The long‑awaited day had finally arrived – the anniversary celebration of the kingdom of Wonderveil.
From early morning, grand parades marched along the main roads. Flags fluttered proudly in the breeze, music played continuously, and crowds of citizens cheered enthusiastically as the procession passed by. The atmosphere was lively, colourful and filled with national pride and joy.
Meanwhile, nobles from across the land travelled toward the palace, each holding their personal invitation letters in hand. They were warmly greeted at the palace gates before being guided inside toward the great hall where the main celebration was held.
The hall itself was bathed in bright, dazzling light. Massive crystal chandeliers embedded with precious gems hung from above, casting sparkling reflections across every corner of the room. Long tables were laden with beautifully arranged desserts and delicacies; every single dish was crafted and decorated like a masterpiece of art. Servants moved gracefully among the guests, carrying silver trays filled with fine wines and refreshing drinks. The air was rich with the scent of expensive perfumes and sweet floral fragrances, whilst soft instrumental music played gently in the background, enhancing the elegant and magnificent atmosphere.
Standing quietly in one corner of the hall was Ashveil, dressed in noble attire – clothes clearly not suited or usual to him. He stood rigid and stiff, visibly uncomfortable in his fine garments, yet his posture remained steady and dignified.
Beside him stood Charles, looking around the hall with wide observant eyes. He too was dressed in noble clothing – soft green robes that suited him surprisingly well, almost making him look as though he truly belonged among high society.
"Hey Charles," Ashveil greeted him quietly.
Charles turned and offered a faint smile.
"I honestly didn't expect to see you here. I assumed you'd stick close beside Princess Elowen as always."
Ashveil slowly shook his head.
"I purposely kept my distance so as not to draw unnecessary attention toward her. She deserves to enjoy this time freely together with her sister."
Charles nodded slowly in understanding.
"You're right... that's probably for the best indeed."
Silence settled briefly between them. Both men remained standing far apart from the main groups of nobles and distinguished guests. Although dressed similarly to everyone else present, deep down they both knew exactly where their true place and status lay.
"May I have everyone's attention please!"
The host's loud, clear voice echoed strongly throughout the hall. Every single pair of eyes immediately turned toward the grand staircase.
"Presenting – Her Royal Highness Princess Elowen and Her Royal Highness Princess Celestia!"
In an instant, the whole atmosphere shifted. All nobles bowed respectfully and deeply as the two sisters began their slow descent down the stairs. Their footsteps echoed softly, clear and rhythmic against the floorboards.
Then they appeared fully into view – and the entire room seemed to fall silent in awe and admiration.
Elowen walked gracefully wearing a shimmering gown of pale blue, embroidered and adorned with thousands of tiny sparkling beads that glittered brilliantly with every movement she made. Her long red hair was neatly tied up and styled elegantly, decorated with delicate ornaments catching and reflecting light beautifully from every angle.
At her side, Celestia looked equally breathtaking in a rich deep green dress highlighted perfectly with touches of gold thread and patterns. Her silvery‑white hair flowed freely and loosely around her shoulders, giving her a gentle yet majestic and captivating aura.
Together, they were simply mesmerising – breathtakingly beautiful and regal in every possible way.
Even Ashveil and Charles, watching quietly from the shadows and distance, found themselves instinctively staring, captivated and lost for words.
"Thank you all for joining us here today to celebrate this special occasion," Elowen spoke clearly and calmly, her voice steady yet warm enough to reach everyone clearly within the hall. "I know that our official coronation ceremony has unfortunately had to be postponed for certain reasons beyond our control."
One noble stepped forward respectfully, offering a reassuring smile.
"Do not worry about such matters, Your Highness. We all fully understand and trust that everything is being handled wisely and carefully."
Celestia smiled warmly at him and the crowd.
"We deeply appreciate everyone's patience and trust. Rest assured – together we shall lead Wonderveil to a brighter and stronger future, just as it deserves."
Elowen continued speaking, her gaze sweeping confidently across the gathered guests.
"This celebration belongs to everyone. Please enjoy this wonderful evening to the fullest. And remember... our doors and hearts remain always open to you all."
"Why don't you go over there and join them?" Charles asked softly, breaking his gaze away from the princesses for just a moment.
Ashveil shook his head slowly.
"I am nobody important enough to stand beside them openly in front of everyone."
"Neither am I," Charles whispered sadly in reply.
Yet despite their words, both men's eyes remained firmly fixed upon the two sisters standing at the centre of attention.
A short while later, the master of ceremonies approached Elowen and Celestia once more.
"Your Highnesses, there are two noblemen who wish to formally introduce themselves and pay their respects."
