The Welcome Dinner

Once I reached my chambers, I dressed for the welcome dinner, choosing a royal blue suit, a black tie, and polished black dress shoes. My patience had worn thin, so instead of meticulously styling my hair, I simply tousled it to the side. With a final glance in the mirror, I steeled myself for the evening ahead and descended the grand staircase.

Before joining the guests, I made a few final checks to ensure everything was in order. First, I strode to the kitchens, where the chefs bustled about, putting the finishing touches on the evening's meal. The aroma of roasted lamb and delicate pastries filled the air. Satisfied that everything was proceeding smoothly, I continued to the formal dining room, taking in the meticulously set table, its gleaming silverware reflecting the flickering candlelight.

Next, I met with the head of security to review the guest list, ensuring that each person had been thoroughly vetted. My father had insisted that only the most trusted members of the court be present for the evening, though I was sure there would still be a few schemers among them. Politics never truly took a night off.

Soon, the guests began to arrive, their polished shoes clicking against the marble floors as they entered. I stood at the grand entrance, greeting each with a forced yet practiced smile. My sister, Elara, would have been far better at this than I. She had a natural charm that put people at ease, while I struggled to suppress my impatience. But she was in Eldoria, far from the political machinations of Veridian. I envied her for that.

"Lord Harrington," I said, extending my hand to the Earl of Silverwood, a grizzled veteran whose war stories I had long admired. "It's an honor to see you."

"The honor is mine, Your Highness," he replied, his grip firm. "And thank you. It was a privilege to serve Veridian."

"Please," I gestured toward the dining room, "make yourself comfortable. Dinner will be served shortly."

Turning, I greeted Lady Beatrice, the Countess of Seacliff. "Lady Beatrice, it's a pleasure to meet you. Your work with the orphanage has been inspiring."

She beamed. "Thank you, Your Highness. It is my life's work. Every child deserves a chance."

"Your dedication is admirable. Please, join the others. I'm sure many would love to hear about your efforts."

One by one, I welcomed the guests, offering polite conversation and measured smiles. They were the pillars of Veridian, nobles and dignitaries whose influence stretched far beyond the walls of this castle. And yet, at that moment, they were merely players in the elaborate performance we were staging tonight.

Once everyone was seated, the dinner commenced. The dining hall shimmered under the soft glow of the chandeliers, the clinking of silverware against fine china punctuating the low hum of conversation. The first course—a delicate smoked salmon with a citrus dressing—was served, and polite compliments to the chefs followed.

"This pheasant is divine," Lady Beatrice remarked later, dabbing her lips with a napkin. "Your kitchen staff is truly unparalleled."

"Thank you, Countess," I replied, inclining my head slightly. "We take pride in sourcing the finest ingredients."

Lord Harrington chuckled, his deep voice carrying across the table. "If only we had such fare on the battlefield, perhaps we'd have fought even harder."

Laughter rippled through the room, the jovial atmosphere a stark contrast to the tense weight in my chest. I played my part well, engaging in conversation and offering well-rehearsed responses. But my mind was elsewhere, caught in the web of political maneuvering that had led to this very evening.

As the main course—succulent roasted lamb—was cleared, my father, the King, rose to his feet. The hall fell into silence.

"Welcome, Prince Alexander of Avaloria," he began, his voice warm yet commanding. "Tonight, we celebrate not only your arrival but the deepening bond between our two great kingdoms."

He raised his goblet. "To Avaloria!"

"To Avaloria!" the guests echoed, lifting their glasses in unison.

My mother, Queen Alicia, followed suit. "May this union bring prosperity and peace for generations to come."

Finally, Prince Alexander stood, his gaze unreadable. "I am honored by your welcome," he said, his voice steady. "Veridian's history and strength are well known, and I look forward to fostering our alliance."

The court applauded, murmuring their approval. I, however, clenched my jaw. So, he could be polite when it suited him. He had no qualms about showing respect to my parents, yet his disdain for me was evident. I wondered if he realized they were the architects of this marriage. Or perhaps he simply found it easier to direct his anger at me. Regardless, the feeling was mutual.

The meal continued, with courses of sorbet and rich chocolate torte. Laughter and conversation wove through the evening, an illusion of unity draped over the reality of our situation. When the final guest departed, I released a quiet sigh, my shoulders relaxing for the first time that night.

My mother placed a hand on my arm. "It was a successful evening," she said gently. "Prince Alexander seems… agreeable."

"He's certainly skilled at playing his role, Mother," I replied, unwilling to pretend otherwise.

She sighed, giving me a knowing look but said nothing more. I excused myself, retreating to my chambers, where I could finally shed the weight of the evening. The suit came off quickly, replaced by comfortable attire. I raked a hand through my hair, loosening the carefully constructed image I had presented all night.

Tomorrow was the official announcement of my engagement to Prince Alexander. A political arrangement dressed as a love story. The thought made my stomach twist. I glanced at the stack of papers on my desk—statements meticulously crafted by the royal advisors, dictating every word I was to say. A performance, nothing more.

Elara would have laughed at the absurdity of it all. She was the only one who truly understood how suffocating this life could be. I missed her more than ever. If she were here, she would have found a way to make this entire situation more bearable. But she wasn't. I was alone in this.

A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. A servant entered, setting down a tray of warm milk and a light snack. "A little something to help you rest, Your Highness."

I gave a nod of thanks, though sleep felt like a distant possibility. I took a sip, the warmth doing little to ease the turmoil inside me.

My thoughts drifted to Prince Alexander. I barely knew him beyond our few encounters. Yet, the bitterness between us had already rooted itself deeply. Was he as resentful as I was? Did he also feel like an unwilling participant in this grand charade?

I set the glass down with a sigh. There was no point in speculating. Tomorrow would come, and I would do what was expected of me. I would smile for the cameras, deliver my rehearsed lines, and play my role to perfection.

Because in the end, this wasn't about me. It was about Veridian. And no matter how much I resented this arrangement, I would not fail my kingdom.

With that final thought, I pushed the papers aside and prepared for what was to come. Tomorrow, the world would believe in our love story.

Even if I never would.