"Here enters, his highness the crown prince, Alexander Von Rultaz and her highness,the crown princess, Mirabel Melody" all the nobles stopped talking and continued to stare at the descending couple.
Many more slanders were heard among the murmurs since it is the first time that a Baron's daughter is becoming the crown princess. The gossips involving me is much less compared to her.This is a real challenge for her.
She would have to walk past them with a straight face. She isn't allowed to show any sort of emotions. An indifferent and domineering face,that is what a ruler should have.
I glanced at them. Alex was doing a good job in keeping his stoic expression but Mirabel on the other hand. Her hands and legs were trembling a bit still she was doing a good job in concealing it. Her shaking legs never made her lose a step. I'm proud of her for holding on.
I didn't realise that I was letting out a small smile on my face until I made eye contact with Alexander. His expression remained the same but his eyes held slight resentment while glancing at me.
I ignored him and walked towards the table where my chocolate cake was waiting for me impatiently.
Elixir tugged on my side as both of us made our way to the food court.
Upon reaching there I found out that the chocolate cake that I had abandoned there was nowhere to be seen.
"Elixir, it's gone..."I whispered in dismay.
Who the hell kidnapped my precious chocolate cake huh? I'll go home and put a curse on that person!
"Don't worry,Rina." He patted my head "Here...Eat this" He said while passing me a plate of chocolate cake.
I sighed and began to munch on it.
Both of us emerged ourselves in the food present there.
"I don't usually eat like this but free food always seems delicious somehow"Elixir said while stuffing a muffin in his mouth and licking it's crumbs on his lips.
"Now, that I can totally relate"I replied while nudging him with my elbow.
In the middle of our savouring another announcement was made.
I bet it's the emperor.
"Now presenting...His majesty, Emperor Reynold Remere Rultaz!" The sound echoed loud through the whole ballroom as all the nobles stopped and bowed their head.
Soon both of us followed per suit.
While the emperor was descending down the stairs a lot of murmurs were heard.
The dilf- *cough* I mean emperor doesn't have much of the aristocratic favor with him. Guess why?...*cough* trashprince *cough*
All the prominent nobles are supposed to gather here but Marquis Leiber chose not to yet instead sent his daughter here. His dislike towards monarchy is evident although I hope father has found some clue.
His majesty made his way to the throne at the end of the ballroom while Alexander and Mirabel stood at the lower side of the staircase towards the throne.
Emperor Reynold was adorned in golden and white attire similiar to his son but in addition to the prince's attire his majesty had an awesome red cape behind him.
He looks like Superman except he's not muscular but lanky.
It's almost time!
I looked around and saw the musicians at the far end of the ballroom.
"Rina, I wanted to-" I cut Elixir off.
"I'm sorry, Elixir. I'll be right back!"I exclaimed before dashing towards the royals.
He just stood there puzzled while an evil smirk crept up on my lips as I made my way towards the royals.
This is going to be fun ~
Kekekekekekekeke
The music soon started as I stumbled in front of the crown prince and princess.
Alexander glared at me and wanted to pounce on me like the last time. Sorry to burst your bubble bastard but I'm not here for you.
I ignored his dagger like glares while I was kneeling in front of Mirabel as I extended my hand towards her.
The crowd stopped talking and everyone began to gawk at us.
"Your highness, if I may? I'd love to have this dance with you" Honey coated words rolled off my tongue.
I raised my chin as a devious smile formed on my lips.
All hell went loose.
Alexander seemed to be in a daze and the nobles were chattering loudly.
Despite all this tension, Mirabel was blushing evidently.
Oh my! I feel like I've been charmed by the heroine!
Come on Mirabel....your decision here is really important. This sets your foot in the society. Don't blow this. I mentally chanted.
And without further due. She officially blew it.
Mirabel placed her white gloved palm on my black gloved palm. I smirked albeit this wasn't supposed to go like this. She had the power to reject me but she didn't. meh~ all is in my favour.
I'm sorry Mirabel but you failed...
I pulled her towards me while she crashed into my vest.
"I apologise, your highness"I grinned while looking at the delicate beauty before me and the stupidified prince standing behind her.
"I-Its fine"She reassured while smiling back as we took slow steps towards the center of the ballroom.
First dance is supposed to be with your fiancee no matter what the occasion is. Not to mention when it's the day of your engagement.
In short,she was supposed to be dancing with that idiot prince today. And that's how you break a tradition folks...
The music was slow and enchanting as I lead Mirabel slowly and delicately. Our movements were matching far too well except the many times she almost stomped on my feet with her heels as I dodged them every time.
I looked at the stupid prince while smirking at him as he continued to throw glares our way. His fists were clenched in anger and his eyebrows were frowning.
This is called revenge, bitch! Look who has your fiancee now huh? I began to wiggle my eyebrows up and down still continuing to smirk at him.
Kekekekekekekeke.
"Um? Lady Salvair " crap! did she saw my evil grin.?
"I apologise for my rusty dancing skills" She said meekly.
Huh? Oh it was just that-
"What are you saying, your highness?. Your steps are far more enticing than I had ever imagined" I smiled at the cute heroine who continued to blush.
Why is she blushing like this? Does she have a fever or something?
"Excuse me for my rudeness, your highness" I said while quickly placing my palm on her forehead as we slowly moved to the music.
"A-Ah? Mylady?" Mirabel was blushing more and more.
I quickly withdrew my hand and held her palm with it as we continued our steps.
