As the evening banquet unfurled within the grand halls of the estate, Elara found herself adrift in a sea of opulence and formality—a space filled with noblemen and noblewomen adorned in exquisite attire, their laughter ringing hollow amidst the extravagant decor. The weight of expectations hung in the air, suffocating her with an uninvited pressure. She had never been fond of such gatherings; the superficial pleasantries, the intricate webs of political maneuvering, and the ceaseless parade of poker-faced guests felt more like a chore than a celebration.

Amidst the throng, a striking figure caught her attention—the second prince of the kingdom, Lucian Throne. Standing elegantly at the edge of the banquet hall, he wore a simple white shirt that accentuated his tall frame. Even in such unembellished attire, his presence radiated an undeniable refinement. His sharp features were complemented by short dark hair and eyes amber like a black panther—piercing, predatory in their cool assessment of the room—making it clear that he was someone of significance among the gathered nobles.

Curiosity stirred within Elara as she observed him from a distance. There was a compelling aura surrounding Prince Lucian, an enigmatic blend of authority and contemplation. He seemed both part of the gathering and distinctly apart from it, quietly assessing the scene while remaining an intriguing observer. Should I go and greet him? she contemplated, hesitating. Nahhh, he is famous for his scary demeanor; approaches from him are known to be troublesome. I should avoid him.

Yet, despite her decision, she couldn’t keep her gaze from drifting back to him, captivated by the prince’s presence. There was something about the way he stood from afar that seemed familiar, as if woven into her memory.

*

Meanwhile, Lord Cedric moved through the lively banquet, his eyes scanning the room with a mix of anticipation and growing concern. He was determined to make a welcoming impression for Prince Lucian Throne, but his thoughts were chaotic, consumed by worry. Where on earth are you, Elara? he fretted internally. You should have come here to greet the prince!

As he continued to search, his gaze finally landed on a familiar figure. There, at the edge of the garden, he spotted Elara. To his horror, she was waving her hands naughtily, signaling a playful goodbye as if she were sneaking out of the festivities entirely. Her long black hair fell freely down her back, catching the moonlight, and her blue eyes shimmered with mischief even from afar.

“Elara!” Lord Cedric mouthed in disbelief, half-amused and half-exasperated. He knew that her childlike spirit often led her to escape moments that felt suffocating.

But just as he was about to call out, he noticed Prince Lucian’s attention shifting toward her as well.

The prince’s expression sharpened as he took in the sight of Elara, her lighthearted wave cutting through the formal atmosphere like a breath of fresh air. The gesture seemed to resonate with something deep within him, triggering a flicker of recognition.

Lucian’s eyes narrowed slightly, recalling that playful figure he had spotted earlier in the fading sunlight, daunting yet refreshing. There she was again, waving carefreely. The way she moved, the playful spirit she embodied, felt so familiar. It stirred something within him, a reminder of the moment he had witnessed from afar—a moment that had felt both distant and captivating. Lucian wondered silently, his thoughts racing. His intrigue deepened as he watched her, the vibrant contrast she presented against the backdrop of the stuffy courtyard.

“Who could that lady be, Lord Cedric?” he asked, pointing subtly toward Elara as she playfully waved from her hidden corner.

Cedric's heart raced, and he hesitated, feeling a mix of pride and concern. “I apologize, Your Highness. That is my daughter, Elara. She… she’ll be back here very soon,” he stammered, slightly flustered by the prince's interest.

Lucian raised an eyebrow, not pressing further but instead allowing his attention to draw back to Elara, intrigued by the lively spirit she displayed amid the formalities. The prince watched her with a newfound interest, captivated by her playful demeanor without uttering another word.