“I’m going to ask him while we’re dancing,” Aris declared with a mix of curiosity and determination.

“Ask him what?” Ian inquired.

“Why he chose me.”

Aris harbored a pretty good idea about the crown prince’s reasoning, yet she yearned to hear it from his own lips.

***

The blue diamond necklace lay gracefully atop Aris’s collarbones, its glitter casting an ethereal glow. Her long chestnut hair, adorned with jewels and pins, cascaded elegantly down her back, while a bracelet dangled loosely from her wrist. Her dress, showcasing modest cleavage and dramatically accentuating her waist, was a month-long labor of love now brought to life. Her makeup, subtle yet sophisticated, lent her an almost angelic appearance in the light.

Still young, Aris had opted against a sultry makeup look, despite Lucine’s belief in her ability to pull it off. Aris had resolved that such a look would be reserved for her wedding day.

“You look absolutely stunning,” Lucine cooed, marveling at her handiwork. The young lady, having adhered to a stricter diet recently, appeared thinner and more radiant than ever. Lucine’s nod of approval reflected her satisfaction with Aris’s transformed look.

“Do you like it?” Aris inquired.

Lucine clapped her hands joyfully. “You’re going to be the belle of the ball tonight!”

“Yeah,” Aris responded, her thoughts already drifting to the feast that would follow the party. She pondered whether the crown prince realized the lengths she went to just for a few minutes of dance with him. Perhaps, it was better he remained oblivious. She didn’t wish to be associated with him any longer than necessary.

All preparations are complete.

Aris rehearsed her mischievous plan to step on the crown prince’s feet during the dance. Tonight, none of his toes would be spared.

Ian entered, momentarily speechless at the sight of his daughter’s transformation. The blue diamond necklace accentuated her beauty remarkably.

“Father, what’s wrong?” Aris asked, her earrings, matching her necklace, swaying as she turned.

“You look beautiful,” Ian managed.

“Oh, Father.” Aris ran to him, linking her arm with his. “You look quite dashing today as well.”

Together, they would journey to the palace for the ball, both having received invitations.

All the ladies from the recent tea party were also invited. The crown prince had planned to dance with a few other ladies, but his first dance was reserved for Aris.

Descending the staircase, Aris entered her carriage, with Lucine following in another.

“I’ll be with Violet at the palace.”

“Lady Essel, you mean?”

“Yes.”

After her dance with the crown prince, Aris’s duty would be fulfilled. Then, she would seek out something to eat, confident Violet harbored similar plans.

***

The ballroom, adorned with a heavy chandelier casting a sparkling light, was surrounded by intricate tapestries. It was a room reserved for national celebrations, and tonight, it hosted the crown prince’s coming-of-age ball.

With the crown prince yet to arrive, Aris wandered the ballroom with her father, recognizing faces from the tea party.

They’re all noticing me now. Aris could feel their gazes, drawn not only by the blue diamond but also by her anticipated first dance with the crown prince.

“Everyone’s looking at you, my lady.”

“Yeah,” Aris acknowledged, her thoughts elsewhere.

Lucine beamed with pride. Aris, who never considered herself especially beautiful despite her reputation in the capital, held a unique charm. Lucine always believed Aris underestimated her beauty and was pleased with her efforts to enhance it.

“Big Sister!”

Violet and Louison made their entrance into the ballroom, with Violet’s maid, Anthe, trailing behind.

Anthe’s eyes widened in awe as she glanced between Aris and Lucine. Both Violet and Aris looked breathtaking—their dresses, makeup, and accessories near perfection. Yet, despite Violet’s exquisite necklace, it couldn’t rival the allure of Aris’s blue diamond.

Darn it, Anthe brooded inwardly, her lip caught between her teeth. A diamond of such mesmerizing beauty was a rarity. Violet’s necklace, though lovely, paled in comparison. We’ve been outshone this time.

Determination sparked in Anthe’s eyes, resolved to triumph in their next encounter.

We just barely edged ahead, Lucine reflected silently, grateful to the marquis for bestowing Aris with the necklace that made her outshine Violet. I must remain vigilant.

She acknowledged Anthe’s talents as a maid and anticipated their future meetings. After a moment of intense gaze, both maids bowed their heads in a mutual respect that only they could understand.

***

“Ah, I look as magnificent as ever,” Hiel preened, admiring his reflection.

“You’re unquestionably right, Your Royal Highness,” his gentleman-in-waiting affirmed.

“I’m certain the ladies are all here to impress me tonight.”

“Without a doubt, Your Royal Highness,” the attendant echoed obsequiously.

Basking briefly in the adulation, Hiel then declared, “Good. Let’s depart.”

The star of the evening was ready for his grand entrance. He strolled out of the Lion Palace, opting for his carriage despite the short walk to the ballroom.

“I wonder why I never received her letter,” he pondered aloud.

“Letter, Your Royal Highness?”

“The one from Lady Essel.”

Each lady had accepted his tea invitation and promised letters. Yet, Violet alone had not responded, save for a brief note citing illness. “All she did was inform me of her sickness.”

“Your Royal Highness.”

“I’m certain she’s taken with me.”

Violet’s youthful beauty was undeniable, her blonde hair uniquely radiant.

“She’s just inexperienced in expressing her affections due to her youth,” his attendant reassured.