Elowen nodded gracefully.
"Please invite them forward."
"Presenting – Lord Luke and Lord Chris, of the noble House of Edric."
Two handsome young men stepped confidently forward. They were dressed smartly in refined formal robes, their postures proud, composed and full of self‑assurance.
Luke gently took Elowen's hand and respectfully pressed a soft kiss upon the back of her hand, whilst Chris performed exactly the same polite and courteous gesture toward Celestia. It was a perfectly proper and noble custom – yet one which naturally drew the attention and gaze of everyone watching.
From their distant corner, Ashveil and Charles observed every single detail silently. They stood motionless, yet deep inside, heavy emotions weighed down heavily upon their hearts.
Jealousy?
Yes. There was absolutely no denying it.
Charles quickly looked away, his hands clenching tightly together in suppressed emotion and frustration.
Ashveil remained outwardly calm and composed, his expression unchanged and steady – yet his eyes sharpened noticeably, his gaze growing colder and more watchful.
These feelings... were unavoidable, natural and impossible to simply ignore or suppress completely.
Amidst the joyous celebration, the bright smiles, friendly conversations and apparent trust and unity filling the room... something unseen was quietly moving and shifting beneath the surface. Everything appeared perfect, beautiful and flawless – almost too perfect, too beautiful and too flawless to truly be real.
From a distance, Charles and Ashveil could only watch silently.
The two noblemen—Luke and Chris—stood far too close to Elowen and Celestia for their liking. Their smiles were polite, their movements graceful and refined, perfectly fitting the mannerisms expected of high‑born nobles. Yet, everything about the scene stirred an uncomfortable, heavy feeling deep inside both men's hearts.
Before long, Luke extended his hand toward Elowen.
"Your Highness, may I have the honour of walking with you through the palace gardens? I would very much like to admire the beauty of this place up close."
Elowen looked at him briefly before nodding gently.
"Of course."
Without hesitation, she accepted his hand, and together they walked away, leaving the grand hall behind them.
Elsewhere in the room, Chris turned toward Celestia with a charming smile.
"Princess, I would very much like to speak with you somewhere quieter... away from the noise and crowds."
He held his hand out toward her. Celestia hesitated for a moment, but eventually, she placed her hand into his.
"Very well."
Chris guided Celestia away, until they too disappeared from everyone's view.
And just like that, the two sisters parted ways—Elowen heading toward the quiet gardens, whilst Celestia was led toward an isolated balcony.
In that exact moment, something subtle shifted within the atmosphere. Charles clenched his fists tightly, his gaze never leaving Celestia's retreating figure. Beside him, Ashveil was already moving silently away, without saying a single word, and without asking for anyone's permission.
They headed in different directions—but their purpose was exactly the same. Both men followed the women they cherished deeply—the women whom they had secretly loved for so long, keeping their feelings carefully hidden deep within their hearts.
In the silence of the palace gardens, only Elowen and Luke remained. A soft breeze rustled gently through the leaves, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere all around them.
"This place is truly magnificent," Luke complimented warmly.
"Thank you," Elowen replied calmly and courteously.
"To be honest... I have never had a gentleman invite me for a quiet walk like this before. You might actually be the very first."
Hidden behind a thick wall not far away, Ashveil heard every single word clearly. His chest tightened painfully, heavy with suppressed feelings, yet he remained exactly where he was, unmoving and quiet.
"You are incredibly beautiful, Your Highness," Luke continued, his smile soft yet intentional. "It is truly hard to believe that there isn't a long line of suitors or admirers seeking your affection."
"Thank you," Elowen replied simply, keeping her tone neutral and polite.
Luke glanced toward the centre of the garden.
"Is that the royal fountain over there?"
"Yes. Would you like to see it closer?"
"Very much so."
Upon reaching the fountain, Luke moved closer to Elowen, narrowing the gap between them significantly.
"I have a feeling... that you and I are very well suited for each other."
Slowly, his hand reached out to gently touch Elowen's cheek. Immediately, Elowen softly but firmly brushed his hand away.
"Forgive me, but I find this uncomfortable."
Luke let out a light laugh, seemingly unbothered.
"I apologise, I understand perfectly."
Yet despite his words, he took yet another small step forward—bringing himself far too close for comfort.
Suddenly, without warning—Ashveil appeared between them. His hand moved swiftly, pulling Elowen safely behind him in one smooth motion, shielding her completely with his own body.
"She said she is uncomfortable," Ashveil spoke calmly, yet his voice carried undeniable firmness and authority.
Luke was clearly startled and surprised by his sudden appearance.
