The surprise guest I

The chatter immediately ceased when they saw the uninvited guest show up—none other than the daughter of King Geleon, Nastasya, the princess. 

"Did I just hear him correctly? The princess of Cleves is here? Why?" 

"Did the king invite him?" A person asked. 

"Judging by the expression on his face, I don't think he did." They whispered. 

A dark energy surrounded the King as he watched the princess saunter into the banquet, exuding a confidence that suggested she had every right to be there. Her eyes scanned the room, and once they fell on Ceremus, her face lit up as she approached him. The knights stayed behind except for one who followed closely behind her. 

"Greetings, Your Majesty; I would like to thank you for extending my invitation for this occasion." She said as she bowed lightly, her jewelry clinking and resounding in Ceremus' ears. 

The King in question furrowed his brows as he regarded the uninvited guest bowing before him. The creases between his brows deepened as she lifted her head, a bright smile adorning her face. 

"Your words elude me, I'm afraid. What invitation do you speak of?" He inquired, his voice laced with a growing sense of tension and confusion. 

He didn't recall extending an invitation outside of the kingdom. This banquet was a celebration that was supposed to be held for his people only. Who allowed outsiders to barge in? 

The princess was unaware of the King's icy expression and continued with her greetings. 

"I was rather surprised to hear that you wanted me in attendance, given Your Majesty's negative reaction towards the prospect of forming a union with Cleves through marriage, " she said, her smile only growing. But I'm glad to know we have no animosity despite all this." 

Her radiant smile lit up the room, infecting the guests around them. They wouldn't help but whisper praises of admiration as they saw the exquisite beauty standing before them. 

Nastasya peered into Ceremus' eyes with her big doe eyes, and the King found himself completely and utterly baffled. This woman is acting like she was invited to this. 

He had to try his best to maintain his composure, his irritation threatening to show as he clenched his jaw. "And who exactly did you receive this invitation from?" He asked through gritted teeth. 

His question made the princess frown, a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. "Uh, I believe I was informed through Atalanta." She said, glancing at her knight for confirmation. 

The knight nodded as he kept a cautious eye on the King. 

Ceremus felt his patience nearing its end as he narrowed his eyes at the princess. "...I don't recall ever talking to Lady Atalanta about this, how did she even know…" His gaze turned to Anemone, who was looking at everything except the King. 

Nastasya noticed the strange energy around the King and furrowed her brows in confusion. "I'm sorry, but has there been a misunderstanding somewhere?" She wondered. 

Before Ceremus could answer her, the knight next to her spoke up. "I believe Ms. Atalanta has acted on her own once again, Your Highness." He then turned to look at the King, bowing his head respectfully. "I sincerely apologize for this misunderstanding, Your Majesty. We didn't think you would be unaware of our attendance. If our presence poses a problem, we would be happy to leave," he said, his respect for the King evident in his every word. 

Ceremus finally glanced at the knight who had just addressed him, giving him a once-over. He was dressed impeccably in his formal attire. His hair was cut short and neatly styled back, showcasing his handsome features. But his appearance wasn't what caught the King's attention; no, it was his countenance, the way he presented himself with a humility that was rare among knights. And yet, his tone had no arrogance, but the energy he radiated said otherwise. 

Ceremus didn't know why, but he didn't like this man at all. Standing at the side and quietly observing the situation, Hael noticed the shift in the King's demeanor. He could tell immediately that he was getting angry, and things would only get messy if he didn't step in. 

Hael didn't want the carefully prepared celebration tainted, so he put a hand on Ceremus' shoulder, silently telling him to calm down. 

Ceremus looked up and saw Hael's composed expression. He suddenly felt ashamed for almost losing his cool. Clearly, this was a simple misunderstanding and not a shrewd ploy from the neighboring country to unite the two. 

He took a deep breath before adopting a neutral expression. "Since you guys are already here, sending you off after such a long journey wouldn't be right. Feel free to stay and mingle. Please enjoy yourselves, " he said. 

His sudden cooled demeanor surprised the knight, who believed Ceremus would go into a fit of rage. He turned his gaze towards Hael, who kept his eye on Ceremus the entire time. 

"Just who is this man? Why have I only noticed him now?" He wondered to himself. 

The princess was just as surprised as the young knight. She couldn't keep her eyes off Hael, who looked glorious in his ensemble, his white hair shining brightly under the chandelier lights. 

"We should go and greet the head villager, Your Majesty," Hael whispered. 

Ceremus nodded his head. "If you'll excuse me." He said before leaving with Hael. 

Princess Nastasya blinked momentarily before realizing the king was about to leave. She reached out to stop him, but the knight, Octavian, by her side blocked her from moving, shaking his head disapprovingly. "I don't think that's a good idea, Your Highness." He said as he looked between her and their retreating figures. 

"Why not? I wanted to chat with him a little longer. It's the only reason why I came here." She protested, her determination shining through her words. 

"No, it would be unwise to approach him now. You should wait for a moment when he's alone." He advised her. 

He felt the cold energy emanating from the man by his side the minute the princess tried to reach him. He knew things wouldn't go well if he hadn't stopped her, his protective instincts kicking in. 

Princess Nastasya wasn't too happy to hear this, but she complied. "You're right, Octavian. There will be plenty of opportunities to charm His Majesty," she said confidently. 

The knight nodded, though he wasn't sure she'd be doing much charm, given how the king always had someone by his side. 

With the princess's problem now at the far back of his mind, Ceremus proceeded as usual, greeting his guest as a King should before taking a seat at the head of the table.