Polite applause rippled through the crowd as Princess Ebere stepped forward, her chin lifted high, a practiced smile on her lips.
The king's expression softened as he turned slightly.
"Tonight, however, marks not just one, but two celebrations. It is also the sixteenth birthday of another cherished member of our royal family, Second Princess Nnenna."
Gasps echoed through the hall, and murmurs spread like wildfire.
"Second Princess? So it's true?!" some whispered in confusion.
"Being introduced only at sixteen, is she truly his daughter?" others speculated, eyes darting between the unfamiliar girl and the royal family.
But the king continued, undeterred.
"For reasons known only to our family, my daughter Princess Nnenna has remained outside of the public eye until now. However, tonight, that changes. It is with great pride that I introduce her to the world for the first time."