"Ah... my apologies. I shall leave you both at once."
Quickly, Luke turned and walked away from them.
Elowen turned around to face Ashveil, a questioning look in her eyes.
"Ashveil... exactly what are you doing here?"
"I saw him bring you alone into such a quiet, isolated place," Ashveil answered quietly, lowering his head respectfully. "I merely... wanted to ensure your safety, Your Highness."
Elowen frowned slightly, looking straight at him.
"Do you honestly believe I cannot protect or take care of myself?"
"That is not what I meant at all," Ashveil replied quickly, his voice urgent and sincere. "I only wanted—"
"You are just like him in some ways," Elowen interrupted him softly.
Ashveil fell silent instantly, his heart aching painfully at her words.
"I know," he whispered quietly. "But I promise you... I am nothing like him deep inside."
Silence hung gently between them for a short moment. Eventually, Elowen let out a soft sigh and relaxed her expression.
"I know, Ashveil. I understand you perfectly."
She turned slightly, preparing to walk back toward the main hall.
"I should return now."
But just as she began to move away—Ashveil reached out and firmly grasped her hand, holding her gently yet tightly in place. Without saying another word, he pulled her into his arms, wrapping her securely in a warm, tight embrace. This time, it was not merely an act of protection—it was something far deeper, filled with years of hidden feelings and devotion.
"May I... stay like this just for a little while longer?" he whispered softly near her ear.
Elowen remained quiet and still for several seconds. Slowly, gently, she raised her hand and tenderly stroked the back of his head, comforting him.
"Of course you may, Ashveil."
Elsewhere, upon the secluded balcony, Charles stood hidden behind a massive pillar, watching closely every movement between Celestia and Chris. Chris stood dangerously close to her—confident, composed and far too familiar in his mannerisms for Charles' liking.
"Princess Celestia, you are truly enchanting and beautiful beyond words," Chris praised smoothly.
"Thank you," Celestia replied politely yet distantly.
"Would you do me the honour of becoming my partner, and perhaps... much more than that in the future?"
Celestia paused briefly before answering calmly.
"We have only just met formally this evening, Lord Chris."
Chris simply smiled confidently.
"Time is of no importance, Your Highness. With me, you will have a safe, comfortable and wonderful life."
He moved a step closer to her, lowering his voice conspiratorially.
"And besides... I am quite certain you harbour no real affection or love toward your sister, do you?"
Celestia offered him only a faint, knowing smile in return.
"Could you perhaps fetch me a glass of water, please?"
"Certainly, right away."
As Chris turned and walked back inside the building, silence returned once again to the balcony. Celestia breathed out slowly, releasing the tension built inside her chest.
Just then—she felt something warm and soft being placed gently across her shoulders. She turned her head quickly and found Charles standing quietly right behind her, his expression full of worry and concern.
"Are you alright, Princess Celestia?"
"Charles!" she gasped in surprise.
Before she knew what was happening, Celestia stepped forward and tightly wrapped her arms around him, burying her face against his chest. Charles froze completely for just a heartbeat before slowly, tenderly returning her embrace.
However, the moment was short‑lived. Celestia pulled herself gently away, looking directly into his eyes.
"Why didn't you come to my side earlier when I needed you?"
"Because... I am not worthy enough to stand beside you openly," Charles replied quietly, looking down at his feet in shame and sadness.
"I have told you countless times—such things do not matter to me!" Celestia said firmly, her voice trembling slightly with emotion.
"I know... and yet, I still respect the boundaries and differences between us," Charles answered softly.
"If that is truly how you feel... then perhaps we are not friends anymore," Celestia declared firmly, looking hurt and disappointed.
Charles remained silent for a moment, struggling with his feelings and his fears. Finally, he lifted his head, his eyes shining with determination and honesty he had never dared to show before.
"If that is the case... then what if I want more than just friendship?"
Celestia's eyes widened in genuine shock and surprise.
"What exactly do you mean, Charles?"
Charles took one slow step closer toward her, closing the distance between them completely.
"I mean... I want more than friendship. Far more..."
Without waiting another second or holding anything back, he pulled Celestia into his arms and hugged her tightly, pouring every ounce of his hidden feelings into that single embrace.
"What I feel for you... is far stronger and deeper than friendship could ever be," he whispered emotionally.
Celestia did not push him away or reject him. She simply stood perfectly still, accepting his feelings and returning his warmth quietly.
And far across the balcony corridor... Chris stood watching them silently from the shadows. His eyes were wide with shock and disbelief. But he said absolutely nothing. He simply turned around slowly, and quietly walked away, a dark expression slowly spreading across his face.