"I apologise. I was trying to see if you had any fever, your highness"I said smiling awkwardly at the blushing female lead.
Who checks temperature while wearing gloves! I hope I didn't appear too stupid.
"Ah. I see" Both of us didn't utter a word after that and just flowed according to the rhythm.
While dancing my eyes kept wandering around the nobles as I witnessed.. Alexander glaring at us while sipping wine. I ignored him and glanced at the dil-emperor *ahem* who was surprisingly amused at our performance. I then looked at father who had a surprised Pikachu face on. Just how long was he standing there with that face!
I suddenly remembered what I had said to father about not tarnishing the Salvair name. Well.. it's not really tarnishing... I'm just doing what his majesty told me to do during our meeting. I'm trying to help Alexander open his eyes and be a good ruler that everyone expects of him.
I don't know if this counts as help but ohohohoho this sure helps me in extracting revenge.
My eyes skimmed past Elixir who looked annoyed and was pouting while taking a slice of the chocolate cake placed there.
Why is he annoyed?
And then my eyes met the viallin's. Xenoc was looking at us- no me! He was definitely looking at me! Although it's not purely visible I noticed how his lips were crooked at the sides.
He's smiling?
Why is he smiling at me?
I panicked but I didn't let it show on my face.
The dance soon came to an end and I bid her highness farewell as I continued to make my way towards Elixir.
"So, how was it?"I asked while standing next to the ravenette male.
"Is that why you had worn pants?"He asked arching a brow.
"No..not really. My real reason of wearing pants is to give everyone a shock. Look how most of the nobles are trying to avoid me. This actually runs in my favour you see"I said while taking a glass of champagne from a waiter.
"Uh-huh. Is that it?"He asked while squinting his eyes at me.
"Also it's quite comfortable. Trudging in those huge ballgowns make me feel like a duck waddling in water"I replied while taking another sip from my glass.
"That's understandable."He nodded.
"Anyways. What were you trying to say to me earlier?"I remembered that he was trying to ask me something just when I ran towards Mirabel.
"Nevermind it. I think it's best if you keep your distance from that cotton candy over there"Elixir said with an annoyed face.
"Why? Is it because she stole my fiance?" I chuckled and swirled the glass of champagne in my hand.
"That's actually a blessing. Still something about her doesn't feel right to me"He interjected while frowning.
"Like what?" I asked as I drank the whole champagne and emptied the glass.
"The way she looks at you. Shouldn't she be fearing you? " He raised an eyebrow at me.
"But isn't this the best? I can literally manipulate her." I smiled.
Not that I am going to. But I will if things become dire.
"There's no need. She's already being manipulated by that scum of a prince"Elixir said while looking at the dancing duo.
"Is that why people say love is blind?"I asked him while glancing at the royal couple. Alexander and Mirabel were dancing together but what seemed to catch my interest is the way Mirabel steps on Alexander's feet and how he tries to hide his pain everytime.
"Love really is blind" I heard Elixir whisper beside me as I could feel his hand on my right arm.
"The glass is empty"He simply stated while taking the empty champagne glass from me and making it disappear.
He didn't stay much longer after that and left soon saying he had to get home before that prick-I mean Cesar starts to throw a fit.
The rest of the evening went by with me socializing with the nobles of our faction and surprisingly all of them seemed pretty welcoming. I wonder what kind of magic father had casted on them.
And about the little stunt that I had pulled. Father didn't say anything about it. Maybe he cares about my privacy and my feelings but I expected him to scold me a little though.
As the night came we were back at our mansion. I took a relaxing bath and was now standing in front of the balcony in my night gown admiring the moon and the stars.
The starry night somehow reminds me of Elixir.
I hummed a tune and stood there basking in the moonlight when someone appeared in front of me from nowhere.
My eyes widened seeing Elixir floating in air just a few feet away from me.
"You idiot what are you doing here and that too at this time.what if someone sees you?" I scolded him while pulling him towards me.
Soon he landed perfectly on the railing and bend down towards me.
He extended his hand and looked deeply into my eyes.
This feels like a dream.
"Do you trust me?" He asked smiling at me.
"You know that I had watched Aladdin too right?"I said while taking his hand.
"Yes I knew that. I just wanted to try it though" He said still smiling and clasped my hand tightly as he pulled me towards him making both of us stand on the railing.
"So? Where's the magic carpet?" I asked looking around.
"We don't need a carpet" he announced while grabbing my waist.
In a quick motion both of us were floating towards the moon.
"Elixir! I'll fall!" I screamed while tightly hugging him.
He just chuckled and soon let go of my waist.
"You jerk! Hold me!"I yelled.
"I will hold you again once after you try walking by yourself" He said as I slowly loosened my arms around him and took small steps on mid air.
"This is amazing!" I squealed.
I skipped around but didn't go too far away since I was still scared of falling. Suddenly a pleasant melody was heard.
Where's the music coming from in the middle of the sky?
"Rina, may I have this dance?" Elixir's voice was heard from behind me as I quickly turned around and saw him extending his hand towards me.
I took his hand straightaway and noticed how ethreal he looked in the moonlight.He wasn't wearing those formal clothes he wore at the banquet but instead he was wearing his usual black attire.
This feels like deja vu.
His black hair resembled the dark sky as his blue eyes resembled the stars.
Without wasting another second he led me with the flow of the music. Our steps were slow and somewhat clumsy but that's what made this moment special.
Just him and me slowly dancing in the night sky detached from the reality.
I wish we could dance forever.
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