“That must be it, right?” Hiel’s spirits lifted at the thought.

For a moment, he had entertained the notion that she might be avoiding him.

His thoughts then shifted to Aris, his dance partner for the evening.

A strong-willed lady like Horissen would never change, even for someone like me, Hiel mused. She’s a bit tiresome. Best to remain friends with her, he concluded, stepping out of the carriage.

“Announcing the arrival of His Royal Majesty, the crown prince!”

The star of the evening had made his entrance.

***

Upon Hiel’s entry into the ballroom, all eyes turned toward him. He walked in solo, exuding charisma. His golden hair flowed freely, and his blue eyes sparkled with charm.

He is handsome, I must admit, Aris thought, finishing her drink.

Lucine had allowed her a pre-dance beverage, and Violet, also permitted by her maid, sipped hers cautiously.

As Hiel advanced into the ballroom, he was soon encircled by young ladies. The sight affirmed the timeless adage: beauty attracts beauty. Hiel’s lips curled into a contented smile, enjoying the moment.

He began cordially greeting each lady who approached.

“Father,” Aris addressed Ian.

“Yes, my dear.”

Now that the crown prince had made his entrance, it was customary to extend greetings. Violet, recalling Hiel’s behavior at the tea party, looked apprehensive.

“Violet, let’s go,” Duke Essel prompted.

“Yes, Father.”

Despite their reluctance, they knew the protocol. The crown prince was Xenon’s future emperor and tonight’s luminary. Approaching him was a matter of etiquette. With a mix of displeasure and duty, Aris and Violet made their way toward Hiel.

“Oh.” Hiel’s eyes twinkled at the sight of Violet before noticing that she was with Aris.

“Happy birthday, Your Royal Highness.”

“Congratulations.”

The girls curtsied deeply, and Ian and Louison bowed behind them.

“Yes, thank you.”

As soon as they finished their pleasantries, the four swiftly moved out of the way. Plenty of people were still waiting to speak with the crown prince, so Hiel couldn’t talk to Louison and Ian any longer. Violet and Aris visibly brightened, knowing they wouldn’t have to deal with the arrogant crown prince, for now at least.

“Announcing the arrival of His Imperial Majesty, the emperor!”

Everyone bowed deeply to the emperor as he entered.

He approached the crown prince and clapped a hand onto his shoulder. “I congratulate my son, the crown prince, on becoming an adult.”

“Thank you, Father.”

Juselle turned and grandly addressed the attendees of the ball. “I hope you all enjoy your time tonight,” he said.

Everyone began approaching to greet the emperor. The upper nobility was allowed to pay their respects first. Ian and Louison greeted the emperor with their daughters. It was Aris’s first time meeting the emperor.

Juselle looked at her and said, “And you must be Lady Aris Horissen, isn’t it?”

“Yes, Your Imperial Majesty.”

“You are just as beautiful as I’ve heard.”

Despite having common brown hair and eyes, she outshined the other ladies at the ball. Violet was obviously gorgeous, but Aris was just as charming.

Aris bowed her head at Juselle’s praise. “Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty.”

The emperor had spoken to her because of the crown prince. This was bad news. It would be a disaster if he commanded her to become the crown princess.

I wonder if my letter arrived safely, Aris wondered. Hiun was due to return any day now.

Aris thought of Roy as she looked at the emperor. She had never seen his face and had only read about him. However, the more she had to be around Hiel, the more she came to appreciate Roy.

As everyone finished greeting Juselle, music began filling the ballroom. It was finally time.

How long had she suffered, just for this moment? Aris glared at Hiel. As he approached her with a smile, she wanted to wipe the smug expression off of his face.

“Lady Essel,” he said, looking at Violet. “I’ll be dancing with you next.”

“Yes, Your Royal Highness,” Violet nodded. “Break a leg, Big Sister.”

“I will.”

Aris gently accepted Hiel’s hand and walked to the center of the dance floor. Just as she was taught, Aris soon began dancing, Hiel matching her movements.

The time had come.

“Oh, my!” Just as practiced, she stepped firmly onto Hiel’s feet. “I’m so sorry!”

Hiel furrowed his eyebrows but continued to dance. “Don’t worry about it.”

Hiel didn’t say anything about Aris pretending to be a poor dancer, but he glared at her when she stepped on his feet a second time.

I should stop now.

She had only trampled his toes for petty revenge, but she didn’t want to get on his bad side. Aris feigned an apologetic demeanor and bowed her head as they danced.

“You’re a good dancer.”

Of course I am! I had practiced for a month. She flashed the practiced smile that Violet admired so much.

“Thank you. I was so nervous at the beginning that I messed up.”

“I see.”

“By the way, Your Royal Highness.”

“What is it?”

“Why me?” Aris asked, finally letting her curiosity get the best of her.

Hiel swept her across the dance floor and turned her in his arms. They had almost reached the end of their dance. If she didn’t ask him now, she’d never know the answer.

Why did he choose her if he didn’t like her?

“Because I felt like you wouldn’t like me.”

“Your Royal Highness…”

“That’s why I chose you. Everyone else would make a big deal about this,” the crown prince responded honestly.

“Ah.”

He simply needed a girl who would leave him as soon as the dance was over.