Chapter 93: Victory banquet

Chapter 93: Victory banquet Aurora was a warm person, and she didn’t act reserved like other noble ladies, which made talking to her fun. The carriage moving from Cedric’s Castle to the Grand Crescent Palace arrived shortly at the main entrance. On arriving Abrielle realized how bubbly and exciting the atmosphere was. Severe carriages kept on arriving with several faces, which she didn’t recognize facially since the primary host of this body wasn’t from the capital, and some might have been extra characters. Her hands grabbed the extra layers of her dress as she climbed the stairs heading to the main entrance. Close to the doors, she spotted a familiar auburn hair with a cheesy smile. "I almost gave up that you weren’t going to come," she heard Alfonso mention as he made his way close to her. Abrielle’s brows furrowed and she let go of her dress that swept the ground. She wasn’t expecting to run into Alfonso at the main entrance who seemed to be waiting for someone. "I had no idea the third prince of Darconia was now a doorman." She taunted, making her way past him into the palace. To her surprise, Alfonso followed after her. "I was waiting for you and was starting to worry you would not show up," Alfonso commented which disturbed Abrielle. The last thing she needed was unnecessary attention from an infamous playboy, which would damage her reputation further. Nobles love rumours and could already imagine one: the wife of the first prince was discovered having secret conversations in the dark of the night with her brother-in-law. "Thank you for your concern but I don’t need it." She brushed him away hoping maybe he had enough dignity to leave her alone. Faint sounds of music from the hall could be already heard. Abrielle was a bit late, but it wasn’t her fault Aurora ended up spending too much time dressing her up that’s why she wasn’t even at the start of the show. "There is no need to act like you don’t like the fact you were welcomed by me. Trust me; you will enjoy my company being at a strange party when your husband, who was meant to be by your side, gives you little to no attention." Alfonso chimed, which made Abrielle roll her eyes. Did she look like she cared if Cedric gave everyone his attention except for her? She actually wished he ignored her existence most times so she thought. "I am honoured to have such a caring brother-in-law." Abrielle chimed, emphasizing on brother-in-law, hoping it would shoo him away, but Alfonso chuckled. "I am glad you appreciate my efforts." Alfonso didn’t retreat and followed her until they arrived at the hall. "Announcing the presence of the third prince of Darconia, Prince Alfonso Von Drakkar, and the wife of the first prince, Princess Abrielle Von Drakkar." Their presence was announced. Abrielle could already hear the whispers about why she was accompanied by her brother-in-law instead of her husband, but she had thick skin to be bothered about such petty talk. Abrielle’s eyes darted around the hall to subconsciously find someone, and there he was, standing tall with half of his face covered with a mask. He didn’t even spare her a glance when she arrived. Cedric was talking to some high nobles with a commanding presence around him. Compared to the male lead of the story at this part of the plot, Cedric actually had an advantage, but Lucian was able to grow and succeed as his more capable brother. Abrielle averted her eyes from him then she heard the devil whisper in her ears. "Don’t think much about his behaviour; your husband doesn’t know how to appreciate what he has," Alfonso whispered, causing Abrielle to roll her eyes. Before heading to her designated seat, Abrielle went to the head of the table and turned to show her respect. It was mandatory for her, as a member of the royal family, to pay her respect to the king and Queen. Abrielle’s eyes fell on the graceful lady who was a few years younger than the king; she had raven black hair and sharp grey eyes. Queen Eleanore Von Drakkar was a beautiful woman, without a doubt, with a very scheming heart. The woman who wanted her dead from marrying Cedric instead of her son. Queen Eleanore was one of the major oppositions towards Lucian and Callista’s relationship, which she felt didn’t have any advantage. There was no way to rule over the royal harem if you didn’t have a scheming heart. Abrielle stopped in front of the highest royal couple and then bowed, "I greet the sun and moon of the great Kingdom of Darconia." She praised sincerely. Even though she knew she was already in the Queen’s bad book, at least, they should still act civil with each other in the public eyes. The king nodded, accepting her greeting, while the queen gave her a smile that sparkled in her grey eyes. "You must be Abrielle. Welcome to the family; you even look more beautiful than described." Eleanore praised her. "Thank you, Your Majesty, but I don’t hold a candle to the queen. You seem to age with grace. There is no difference between you and your wedding portrait." Abrielle sweetly praised, making the queen smile at her. "You have a sweet mouth, dear; if you are free, it would be nice if you could attend my tea party tomorrow. I am sure the other ladies of this household would love you." The Queen chimed. Abrielle eagerly agreed even though the last thing she wanted was to be in a den of Vipers. "Thank you for the invitation. I look forward to joining you for tea." She bowed again. "You are very sweet, please take a seat." The queen urged her then Abrielle bowed before leaving. She took a glass of wine from a wine steward as she made her way to her designated table, which was empty because Cedric would rather not share a table with her. After taking the glass from the tray, Abrielle turned around to head to her table but was stunned and bumped in the shoulder by someone, making her lose her balance, and the glass slipped from her hand, hitting someone as she fell to the ground. Gasps were heard all around the hall, and Abrielle secretly prayed that what happened wasn’t what she thought. She slowly raised her hand from the floor, and her eyes met with Callista, who was aggrieved because her face was spilt with wine. Abrielle’s eyes went wide when she realized an extra detail Callista was wearing blue instead of red.