The doors swung open, and the herald's voice boomed through the ballroom, silencing the music and the gossip.
"His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Arwin Wknknight, and Lady Iris of House Regulus!"
I felt the weight of a thousand eyes on us. This was the moment. My father and the Prince had planned this meticulously. Arwin wanted absolute power in his hands; he believed that by standing next to a "Witch" like me, he would look like a saint by comparison.
I tightened my grip on his arm, forcing my face into a mask of cold elegance. As we walked, my eyes scanned the room, landing on the four pillars of our kingdom—the four Ducal Houses.
First, there was House Cloude. They watched us with the disciplined silence of soldiers. They rule over the West and are the ones who produce the highest quality elements in the land.
Then, House Chariot, the snakes who deal in secrets. They rule the south. Their eyes narrowed as they calculated the value of our union. They are the masters of the mages, the true magical power of the kingdom.
My gaze shifted to the seat of House Crisis, the newly risen. They sat where a much older, greater house once stood before being stripped of their title. No one expected a young man to take the lead, yet there he was—a distant cousin of the Crown Prince, only a few years older than us, ruling over the North. He is known as the Prince's "Shadow," a man of such brutality that he is said to have killed thousands alone in war.
And then, there was my own family, House Regulus. My father stood like a statue, his blue eyes showing nothing but the satisfaction of a successful business deal. Our family are the true masters of the sword—God's favorites. Ruling over east alongside royalty.
"Smile, beloved," the Prince whispered, his voice barely audible over the crowd's murmurs. "The people need to see how much you adore me."
"They will see what they are told to see, Your Highness," I replied through gritted teeth.
I didn't love him. I didn't even like him. But for the sake of the 'Act,' I allowed him to lead me to the center of the hall. He cleared his throat, the sound echoing in the sudden silence.
"Tonight," he began, his voice honey-sweet and full of false warmth, "I am proud to
officially announce the date of my union with Lady Iris Regulus."
I scanned the faces in the crowd, but one caught my eye. It was her—Ishu. She stood in the shadows, looking at me with shock. And was that... jealousy? I didn't pay it much mind. Every lady in the room wished they were in my place. If any of them stepped forward, I would gladly give him to them. Though I knew I couldn't... not yet.
The shocked faces of the other nobles were truly delightful. Look at them, thinking they could ever outrank my family. Foolish. Lady Chariot's face was as red as a tomato.
I couldn't help but let a small smile slip.
My eyes shifted back to Arwin. He was staring at my face, watching that smile. Argh... the smile wasn't meant for him. I couldn't even say it out loud, but his possessive gaze made my skin crawl.