The Emperor lifted his hand, clearing his throat , calling for silence once more. Both Dasheill and Silver turned their gaze at him.
"And one more announcement…"
The air in the ballroom seemed to still—every whisper caught mid-breath, the motions was frozen in anticipation.
Silver slowly closed her eyes. She knew exactly what the next announcement would be—her winning card, the spark that would set everything in motion.
Tonight, she vowed silently, the story will change.
The Duke's gaze flicked toward her, unreadable, his gaze cold as an edge of tempered steel.
"It is my joy," the Emperor continued, his tone warm and regal, "to announce the engagement of Crown Princess Hiraya Archaumbault and the Northern Ducal House, Duke Dasheill Felicè—officially!"
The sound that followed overtook the room like a thunder—gasps, applause, laughter, and whispers overlapping like crashing waves.
