The ballroom was magnificent and vast, a perfect circle which was fully carpeted for the occasion.
At the center of the far wall sat a low platform holding a red floor couch with gold linings, and a low table for the Emperor and Empress. Below the platform, there were large red floor cushions and long tables arranged for the royal children. The princesses sat to the left, and princes to the right. The rest of the room followed the same style, with yellow cushions and low tables lining the circular walls for the guests.
In the center of the room, palace staff wove through the open space to serve food and drinks, while performers from each kingdom prepared to entertain. Imperial guards stood along the walls, stationed every two steps.
There were four entrances: North, South, East, and West. Three were for the guests, while one was reserved strictly for the imperial family and their royal guests, who would enter last according to tradition.
Waiting near the entrance, Calix finally spotted Felix, but Benjamin wasn't with him. Felix brushed off Calix's concern, saying Benjamin wasn't far behind but had asked him to enter first. Curious, Calix followed him. He watched in surprise as Felix walked straight to the seating area closest to the princes, picked up Benjamin's name card, and carried it across the room. He swapped it with another card, rearranging the seating on the low tables.
"Do you have permission to do that?" Calix asked, stepping up beside him.
"No one will notice except Charles," Felix replied flatly. "And I'll deal with Charles later."
A few minutes later, Benjamin walked in alongside Wren Baek. Calix stared. He had never seen Benjamin so dressed up. He looked absolutely stunning.
"Stop gaping so obviously," Felix said, nudging Calix. "Go apply some scent-blockers.
Soon, a loud voice echoed through the room, announcing the royal arrivals. Everyone stood, bowing deeply as each name was called, only raising their heads once the royal was seated.
"Princess Liv Skarsgard of the Kingdom of Zephyr."
"Prince Bjorn Skarsgard of the Kingdom of Zephyr."
"Princess Ara of the Kingdom of Xenos."
"Princess Sofia Asterion of the Kingdom of Isadora."
"Prince Charles Ione Asterion of the Kingdom of Isadora."
"Her Highness, Imperial Princess Shirin of the Imperial Kingdom of Arcadia and the Andromedus Empire."
"His Highness, Imperial Prince Zaid of the Imperial Kingdom of Arcadia and the Andromedus Empire."
"And now, please welcome Her Majesty, Empress Mina Farrokh, and His Majesty, Emperor Azad Farrokh."
As Ara walked to her seat, she scanned the crowd for Benjamin, but there were too many people. Charles did the same. When he looked at the seat where he had carefully placed Benjamin's name card, he saw a stranger sitting there. He didn't know what had happened, but he knew he couldn't cause a scene.
Once everyone was settled, a bell chimed.
The Emperor stood, raising a hand to welcome the crowd. "Welcome to all who have gathered here," Emperor Azad declared. "My family and I are pleased to welcome you into our home. We are grateful for the long journeys you have taken from Xenos, Isadora, Zephyr, and Arcadia. Many of you may be surprised that we are hosting the Mid-Autumn Ball here tonight. It is true, I have a joyous announcement to make. But first, let us enjoy the feast. We have delicacies as well as performers from all four regions, and palm wine gifted by the Kingdom of Naga."
The Emperor raised his gold goblet, took a drink, and the banquet officially began.
Charles scanned the room again when his eyes fell on the one person he truly did not want to see. Wren Baek. And sitting right beside him was Benjamin. Charles's heart skipped a beat just seeing him, but relief quickly gave way to a raging, uncontrollable jealousy. Did Benjamin switch his own card? he wondered.
Charles knew he had no right to dictate Benjamin's actions. After all, he was still set to be engaged to Shirin. But, seeing the father of his child sitting next to Wren left a bitter taste in his mouth. Still, Charles forced a practiced, diplomatic smile.
Across the room, Shirin sat beaming. She was dripping in gold and diamonds from head to toe, drawing admiring stares from the entire room. She was the center of the guests' gossip, with people debating her beauty, her intelligence, and her high chances of succeeding the throne over the modestly dressed Prince Zaid.
Yet, despite the attention, under her smile, Shirin clenched her teeth. She noticed Charles's eyes were fixed entirely across the room, ignoring her completely.
Meanwhile, Benjamin was doing his best to survive the evening. He focused on Wren and his circle of prestigious friends—doctors, lawyers, scientists, and business owners. They were fascinated by Benjamin, but Wren helped navigate the conversations away from him.
Benjamin was incredibly grateful to Wren for escorting him to the ball. Benjamin had only decided to come tonight to see Ara one last time before she became busy with the responsibilities of setting up the new committee. He had hoped to give her his number so they could stay in touch.
Benjamin actively wanted to avoid Charles. For the good of the Empire, he had to leave Charles behind. He had even discussed the political rumors with Wren earlier. Did people fear Zephyr marrying into the Imperial family?
Wren had agreed that the fear was real, but reminded him that the Empire's stability benefited everyone. No kingdom would throw that away lightly, though Wren added, "The future is unpredictable."
Benjamin sat quietly, maintaining a polite smile, listening to the music and the sound of overlapping conversations, some in different languages. Then, the bell rang a second time. It was time for the announcement.
Benjamin felt his stomach lurch.