Celebration of the century.

To simply put it.

It has been quite some time since the kingdom had cause to rejoice and many would agree that winning a long-lasting war should be reason enough. To mark the end of The Great Border Offense, an invite to the royal banquet was extended to members of the court and their families. Its host, King Benedict Wells, is finally given the opportunity to behold the results of his outstanding leadership.

Years ago, a young Crown Prince Benedict Wells was thrusted into the role of looking after the kingdom after the sudden passing of his ailing father during the conflict. The war was a burden for his late father, King Robert Wells, and it proved to be one for his newly reigning son as it was not a favorable one.

Their small kingdom was rivaling another twice their size. However, King Benedict Wells slowly, but surely regained his people’s confidence with every conquest. He was a steadfast ruler that many soon found themselves depending on. How sensible and level-headed His Majesty is for his age, they said. A truly humble one as well. He was not one to simply bask in the renown without alluding to others who have made big impacts.

One of whom is her father, Count Lewis Lane. The very connection that led to her attendance today.  

“Celeste, have you seen your brother?”

Her mother’s soft voice pulls her from her thoughts.

“I haven’t, mother.” Her eyes scan the room for the young boy with dark hair that matched hers and her father’s. “What could a boy of 14 years possibly be up to?”

Her mother sighs. "It should be any moment now."

"What do you mean?"

"Your father will soon ask to take his leave— but after the announcement."

Celeste cracks a small smile. A predictable man.

As it sp happens, she does not blame her father. She is not quite used to the joyous atmosphere either. From the moment she and her family arrived, she has remained mostly out of sight, avoiding interactions and sipping on her small glass of wine. Though she is careful to pace herself after seeing quite a few attendees having need to be escorted out a mere hour into the banquet. Regrets for the morning, she supposes.

Her father soon catches her eye. Unlike the other court officials who are socializing and toasting amongst their peers, her father does not try his hardest to assimilate. He is too serious of a man to blend in and she is too out of place to acclimate. 

Two sore thumbs. 

Celeste could easily say this is all too novel for her, but what is her father’s excuse?

The music and dancing come to a slow halt and His Majesty becomes the sole focus of the hall. If this is the announcement her mother was referring to, her father has just morph into the happiest person.

His Majesty's voice rings out clearly. "Are you all enjoying yourselves to the fullest?"

A chorus of delight responds.

“My apologies for interrupting the festivities, but I noticed someone slipped in.” He points to a daunting man, chiding him playfully. “You’re a guest of honor and should receive an introduction as one, Duke Stone.”

Duke Ellis Stone?

At the mention of the individual, a shiver travels down her spine. Her eyes are quick to shift over to find the very man. In fact, everyone does the same.

Upon hearing his title, Celeste had somewhat expected Duke Stone to be in battle armor completed with a steel helmet. That is how the public portrayed him in paintings after all. If she hadn’t known stories about the duke, she wouldn’t have associated him with such violence and bloodshed. Even his appearance in this very instance is far removed from the image in her mind.

Dressed in a dark suit, ornate with blue jewels– they seem to highlight his light hair and gray eyes beautifully.

Very deceiving.

A small smile that only seemed to be courteous appears on His Grace’s face. He gently places his empty glass onto a passing tray. The surroundings so quiet, so one can hear the sharp ring that the contacts makes. 

Seeing the two of them interact, she is reminded that if King Benedict Wells is the kingdom’s shield, then Duke Ellis is its sword. Stories– horror stories about the duke describe him as a cruel demon in human form. One who does not bother with morals and ethics the moment he steps onto the battlefield. One who mercilessly slaughters anyone he deemed as an enemy.

“I did not want to be a disturbance,” he responds.

Celeste takes in his features once more. Twice more. Truly, nothing like the monster the stories depicted.

“Duke Ellis must be exhausted from his travel back from the Border,” someone points out. 

“I am thankful for this grand welcoming,” the duke adds. “Though, I do not deserve it alone.”

“Wow.”

A gasp of awe draws her attention. She glances down to find her once missing younger brother magically appearing from thin air. 

“Mother has been looking for you, Theo,” Celeste whispers.

He must have heard her; however, he pays her little to no mind. His eyes twinkle at the mere sight of the duke. Her brother’s admiration for His Grace is well known amongst the family. Ever since his lessons began on war and strategies, he had voiced his desire of becoming a knight on par with the kingdom’s hero.

So, she stuck with convincing her impressionable brother to study peaceful principles instead.

The king waves the duke’s inhibitions away with a flick of his hand. “You have done much for this kingdom and sacrificed plenty." His eyes shift and hers move along. He pauses on her father for a moment. "Even with the war's end, you and Count Lane remain occupied with the task of bringing our royal knights home."

Stunned upon hearing His Majesty singing praises for her father, Celeste's breath hitches in her throat. It is extraordinary for a count to be brought up in the same sentence. It was even more so to remember that a count served as His Majesty’s war advisor. Her father may not have been physically on the battlefield, but he worked tirelessly for the war effort.

