The Grand Banquet Hall of Elarion glittered beneath hundreds of crystal chandeliers.
Golden light reflected across the marble floor while nobles from every corner of the kingdom filled the magnificent hall. Gentle music drifted through the air as servants moved gracefully between guests carrying silver trays and crystal glasses.
Tonight was one of the most important banquets of the season.
Every noble family had gathered beneath the royal palace roof.
Conversations flowed endlessly.
Laughter echoed beneath the high ceilings.
Then—
The ballroom doors opened.
For a brief moment, the hall seemed to fall silent.
A young woman stepped inside.
Rosélyn.
Her dark hair flowed softly down her back, contrasting beautifully against the ivory gown she wore. Delicate silver embroidery shimmered across the fabric like moonlight dancing upon calm water.
She wore no extravagant jewels.
No excessive decorations.
Yet somehow, she stood out more than those who did.
Her beauty wasn't dazzling.
It wasn't overwhelming.
It was gentle.
Quiet.
Like a spirit wandering through a dream.
Several nobles found themselves staring before quickly looking away.
Not because she demanded attention.
But because her presence carried a strange elegance that was impossible to ignore.
Like a white rose blooming beneath the moon.
Across the ballroom, Prince Alraic immediately noticed her.
As he always did.
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"There you are."
Rosélyn approached him calmly.
"Have you been standing here alone this entire time?"
"Perhaps."
"That's a strange hobby."
"It's less strange than hiding from people."
Rosélyn raised an eyebrow.
"I wasn't hiding."
"You always hide."
"I prefer quiet places."
"Exactly."
Rosélyn sighed.
A victorious smile immediately appeared on Alraic's face.
"You just admitted it."
"You're impossible."
"And yet you still talk to me."
Before Rosélyn could reply, excited whispers suddenly spread across the ballroom.
The attention of the crowd shifted toward the grand staircase.
At the top stood Emma.
Her golden hair shone beneath the crystal lights while her pale blue gown flowed elegantly around her.
The nobles immediately began whispering.
"Who is she?"
"She's beautiful."
"Isn't that Lady Emma?"
"I heard she's very kind."
Emma slowly descended the staircase.
Every movement appeared graceful.
Every smile appeared flawless.
Every expression seemed perfectly timed.
Rosélyn smiled politely.
"It seems everyone likes her."
Alraic's expression remained unreadable.
His gaze followed Emma carefully.
Watching.
Observing.
Thinking.
Rosélyn noticed immediately.
"You're suspicious of her again."
"I never stopped being suspicious."
She let out a small laugh.
"You're judging her without knowing her."
"Perhaps."
His gaze remained fixed on Emma.
"But people who seem perfect usually aren't."
Rosélyn shook her head.
"Not everyone has hidden motives."
Alraic glanced at her.
"That's because you're too kind."
"And you're too suspicious."
"One of us will be right."
Across the ballroom, Emma had already gathered the attention of several noble ladies.
Laughter surrounded her.
Admiration followed her.
Even the palace servants seemed comfortable around her.
It was as if she had belonged within the palace for years.
Yet the more Alraic watched her—
The more something felt wrong.
A figure suddenly appeared beside him.
Enzo Etman.
His personal knight.
His brown hair was neatly combed as always, while his calm light-brown eyes scanned the ballroom.
He bowed respectfully.
"Your Highness."
Alraic didn't look away from Emma.
"Did you find anything?"
Enzo hesitated.
Only for a second.
Then he quietly handed over a folded report.
"I found a few things that don't quite add up."
For the first time that evening, Alraic's expression darkened.
"What kind of things?"
Enzo lowered his voice.
"The kind that made me continue investigating."
Across the hall, Emma laughed sweetly at something a noble lady had said.
Her smile appeared innocent.
Perfect.
Harmless.
Yet somehow—
Neither Alraic nor Enzo believed it.
And for the very first time—
The prince began to wonder exactly who Emma really was.
To Be Continued...