blood red gown with small silver jewels stitched into the skirt. Her hair was done in an updo with some long strands hanging down. Light makeup covered her face and she wore a large diamond necklace.

“You look… good.” Ryker said, for once at loss for words.

Raquel smiled smally. “No need to go fishing for compliments. I know I look like a demon. Guess this is Lady Diana’s revenge.”

“No I mean-” Ryker started but stopped, seeing Nicole shaking her head behind Raquel.

It seemed the maid was trying to warn him not to continue the topic. He wasn’t sure why but decided to take the advice.

“Alright then…” Ryker murmured, walking to Raquel and holding out a gloved hand. “Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to our engagement party.”

“It’s not like I have a choice.” Raquel answered, placing her hand in his. Ryker frowned at Raquel’s words and Raquel sighed upon seeing it. “Just ignore me. I’m a little salty.”

Ryker wondered what had happened between them leaving the office and now. Was it maybe something to do with the dress? He decided to ask Nicole later, seeing as Raquel wasn’t going to be the one to answer that question.

Placing Raquel’s hand on his right arm, the two made their way out Raquel’s quarters and down the hallway towards the venue.

When they got to the doorway, a servant stood there, waiting to announce them to the guests inside. Thankfully he recognized Raquel immediately and grabbed his trumpet.

He blew on it twice to get everyone’s attention before announcing loudly, “Presenting her highness, Crown Princess Raquel Anna de Cadilaria and his grace, Duke Ryker Westerwyn.”