Chapter Thirty-One - The Royal Invitation

Alister entered the grand drawing-room where Ethan and Amelia were waiting, a sealed envelope in hand. "I have news," he announced, his voice tinged with excitement.

Ethan perked up, his curiosity piqued. "What is it?"

Alister handed him the envelope, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "An invitation," he said, his tone filled with significance.

Ethan tore open the envelope eagerly, his eyes scanning the contents. "To the royal founding ball," he exclaimed, his voice tinged with excitement. "We've been invited!"

Amelia's eyes widened in surprise, her heart skipping a beat. "The royal founding ball?" she echoed, her voice filled with disbelief.

Alister nodded, a proud smile on his lips. "Yes, indeed," he said. "It's an honor to be invited."

Amelia's mind raced with possibilities, her thoughts swirling with anticipation. The royal founding ball was one of the most prestigious events of the year, attended by royalty and nobility from across the kingdom. To be invited was a rare privilege, and one that she certainly hadn't expected.

"When do we leave?" she asked, her voice eager.

Alister checked his pocket watch, his brow furrowing in concentration. "Tomorrow morning," he replied. "We must make haste if we're to arrive in time."

Ethan's eyes sparkled with excitement, his face lighting up with a wide grin. "I can't wait!" he exclaimed, his enthusiasm infectious.

With a sense of anticipation humming in the air, they made their preparations for the journey ahead. Their trunks were packed, their finest clothes carefully selected. And as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the estate, they climbed into the waiting carriage and set off into the night.

The journey passed in a blur of motion and anticipation, the wheels of the carriage rattling over the cobblestones as they made their way towards the grand palace. Amelia's heart fluttered with excitement, her mind racing with thoughts of the ball that awaited them.

As they drew closer to their destination, the grand spires of the palace looming into view, she felt a thrill of anticipation coursing through her veins. The royal founding ball awaited them, and she couldn't wait to see what wonders it held in store.