“While I do have to think of a reward for Count Lane, I certainly have something in mind for you, Duke Stone.” His Majesty’s excitement is palpable. “You have been loyal subject and friend of mine for many years. You’ve faithfully protected the Border and thus, kept the kingdom safe. I find nothing more valuable than to offer you time to attend to yourself." 

Hesitantly, Duke Stone awaits His Majesty’s much needed elaboration.  

“It is time for you to settle down and rest.”

The news renders His Grace silent for a moment.

“I believe my husband wants you to create a family of your own, Duke Stone,” Queen Beatrice kindly explains.

“That would take some time, Your Majesty. There are many matters left to be managed,” the duke finally says.

“Then if you are agreeable, I would like to aid in your search,” His Majesty offers, yet the answer does not come quick. "Well?"

“Thank you for thinking of me, Your Majesty. I will leave it to you then.”

His response brings cheers and applause booming through the royal banquet hall. Celeste lifts her hands to clap along with the others in confusion. Is marriage a great prize for what His Grace accomplished? Celeste thought gold, peace, and quiet may be better rewards, but no one cared for her opinion.

Once the announcement came to an end, the celebration resumes with the sound of music and the sight of dancing couples filling the floor once more. Celeste reunites with her parents while keeping a tight grip on Theo’s shoulder. He will not be performing a disappearing act under her watch.

“Where have you been, Theodore?”

It is obvious that her mother is nervous, expectant to hear news of her brother causing some sort of trouble when no one was watching.

“I have been on my best behavior, mother.”

Celeste looks to her father. How could a man look so gaunt after a few hours of conversing?

“Count Lane.”

Along with her father, the rest of the family watches as Duke Stone approaches.

“Greetings, Your Grace.” They all snap out of their stupor to bow.

He nods politely in their direction. “My apologies if I am interrupting.”

“Not at all.”

A huge lie, Celeste thinks to herself. His Grace’s arrival has delayed her father’s plans.

“This is my wife and my children, Celeste and Theodore.”

“It is nice to finally meet the individuals mentioned in our correspondence. May I steal him for a moment?”

Who in their right mind would refuse? The two gentlemen step away and, in his excitement, Theo knocks over a glass spilling its red contents onto Celeste’s gown.

“I am sorry, sister.” And within the same breath, Theo rambles, “Can you actually believe we just spoke to Duke Stone? I have only heard stories about him and here he was…,”

She couldn't possibly hear anymore of his chatter in the midst of her quiet rage. Seeing how her mother is present to do the scolding, Celeste excuses herself. After witnessing the state her father is in, it shouldn’t be too long until he decides to leave. So, until then, she shall keep to herself. Entering the royal gardens, she goes to take a seat by the fountain. Her night would only be further ruined if she runs into anyone.

And it does.

Footsteps approach and she is simply crushed in the same moment the unexpected guest takes up the space beside her. 

"Good evening, My Lady."

"Good evening."

"It is unreasonable for you to be sitting here alone," he remarks. 

"I needed a moment of rest," she answers politely, wanting to keep the meeting brief. After all, she did not know the man's identity. "A short one." She moves to stand up only for him to match her step.

"My Lady."

"My family should be looking for me." Celeste could only hope the gentleman surrenders.

And again, he steps into her path. 

"The event has just begun. How about a dance to get us acquainted?"

Her hopes are dashed. "I am grateful, but as you can see, I am in no shape to be dancing." With a smile, she motions at the large stain.

"Oh!— Allow me to show you the way to the powder rooms—,”

"No need, My Lord. My family plans to leave very soon."

"If you could spare—,"

Her smile falls and he takes quick notice.

"Aren't you being overly dismissive of me?" he wonders.

Even with her best efforts, the meeting turns sour and she, miffed. He bears no responsibility for making her feel discomfort with his persistence, yet he suggests his feelings are hurt?

"My Lord—,"

"Gregory Smith."

Celeste conceals her annoyance. "Lord Gregory, I only wish to return to my family."

"I am requesting that you spare me a moment."

Requesting or demanding? She no longer bothers to mince her words. "I have no interest in prolonging our conversation."

His face promptly turns red.

"I will be taking my leave now." She walks past him only to stop short once more. Her previous annoyance now boiling over once finding another person physically blocking her path.

"Lady Celeste."

Her frustration suddenly evaporates and in its place, surprise. 

"Your Grace."

Her hearts hammers in her chest as she fears she might have offended him somehow. 

"Your father sent me in search of you."

She watches him glance down and she notices him eyeing the stain. Embarrassed, her hands attempt to hide the mess, awfully. 

"I am certain he would not mind if you started for your family's carriage."

She agrees with a nod. "Many thanks, Your Grace. Enjoy the rest of your evening."

Now happy to be on her way, Celeste realizes too late that her father, a modest count, would never rudely request a duke to find his daughter.