Chapter Twenty-Three - Twists of Fate

As the night at the grand ball wore on, Amelia found herself standing by the buffet with Ethan, the rich aromas of the decadent spread tantalizing their senses. Ethan's eyes sparkled with excitement as he surveyed the lavish array of delicacies.

"Aunt Amelia, look at all the food! I've never seen so many different kinds of pastries!" Ethan exclaimed, his youthful enthusiasm infectious.

Amelia smiled warmly at him, her earlier confrontation forgotten for the moment. "Go ahead, Ethan. Enjoy yourself," she encouraged, watching as he eagerly selected a variety of treats, his small hands barely able to carry all his choices.

As Ethan savored a particularly delicious cream-filled pastry, Amelia took the opportunity to sample some of the dishes herself. She marveled at the exquisite flavors, the delicate balance of spices and textures that spoke of the skill of the palace chefs.

Her thoughts, however, kept drifting back to Alister. She scanned the room, her eyes finally landing on him. He was engaged in conversation with a group of dignitaries, his commanding presence evident even from a distance. She admired the way he carried himself, a mix of authority and grace that made him stand out.

Suddenly, Alister looked up and their eyes met across the crowded room. He excused himself from the conversation and made his way towards her, his gaze never leaving hers. Amelia felt a flutter in her chest, a mix of anticipation and nervousness.

When he reached her, he extended his hand with a slight bow. "May I have this dance, Duchess?" he asked, his voice low and smooth.

Amelia's heart skipped a beat. She placed her hand in his, feeling the warmth of his touch. "Of course, Duke," she replied softly.

As they moved to the dance floor, the music shifted to a slower, more romantic tune. Alister guided her with practiced ease, his movements confident and sure. Amelia felt herself relax in his arms, the rest of the world fading away as they danced.

For a moment, everything felt perfect. The soft glow of the chandeliers, the gentle sway of their bodies, the way his eyes never left hers—it was like a scene from a dream. Amelia allowed herself to get lost in the moment, savoring the rare feeling of being completely at ease.

But as the dance came to an end and the applause from the other guests filled the room, Amelia's gaze drifted towards the entrance of the ballroom. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw her: the crown princess, the very woman who had betrayed her in the original timeline.

A wave of unease washed over her, memories of betrayal and pain flashing through her mind. She instinctively took a step back, her hand slipping from Alister's grasp.

"Amelia, are you alright?" Alister asked, concern evident in his voice as he noticed her sudden change in demeanor.

Amelia forced a smile, trying to steady herself. "Yes, I'm fine. Just... a bit overwhelmed," she lied, her eyes darting nervously towards the crown princess, who was now surrounded by a group of admirers.

Alister followed her gaze, his brow furrowing as he saw the woman who had caused such a reaction in his wife. "Do you know her?" he asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.

Amelia hesitated, not wanting to reveal too much. "Not personally. Just... someone from the past," she said vaguely, hoping he wouldn't press further.

Sensing her discomfort, Alister gently guided her away from the crowd. "Let's get some fresh air," he suggested, leading her towards one of the open balconies. Amelia nodded, grateful for the escape.

Once outside, the cool night air helped to calm her racing heart. Alister stood beside her, his presence a comforting anchor. He didn't press her for more information, instead offering silent support.

They stayed like that for a while, the sounds of the ball continuing behind them. Eventually, Alister spoke again. "If there's anything you need to talk about, you know you can tell me, right?" he said, his voice gentle.

Amelia looked up at him, feeling a surge of gratitude. "Thank you, Alister. I appreciate that," she said softly. She knew she couldn't keep her past a secret forever, but tonight wasn't the time to reveal everything.

As they made their way back inside, Amelia spotted Ethan again. He was chatting animatedly with some other children, completely unaware of the earlier tension. Seeing him so happy brought a smile to her face, easing some of her lingering anxiety.

"Let's find Ethan and make our goodbyes," Alister suggested. "It's been a long night."

Amelia agreed, and together they navigated the crowded ballroom to where Ethan was. They bid farewell to the hosts and a few acquaintances, the weight of the evening's events still hanging over them.

As they left the grand palace and stepped into their carriage, Alister couldn't help but wonder why his wife had looked so scared of the crown princess. He resolved to find out, but for now, he would let her have her peace.

In the carriage, the silence was comfortable. Amelia leaned back against the plush seats, exhaustion starting to creep in. Ethan, his earlier excitement now replaced by tiredness, leaned against her, his eyes drooping.

"Did you have fun tonight?" Amelia asked him, her voice soft.

Ethan nodded sleepily. "Yes, Aunt Amelia. It was amazing," he murmured before drifting off to sleep.

Amelia smiled, brushing a strand of hair from his face. She looked up to find Alister watching her, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Thank you for tonight, Alister," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. "It meant a lot to me."

He reached out and took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I'm glad," he replied simply.

As the carriage rolled through the quiet streets, Amelia felt a mix of emotions. The night had been eventful, filled with both challenges and moments of joy. She knew there were still many questions left unanswered, but for now, she was content to simply be with her family.