Chapter Four: The Imperial Ball

Frostbane family arrived at the palace in a grand carriage, its silver and blue colors gleaming under the moonlight. The night air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of roses from the palace gardens.

Inside the carriage, Elena shifted in her seat, fidgeting with the delicate sleeves of her gown. The dress was frost-white silk, adorned with tiny crystals that shimmered like freshly fallen snow. Her golden hair was braided with silver ribbons, and a thin circlet of icy blue gems rested on her head—a gift from her mother.

As the carriage came to a smooth stop, Eryndor offered her his arm. "Remember, Elena," he murmured, his voice low but protective. "Stay close to me. If anyone makes you uncomfortable, let me know immediately."

Elena nodded, but her wide blue and gold eyes were already fixed on the palace's grand entrance. It was magnificent—tall golden doors, polished marble steps, and banners embroidered with the royal insignia fluttering in the breeze.

The moment she stepped out, the murmurs began.

The Center of Attention

As they entered the imperial ballroom, a hush fell over the crowd. Dozens of noble families, ministers, and high-ranking officials turned to stare.

Elena stiffened under the weight of their gazes.

"Is that the Frostbane girl?" someone whispered.

"The one with fire and ice magic?"

"She's even more beautiful than they say…"

She felt Eryndor's reassuring grip on her arm, and she took a deep breath, her nervousness melting into quiet determination.

They walked through the room, the crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over the polished floors and dazzling gowns. At the far end of the hall, the royal family sat on their thrones.

Elena's heart pounded as she approached.

She curtsied gracefully, her voice soft but clear. "Your Majesty, Your Grace. Thank you for inviting us."

The king's gaze sharpened with interest. "Ah, Lady Elena Frostbane. The child of fire and ice." His deep voice carried through the hall. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you."

Elena hesitated for half a second before offering him a bright smile. "The pleasure is mine, Your Majesty."

The king chuckled. "Tell me, child, how do you find the capital?"

Elena blinked, then tilted her head, deep in thought. "It's very… big! And loud! But I like the markets, and the flowers in the gardens are pretty."

A ripple of soft laughter moved through the court. The king grinned, clearly amused. "Such honesty! You are a refreshing presence, Lady Elena."

Beside him, the queen—a regal woman with sharp features—offered a polite nod. "Welcome to the capital, child. I hope you enjoy the ball."

Elena curtsied again before stepping back toward her family. Her mother's proud but cautious smile reassured her, though she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched.

The Princes' Request

Before long, a tall figure stepped into her path.

Crown Prince Cassian.

At fourteen, he was already broad-shouldered and imposing, with sharp features and piercing amber eyes. He bowed slightly, though the motion felt more like a formality than genuine courtesy. "Lady Elena, would you do me the honor of a dance?"

Elena froze.

Before she could gather her thoughts, a smooth voice interrupted.

"I believe I was here first, brother."

Elena turned to see a boy with striking green eyes approaching. He was Kael—the second prince.

Her eyes lit up in recognition. "Kael!" she blurted out before realizing her mistake. She clamped a hand over her mouth. "I-I mean… Your Highness!"

Kael chuckled. "No need to be so formal. Kael is fine." He extended his hand with a playful glint in his eyes. "May I have this dance, Lady Elena?"

Elena glanced between the two princes, unsure what to do. Cassian was the crown prince, but Kael was the boy who had been kind to her in the city.

Before she could decide, Cassian's sharp voice cut through the air.

"Lady Elena, I asked you first. Surely you wouldn't refuse the crown prince?"

The commanding tone made her flinch.

Her fingers curled into the fabric of her dress as she lowered her gaze. "I… I didn't mean to—"

Kael's voice was calm but firm. "Brother, there's no need to speak to her like that."

Cassian's eyes darkened. "Stay out of this, Kael."

Elena felt her chest tighten. She had never been caught in a situation like this before. The tension between the two princes was suffocating, and her lower lip trembled as tears welled in her eyes.

"I… I'm sorry," she whispered.

A Family's Defense

Eryndor appeared in an instant.

"That's enough," he said, his voice like steel. "You've upset her."

Their parents stepped forward, Garrick's tone respectful but firm. "Your Highness, Elena is our daughter. We would appreciate it if you treated her with kindness."

Cassian's face flushed with irritation—but then his gaze flickered to Elena's tear-filled eyes.

For a moment, his expression faltered.

Without another word, he turned on his heel and stormed off.

The Third Prince's CuriosityAs the tension eased, a quiet figure watched from the sidelines.

The third prince, Ronan, was barely eleven but carried himself with an air of quiet cunning. He had been observing everything.

His dark eyes followed Elena's tear-streaked face, and a slow, knowing smile curled at the edges of his lips.

"Interesting," he murmured to himself before disappearing into the crowd.

The AftermathKael knelt beside Elena, his voice gentle. "I'm sorry about my brother. He can be… difficult."

Elena sniffled, wiping her eyes. "It's okay. Thank you, Kael."

Eryndor placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Let's get you some fresh air."

As they left the ballroom, Elena glanced back at Kael. He smiled at her, and despite everything, it made her feel a little better.

A Regretful Prince

Meanwhile, Cassian stood alone on a palace balcony, staring out into the night.

His fists clenched at his sides.

Why had he spoken to her like that?

She had looked at him with fear. And for some reason, the memory unsettled him.

"She's just a child," he muttered. "Why did I…?"

A voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Your Highness, the king wishes to speak with you."

Cassian exhaled sharply, shoving his feelings aside.

But even as he walked away, he couldn't shake the image of Elena's tear-streaked face.