The Third Prince Of Darkness

As soon as we stepped inside, the grandeur and vastness of the hall briefly overwhelmed me. The light from the massive chandeliers that adorned the ceiling reflected off the gold-plated columns and the detailed carvings on the walls. The floor, covered in the finest marble, created a faint echo with every step we took. My eyes focused on Tamerid Emperor Matteon and his family, who stood at the far end of the hall. Matteon stood there with all his imposing presence, accompanied by princes, princesses, and two empresses, including Evangeline. Both empresses shone with impeccable grace, perfectly in harmony with the rest of the hall.

Nobles and important figures lined both sides of the hall, their attention entirely on us. Everyone's gaze wandered over to each member of the royal family. As Richard walked forward with his head held high, it was evident that Luciana, Fiona, and Isabella moved with the same grace as him. As we walked towards our assigned table, I noticed that it was situated very close to the Tamerid imperial family.

As we approached the table, the atmosphere in the hall grew heavier. All eyes were on us, and every step we took was carefully watched. Emperor Matteon stood with a strong presence, ready to greet us with his family. I noticed that Evangeline's eyes were searching for me. When our gazes met, a slight smile appeared on her lips, though it was accompanied by a deep seriousness.

Richard led the way, with the rest of us following behind him in turn. Luciana's elegant steps, along with those of Fiona and Isabella, reflected the nobility of the royal family. As we neared the table, Emperor Matteon made a gentle but authoritative gesture, inviting us to sit.

Sitting so close to Emperor Matteon’s family underscored the importance of the alliance between the Asina Kingdom and the Tamerid Empire. As we took our seats, I felt the whispers around the room gradually fade, and everyone refocused on Emperor Matteon. This evening was not just a wedding but a ceremony that would contribute to shaping future power dynamics.

Finally, the doors opened once more, and the couple getting married tonight entered. Umala, in a magnificent blue gown, walked happily while linking her arm with Prince Yavein’s. I won't lie. Umala was indeed a beautiful woman, especially tonight. As the couple walked slowly, amidst the applause of the nobles, they took their seats at a more lavish and grand table in front of us. Once seated, my father and Emperor Exdarth Matteon stood up and walked towards the couple.

As Emperor Matteon and my father approached the couple, the atmosphere in the hall turned completely silent. Everyone was focused on the words of the two great leaders. Matteon, with a serious and determined expression, raised his voice, "This marriage unites not just two individuals, but also two great houses. The bonds between the Tamerid Empire and the Asina Kingdom will now be strengthened not only by alliance but also by blood. Umala and Yavein’s union will illuminate the future of our continent."

Immediately following these words, my father began to speak. "Today, we celebrate not only the union of two empires but also of two families. This marriage will not just be a ceremony, but a symbol of peace and stability. As the Asina Kingdom, we will do everything in our power to protect and support the strength born from this union."

After Emperor Matteon and my father had given their blessings to the couple, the rings were brought by servants. As my father placed the ring on Umala’s finger, Matteon placed the ring on his son’s finger. Another tradition in this world was for the father to place the ring on the child's finger on the wedding day. At that moment, all eyes were on Umala and Yavein. The couple’s eyes held a glimmer, but it was a mixture of different emotions. While Umala’s eyes reflected hope and happiness, Yavein’s gaze carried a weight and something hidden, something most people did not know. Unfortunately, from this night onward, Umala’s happiness would vanish... But then, with my help, she would come to trust me completely and slowly come into my grasp. But that was a plan for another day. The two rulers then returned to their places.

As the ceremony continued, servers began serving the finest wines. The drinks in the crystal goblets sparkled with the light reflecting from the chandeliers. Everyone at the table slowly sipped their drinks and engaged in brief, polite conversations. However, I could not tear my gaze away from Evangeline for even a moment. She did not shy away from meeting my eyes. Finally, as the couple stood up and walked towards the dance floor, Evangeline winked at me.

Taking a deep breath, I stood up and walked towards Evangeline. As the other Tamerid heirs looked at me in surprise, I felt the entire hall watching us. I stood in front of Evangeline and extended my hand.

“May I have this dance, my lady?”

Evangeline’s eyes sparkled as she took my hand with a gentle smile. As I held her hand, I tried to suppress the nervousness of being the center of attention. I saw my father's equally bewildered look as the rest of the room watched us in amazement, but I especially felt Liam's hateful gaze on my back. I gently guided Evangeline to the dance floor, and we began to dance with slow steps. A dance performed at a wedding was considered sacred and was reserved for genuine couples. Thus, even my asking Evangeline to dance indicated that we were a kind of couple, which surprised many people.

As we reached the dance floor and I looked at my sister and Yavin, I noticed their surprise as well. It seemed that Evangeline was pleased by the reaction of the hall, as she smiled slightly. Cradling her hand, I wrapped my arm around her waist and we began to dance to the music that had started again. As we danced at what could be considered a risky distance, I saw Evangeline gazing into my eyes. Although people still glanced at us from time to time, the hall gradually returned to its former ambiance, and many couples took to the dance floor after us.

When I looked at Evangeline again, I noticed she was still gazing into my eyes without diverting her gaze still. There was a sparkle in her eyes, but it was different from the usual false glimmer. A faint smile was on her lips, but it was not the fake smile she usually wore for others. Observing the small, sweet dimples on her cheeks and feeling the rapid pulse on her wrist, I realized that she was beginning to develop some feelings for me. So why not make the most of this romantic moment?

I leaned my face closer to hers and, ignoring the growing surprise in her eyes, gently touched my lips to hers. As I tightened my grip around her waist, I guided her to follow the rhythm of the music. She looked at me in astonishment, but I was already intoxicated by the taste of her cherry-red lips. Finally, remembering where we were, I pulled back from her lips.

Evangeline quickly composed herself, trying to hide the momentary astonishment on her face. Her eyes focused on her slightly trembling lips before she turned her gaze back to me. She took a deep breath, clearly feeling her heart racing. At that moment, I had made my interest in her clear, marking a significant turning point for our relationship. We continued to dance, oblivious to the astonished looks of the surrounding nobles.

When the music stopped and the sacred couples’ dance concluded, instead of returning to our table, we paused for a few seconds. As the couples slowly returned to their places, Evangeline leaned closer to my ear and said, “I will explain now.” The dance floor was higher than the hall floor, making it a suitable spot for an announcement. As everyone returned to their places, I noticed their intense stares directed at us. Evangeline took a goblet from a servant and drank it in one go.

Then, turning to the nobles, he tapped the goblet several times with the ring bearing the emblem of the Tamerid Empire on his finger and made a sharp sound that echoed through the hall.  As everyone turned towards us, Evangeline began to speak.

"On this beautiful night, I would first like to celebrate the wedding of my brother and his beloved bride" she said, pointing to the newlywed couple. The hall applauded the couple for a while, and after some time, Evangeline raised her hand, silencing the room.

"The significance of this night is not limited to just my brother’s and his precious wife’s blessed union," she continued. "Tonight, we have another joyous announcement to share with you."

After a brief pause, Evangeline's eyes scanned everyone in the hall. Once she was sure everyone was listening attentively, she continued, "The friendship and alliance between the Asina Kingdom and the Tamerid Empire are taking on an extra dimension as of tonight. I, Princess Evangeline of Tamerid, announce my engagement to Ethan, the heir apparent in the Asina Kingdom."

As her words echoed through the hall, a slight but unmistakable smile appeared on Evangeline’s face. Among the nobles, there was first a murmur of shock, followed by whispers of congratulations.