As the Duke, Rosalena, and Christopher stepped down the grand staircase, the entire ballroom fell silent.
The chandeliers overhead cast a golden glow, making the crystals on Rosalena's black gown sparkle like the night sky. Her silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, catching the light with every step. Her ruby-red eyes glowed with an ethereal intensity, and the purple moonstone necklace shimmered like a rare celestial gem.
Everyone was mesmerized.
No one could take their eyes off her.
Noblemen admired her beauty in stunned silence. Even the women who prided themselves on their elegance couldn't help but stare, their admiration laced with envy.
From across the room, Alex stood frozen.
His sharp purple eyes softened as he watched her descend. His usual composed expression wavered, replaced by something far more tender.
As soon as Rosalena reached the floor, Alex stepped forward.
"Congratulations, Lady Rosalena," he said smoothly, his voice warm yet firm.
Then, without hesitation, he took her hand and placed a soft kiss on her fingers.
"You look breathtaking," he murmured, his gaze locked onto hers.
Rosalena smiled slightly, unaware of how the simple gesture sent whispers rippling through the crowd.
"Your necklace suits you," Alex added, his eyes lingering on the glowing purple jewel resting against her skin.
Nearby, Airna stood alone.
The moment Rosalena entered, the noblewomen who had surrounded Airna abandoned her in favor of greeting the true star of the evening.
They flocked toward Rosalena, showering her with admiration and eager compliments.
The Crown Prince's Growing Rage
At the other end of the ballroom, the Crown Prince watched silently.
His piercing golden eyes followed Rosalena, expecting—no, waiting—for her to approach him like she always did.
But she didn't.
She didn't even glance in his direction.
His jaw clenched. His fingers curled into fists.
The moment he could no longer stand being ignored, he strode forward and cut through the crowd.
"You look beautiful tonight, Rosalena," he said, his voice low and authoritative.
She turned her head slightly, meeting his gaze for only a moment before responding with a simple—
"Thank you."
Then she walked past him.
She didn't linger. She didn't smile. She didn't offer even the smallest trace of affection.
The Crown Prince's face darkened.
It was the first time she had ever dismissed him so easily.
A Royal Arrival
Before the tension could rise any further, a loud announcement echoed through the ballroom.
"His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor, and Her Majesty, the Empress, have arrived!"
At once, the entire room fell into perfect silence.
The doors at the far end of the ballroom swung open.
And the Emperor and Empress stepped inside.