“Your majesty,” Camilla declared, executing a deep, theatrical bow as she extended her hands, palms up, in a grandiose gesture.
To an outsider, this scene would be misconstrued as a humble servant presenting a reverential offering to their sovereign lord.
“What is the meaning of this?” Prince Thane inquired, his countenance darkening, his brow furrowed in perplexity.
“Your precious adornment, my Prince,” Camilla replied, maintaining her obsequious demeanor.
Prince Thane emitted a deep sigh, his frustration evident in the face of her persistent theatrics.
“I cannot reclaim that gift, Princess,” he stated, returning the exquisite ring he had presented to her on her birthday.
“Why is that?” Camilla asked, finally abandoning her contrived servility.
“In my kingdom, it is considered a grave breach of etiquette to return a gift, especially one received on a birthday, after having already accepted it,” Prince Thane elucidated, his tone measured and composed.
“Mmm, I may have stumbled upon that rule in some of the books I read about your kingdom,” Camilla said, a mischievous glint in her eye.
“But that shouldn’t be a problem since we’re currently in my kingdom, right?
And we’re about to make history,” she teased.
“Let’s discuss this another time, shall we, Princess?” Prince Thane suggested, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
“Someone is on their way to your room.”
With a brief peck on the cheek, Prince Thane vanished before Camilla could react.
“That corny bastard,” Camilla muttered, rolling her eyes.
A brief knock on the door interrupted her musings.
“Come in, Kali.
You don’t need my permission,” Camilla called out, her tone shifting back to cheerful.
Kali entered, and they spent the evening enjoying their meal together, engaging in lively discussions about the latest gossip among the ladies.
As the night drew to a close, they bid each other goodnight.
~~~~~
Far away from the landscape of the Lunaria Kingdom.
In the grand dining hall of the Valtoria Kingdom’s palace, King Thaneus, Queen Lirien, and Princess Nadia shared a warm dinner together.
The soft glow of candelabras cast a golden ambiance, and the scent of roasted meats wafted through the air.
The silence was broken when Princess Nadia, her raven hair cascading down her back, spoke up, “When do you think Brother Thane will return, Father?” She dabbed the corners of her mouth with a linen napkin, her elegance mirroring her mother’s.
King Thaneus, his rugged features softened by affection, replied, “Patience, dear child.
You know he ventured to the Lunaria Kingdom to secure a strategic alliance through marriage.”
Princess Nadia’s lips curled into a sly smile.
“Haha, as if he would truly fall for any woman there.”
Queen Lirien, her piercing emerald eyes sparkling with curiosity, chimed in, “Pray tell, who told you this, Nadia?” Her voice was like music, gentle yet commanding.
Nadia’s laughter filled the dining hall, her eyes sparkling with mirth.
Haven’t you seen the way he’s repulsed by other noble ladies’ presence?
You’ve tried to pair him up with, but…” She trailed off, giggling.
Queen Lirien chuckled, her emerald eyes shining with amusement.
“Oh dear, don’t remind me about those silly moments.
Very awkward for me, indeed.”
King Thaneus’s expression turned serious, his brow furrowing.
“I pray he comes back with a bride this time.
It’s necessary for him to have a queen by his side before he can ascend the throne.”
Princess Nadia’s curiosity piqued, she leaned forward.
“Why is that, Father?”
King Thaneus’s voice took on a solemn tone.
“There’s an ancient ritual, the Heartbinding Ceremony, conducted before one can claim the throne of Valtoria.
Without a bride by his side, Thane cannot participate.”
Nadia’s concern deepened, her voice laced with worry.
“Really, Father?
I truly want Brother Thane to ascend the throne after you step down.
Let’s keep our hopes up that he’ll come home with a bride this time.”
King Thaneus placed a reassuring hand on Nadia’s arm.
“We’ll have faith, dear.
Thane will do what’s best for our kingdom.”
“Let’s retire to our rooms, dear,” Queen Lirien suggested, her voice soothing.
“I’m sure Thane will work this out like he always does.
Besides, I’ve been keeping an eye on the bridal selection, and it seems one lady has captured his heart already.”
Princess Nadia’s eyes widened, her excitement palpable.
“Spill the beans, Mother!” she urged, her voice barely above a whisper.
Queen Lirien teased, “I knew you’d ask me that,” her smile mischievous.
“Is it the Lunaria Princess?” Nadia asked, her curiosity unrelenting.
Queen Lirien’s chuckle filled the room.
“Not really.”
Nadia tried again, “Is it one of the cabinet members’ daughters?”
Queen Lirien laughed, “No, not this time.”
King Thaneus intervened, his deep voice calming.
“Come now, Lirien, stop teasing her already.”
Nadia’s face lit up with relief.
“Only you treat me the best in the family, Father,” she cooed, her cheeks flushing.
King Thaneus playfully retorted, “Only me?”
Nadia clarified, “Of course, you come second to Brother,” her smile radiant.
King Thaneus hummed, “I think I’ll take that.”
Queen Lirien watched the exchange, her heart swelling with love.
Her family’s bond warmed her soul.
As they retired to their chambers, the queen’s thoughts lingered on the mysterious bride-to-be.
She smiled, knowing Thane’s heart was in “capable hands” as she termed it.
Queen Lirien smiled to herself as she settled into her chambers, her thoughts still on the mysterious bride-to-be.
Meanwhile, Nadia couldn’t shake off the excitement.She rushed to her chambers, her mind racing with possibilities.
Who could have captured brother Thane’s heart?
As she changed into her nightgown, Nadia’s maid, Ava, helped her with her hair.
“Milady, you seem troubled,” Ava observed.
Nadia’s eyes sparkled.
“Thane’s found someone, Ava!
Mother knows, but she won’t tell.”
Ava’s eyes widened.
“How thrilling!
Do you think it’s someone from the Lunaria Kingdom?”
Nadia nodded.
“I’m not sure, but I’ll find out.
Mark my words.”
The next morning, Nadia descended to the breakfast hall, determined to extract more information from her mother.
King Thaneus and Queen Lirien already sat at the table, sipping their tea.
Nadia joined them, her eyes locked onto her mother.
“Mother, I won’t give up.
Tell me about Thane’s bride,” Nadia pleaded.
Queen Lirien chuckled.
“Patience, dear.
Thane will reveal all in due time.”
Just then, a messenger arrived, bearing a letter from Prince Thane.
King Thaneus opened the seal, scanning the contents.
His expression turned thoughtful.
“What is it, Father?” Nadia asked.
King Thaneus looked up.
“Thane has requested our presence in the Lunaria Kingdom a month from now.
He’s found his bride it seems.”
Nadia’s heart skipped a beat.
“Who is she?”
King Thaneus smiled.
“That, my dear, remains a surprise.”
His answer of only left Nadia feeling frustrated about how tight-lipped her parents were regarding her brother’s bride.
“Very well,I guess we will meet a month from now dear sister in law, she said in her heart before smiling again.