The car ride to the gala felt strangely quiet.
Amara sat beside Adrian in the back seat of the luxury car, trying not to fidget with the fabric of her dress.
Through the window, the city lights shimmered against the dark evening sky.
Her heart was beating faster with every minute that passed.
"You're nervous," Adrian said calmly.
Amara looked at him.
"Of course I'm nervous."
Adrian leaned back slightly.
"It's just a gala."
Amara stared at him.
"For you maybe. For me, this feels like stepping into another world."
Adrian didn't reply.
Instead, he watched the city lights outside.
A few minutes later, the car slowed down.
Amara noticed flashing lights outside.
"Wait… are those cameras?" she asked quietly.
"Yes."
Amara's eyes widened.
"Cameras?!"
The car stopped in front of a massive luxury hotel where the gala was being held.
Bright lights illuminated the entrance.
Reporters and photographers stood behind red ropes, waiting as famous guests arrived one by one.
Expensive cars pulled up constantly.
Celebrities stepped out, waving politely as cameras flashed.
Amara suddenly felt her stomach twist.
"I think I might pass out."
Adrian looked amused.
"You'll be fine."
"Easy for you to say."
A palace staff member opened the car door.
The sound of cameras clicking filled the air instantly.
Adrian stepped out first.
The crowd reacted immediately.
"Your Royal Highness!"
"Prince Adrian!"
Cameras flashed rapidly.
Adrian turned slightly toward the car and offered his hand inside.
Amara hesitated.
No turning back now.
She took his hand and stepped out.
The moment she appeared beside him…
The cameras went wild.
"Who is that with him?"
"Is that the scholarship girl?"
"Look here!"
Flashes of light exploded around them.
Amara tried to stay calm, but the attention felt overwhelming.
Adrian leaned slightly closer to her.
"Just walk."
Amara nodded and followed his lead as they walked up the red carpet together.
Inside the ballroom, the atmosphere was breathtaking.
Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling.
Elegant music played softly while guests in beautiful gowns and suits filled the room.
Politicians, celebrities, and wealthy guests chatted politely.
But the moment Adrian and Amara entered…
Heads turned.
Whispers spread across the room.
"Is that the crown prince?"
"Who is the girl with him?"
"Has he ever brought someone before?"
Amara felt dozens of eyes watching her.
"This is terrifying," she whispered.
Adrian looked completely calm.
"You're doing fine."
Before Amara could respond, another voice spoke.
"Adrian."
Both of them turned.
A tall, elegant woman stood nearby wearing a stunning silver gown.
Her posture was graceful and powerful.
Amara immediately realized who she was.
The Queen.
Adrian's mother.
The Queen's eyes slowly moved toward Amara.
For a moment, she studied her carefully.
Then she smiled politely.
"And who is this?"
Amara's heart nearly stopped.
Adrian answered calmly.
"Mother, this is Amara Daniels."
The Queen raised an eyebrow slightly.
"The girl from the academy?"
Adrian nodded.
Amara felt incredibly small under the Queen's gaze.
But then the Queen smiled again.
"Well," she said softly.
"It's lovely to meet the girl my son has brought to the gala."
Across the room…
Another pair of eyes watched them.
Eyes filled with anger.
Vanessa stood near the balcony, wearing a glamorous red dress.
She had somehow managed to enter the gala.
And now she was watching Amara standing beside the prince… and speaking to the Queen.
Vanessa's nails dug into her palm.
"This isn't over," she whispered to herself.