The banquet continued long into the evening.
Music drifted through the Grand Ballroom as nobles mingled freely, discussing trade, diplomacy, and the unprecedented visit of the Northern Emperor.
At the imperial dais, Emperor Hans rose from his seat.
"Everyone."
"I hope our honored guest will enjoy Terraina's hospitality."
Several servants stepped forward to clear the center of the ballroom.
The orchestra gradually changed its melody.
A slower, more elegant waltz filled the hall.
One by one, noble couples entered the dance floor.
Young ladies exchanged hopeful glances while ambitious mothers quietly encouraged their daughters to seize the opportunity to attract attention.
Marbella remained beside her parents.
She had no intention of dancing tonight.
"Lady Marbella."
She turned toward the familiar voice.
Wilbert stood before her with an apologetic smile.
"I hope I'm not interrupting."
"Not at all, Your Highness."
Wilbert bowed slightly.
"Would you honor me with the first dance?"
Before Marbella could answer, Helena smiled knowingly.
"I believe my daughter would be delighted."
Marbella glanced at her mother before looking back at Wilbert.
"It would be my honor."
Wilbert extended his hand.
Marbella placed hers upon it.
Together, they walked toward the center of the ballroom.
Whispers immediately followed.
"The Crown Prince chose Lady Marbella."
"They truly suit each other."
"Perhaps an engagement announcement isn't far away."
Standing beside Emperor Hans, Empress Beatrice watched the pair with gentle eyes.
"They look wonderful together."
Emperor Hans smiled faintly.
"They do."
Neither noticed the Chancellor silently observing the scene from across the hall.
As the music began, Wilbert guided Marbella into the first steps of the dance.
"I should apologize."
"For what?"
"For attracting so much attention."
Marbella smiled.
"I expected as much."
Wilbert laughed softly.
"I suppose that's true."
For several moments, neither spoke.
Instead, they simply followed the rhythm of the orchestra.
Eventually, Wilbert broke the silence.
"I've been thinking about what you said."
Marbella looked at him.
"'An Emperor cannot lead from behind closed doors.'"
"You remembered."
"I don't think I'll ever forget it."
His smile gradually faded.
"I've spent years accepting my illness."
"Believing there was nothing I could do."
"But lately…"
"I've begun wondering."
"What if everyone is wrong?"
Marbella's heartbeat quickened.
"What do you mean?"
Wilbert lowered his voice.
"I don't know."
"It's merely a feeling."
"Some days…"
"I feel perfectly healthy."
"Then suddenly…"
"The pain returns without warning."
Marbella remained calm despite the thoughts racing through her mind.
"Have you told the royal physicians?"
"I have."
"They believe it's simply the nature of my condition."
Marbella offered a small smile.
"Perhaps they're right."
Perhaps they weren't.
As the dance came to an end, polite applause echoed throughout the ballroom.
Wilbert escorted Marbella back toward her parents.
"Thank you."
"The pleasure was mine, Your Highness."
Before either could say more, another voice interrupted.
"Your Imperial Highness."
Both turned.
One of the Northern officials bowed respectfully.
"His Imperial Majesty requests a brief audience with Lady Marbella Petrovic."
The surrounding nobles fell silent.
Even Helena looked surprised.
Wilbert blinked.
"His Majesty… wishes to speak with Lady Marbella?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
"If Lady Petrovic is willing."
Countless eyes immediately turned toward Marbella.
She could almost hear the whispers beginning again.
"What could the Northern Emperor want?"
"They've never met officially before tonight."
Marbella looked toward her father.
Adrian gave a slight nod.
"As long as the conversation remains within the ballroom."
The official bowed.
"Naturally."
Marbella composed herself before answering.
"I'll accompany you."
The official led her toward one of the quieter balconies overlooking the palace gardens.
Caelan was already there.
His hands rested lightly upon the marble railing as he admired the moonlit landscape.
He turned as Marbella approached.
"Lady Petrovic."
"Your Majesty."
She performed a graceful curtsy.
Caelan inclined his head.
"I appreciate you accepting my invitation."
"I was curious."
Marbella answered honestly.
"Most people would be."
A faint smile touched his lips.
For several seconds, silence settled between them.
It wasn't uncomfortable.
Rather…
It felt as though both were carefully measuring the other.
Finally, Caelan spoke.
"When we first met…"
"You saved a child without hesitation."
Marbella met his gaze.
"I simply did what anyone should."
"No."
Caelan replied calmly.
"You did what very few nobles would have done."
Marbella said nothing.
She remembered that day well.
"So…"
Caelan continued.
"I've been wondering."
"Which is the real Lady Marbella Petrovic?"
"The celebrated daughter of House Petrovic…"
"…or the young woman willing to dirty her dress to save a stranger?"
Marbella smiled faintly.
"Aren't they the same person?"
Caelan studied her for a long moment.
Then…
He laughed quietly.
It was a deep, genuine laugh.
Perhaps the first one he had shared since arriving in Terraina.
"You truly are interesting."
Before Marbella could respond, footsteps approached from behind.
"My Lady."
It was Mia.
She bowed respectfully.
"His Grace is preparing to depart."
Marbella turned back to Caelan.
"I should return."
"Of course."
She curtsied once more.
"Thank you for your time, Your Majesty."
As she began to leave, Caelan spoke again.
"Lady Marbella."
She paused.
"I hope this won't be our last conversation."
Marbella glanced over her shoulder.
Something about his expression was different now.
Not merely curiosity.
Expectation.
She offered a polite smile.
"That depends on fate."
With those words, she walked away.
Caelan watched until she disappeared into the ballroom.
His aide stepped onto the balcony moments later.
"Your Majesty."
"What do you think of Lady Petrovic?"
Caelan remained silent for a while.
Then he answered quietly.
"I came to Terraina expecting to negotiate with an Emperor."
His gaze lingered on the ballroom doors.
"It seems…"
"…I've found someone far more intriguing."