Noori stood in silence, her eyes closing momentarily as the maid hastily exited the room. She felt a surge of frustration and helplessness wash over her, her throat constricting with unspoken words. As her gaze shifted towards Dastan, she noticed the defensive stance he had assumed, ready to protect the maid against any perceived threat. Noori remained silent, her voice stolen by the weight of her emotions, feeling as though she were choking on her own turmoil.
The tense silence was broken by the arrival of another group of maids, bustling into the room with an array of dresses and jewelry for Noori. They had come to prepare her for the banquet scheduled for later that evening, an event both she and Dastan were expected to attend.
"Princess, we have prepared a bath for you, and your clothes are ready too. Please, let us help," one of the maids spoke, her head respectfully bowed. Noori offered a wordless nod of acknowledgment before turning to make her way towards the bathroom, deliberately avoiding eye contact with Dastan.
As night descended, the anticipation for the banquet mounted, and the carriages stood ready to convey the newlywed couple to their destination. Noori emerged from her chambers clad in a resplendent red gown, reminiscent of the one she had worn during the dance practice. However, this time, the dress was adorned with even more exquisite gems and jewels, shimmering in the dim light of the room. Her hair was elegantly styled, and a subtle touch of makeup adorned her skin, masking the underlying pain she still endured from the burn on her hand. Despite her outward calm demeanour, the lingering discomfort served as a constant reminder of the recent events that had unfolded.
Noori waited anxiously for Dastan, but he was nowhere to be found. As they were supposed to enter the carriage together, her impatience grew with each passing moment. After what felt like an eternity, a messenger finally entered the room, bowing respectfully before addressing her.
"Your Highness, your arrival is being eagerly awaited in the hall. Please, follow me," the messenger said, his tone respectful but urgent.
A surge of irritation swept through Noori at the notion of being kept waiting, her thoughts tinged with indignation. "Hah! These people want to disrespect me now?" she mused inwardly, casting a disdainful glance at the messenger before deciding to make her own way to the hall.
The grand hall where the banquet was to be held awaited her, its opulent decorations a testament to the extravagance of the occasion. Crystal and gems adorned the space, suspended in the air like glistening droplets frozen in time. Their subtle luminescence suffused the room with a soft, ethereal glow, casting an enchanting ambiance over the gathering.
Musicians serenaded the assembled guests with melodious notes, their music providing a backdrop for the couples who danced gracefully upon the stage. Servants bustled about, trays of delectable refreshments in hand, weaving their way through the throng of attendees to offer their wares.
"The Royal Highness Crown Prince is entering!!"The sudden announcement echoed through the hall, commanding the immediate attention of all present. With a flourish of trumpets, the bustling activity came to an abrupt halt as the news reverberated throughout the space. The audience fell into a hushed silence, their anticipation palpable as they turned their heads toward the entrance, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Royal Highness Crown Prince.
In a grand spectacle, Dastan entered the room, his presence commanding and regal as he strode confidently forward, hand in hand with Silvia. Adorned in royal attire befitting his station, he wore a navy blue buttoned coat adorned with gleaming golden chains and badges, exuding an aura of authority and elegance. His off-white breeches and polished long boots added to the imposing figure he cut as he moved gracefully into the hall.
Dastan's hair was meticulously groomed, each strand perfectly in place, while a delicate crown rested upon his brow, a symbol of his royal lineage and authority. Beside him, Silvia radiated ethereal beauty, her white dress draping elegantly around her, casting her in an angelic light. Her graceful presence complemented Dastan's regal demeanor, the pair appearing as if they were a match made in heaven, their union a testament to the grandeur of royalty.
Despite the striking appearance of Dastan and Silvia together, a wave of confusion rippled through the audience as Silvia's presence alongside Dastan caught them off guard. Among the assembled guests, a sense of unease crept into their expressions, evident in the furrowed brows and whispered conversations that ensued.
Amidst the crowd, Farris, in particular, was taken aback by the unexpected sight. His features contorted with shock and disbelief as he watched Silvia accompany Dastan, his own daughter now at the center of what appeared to be a brewing scandal."What is Silvia doing there?" Farris exclaimed, his voice heavy with incredulity as the realization of the situation dawned on him. Setting down the goblet of wine he held, he turned to gaze at the couple standing unfazed amidst the murmuring crowd. Despite scanning the room, his search for Noori proved futile, as if she had vanished without a trace. "Find the whereabouts of the princess!" he commanded his guard, urgency lacing his tone, before striding purposefully toward the illuminated pair.
"What is all this?" he hissed, directing his ire at Silvia with a glare that could pierce steel. Ignoring Dastan, he pressed on with his interrogation. "Where is the Crown Princess? And why are you in her place?" His demand hung in the air, thick with tension, but Silvia met his gaze head-on, her expression unreadable as she spoke.
"I am just following orders of His Highness," she stated calmly, turning her head toward Dastan, who stood beside her. Farris's anger simmered beneath the surface as he absorbed her response, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.
"What do you think you are doing? Do you know what this means?" he seethed, his words laced with a venomous edge. "Do you even realize that the envoy of Nuria will be here any moment now? You will face deadly consequences if the news of you arriving with another lady reaches their ears!"
"Another lady? She is your daughter, Duke Farris," Dastan interjected, his tone tinged with an odd mixture of defiance and curiosity. Farris's jaw clenched as he struggled to maintain his composure in the face of Dastan's unwavering gaze.
"My daughter or not, it is not her place to be here," Farris retorted, his voice tight with frustration. "Now tell me where the princess is." His demand hung in the air, a silent plea for answers amidst the chaos of the moment.
Dastan's brows furrowed as he scrutinized Farris's expression, a flicker of realization dawning in his own eyes. "You seem awfully concerned about the woman from Nuria," he remarked, his words cutting through the tension like a blade. "I have heard it from many people, and now I think I see it."
He made a comment causing Farris's frown to deepen. "I am disappointed in you," he replied, his tone laced with a mixture of disappointment and frustration, before firmly grasping Silvia's hand and pulling her away from Dastan. Silvia reluctantly let go of Dastan's hand, her movements heavy with reluctance, as she followed her father out of the hall. All eyes in the room turned to watch the unfolding scene, whispers and murmurs spreading like wildfire.
"What's happening over there?"
"The duke seems angry."
The low murmurs and mutters filled the room, eyes now dissecting Dastan as he stood alone amidst the shifting currents of tension.
"Let go of me!" Silvia protested, her voice tinged with defiance as she pulled her hand out of Farris's grip.
"What do you think you're doing? Have you lost your mind?" Farris's words dripped with anger, his voice cold and cutting. Silvia felt goosebumps rise on her skin, but the rebellious spirit within her refused to back down. "I am in the right state of mind. Completely sane. It is you who has lost it, swooning over a murderer!" she retorted, her voice ringing with defiance.
Farris's fist tightened, his expression darkening with suppressed rage. "You are crossing the line, Silvia! Mind your words within the palace!" he warned, his voice a low growl of authority.
"Yes, I have to mind my words, and you can do whatever you wish? I know what is going on around the palace, and I am not blind. Everyone can see it. And your scandal will be bigger than the one I have created just now," Silvia shot back, her words a defiant challenge to her father's authority.