I drag myself into my room, exhausted but satisfied.
The entire day has been a whirlwind of running from one office to another, signing documents, making payments. But it's done. I'm officially registered for law school.
I exhale, stripping off my jacket. I'm about to step into the bath when a knock sounds at my door.
Esther walks in, a long, wrapped dress in her hands.
She stretches it out on my bed with a knowing smile.
I blink at it. Confused.
"What's this?" I ask.
"Check the card." She gestures.
I pick up the small card attached to the dress.
Wear this for this evening. I'll pick you up by 9 PM.
The handwriting is precise. Familiar.
My breath catches. Cassian.
I stare at the note, my fingers tightening around it.
Esther's smile widens. "Cassian wants you looking gorgeous tonight."
I don't respond, just look at the dress. The most beautiful dress I've ever seen.
Deep purple, flowing silk, intricate beadwork at the bodice. Elegant. Breathtaking.
Did he really pick this himself?
My heart stirs, flutters, before I can push the feeling away.
What is he planning tonight?
Esther claps her hands, already moving.
"Come on, let's get you ready."
She tends to my skin, hair, makeup, her excitement contagious.
I try to stay calm, indifferent, but deep down, a thrill of anticipation coils in my stomach.
Tonight, something is happening.
And for the first time in a long while, I want to know what.
I barely recognize myself.
The mirror reflects a version of me I've never seen before; stunning, regal, otherworldly.
Esther has outdone herself.
My makeup is flawless, my cheekbones highlighted just right. The emerald gown Cassian sent fits like it was made for me, hugging my curves in all the right places. The jewelry sparkles under the light, my tiara sitting perfectly on my styled hair.
For a moment, I just stare.
Not just a princess. I look like a celebrity.
9 PM. On the dot.
A soft knock.
Esther hurries to the door, barely containing her excitement as she opens it.
Cassian stands there.
And for the first time in a long while, I really see him.
His usual casual look is gone. He's in a black tailored suit, the silk fabric hugging his broad shoulders, a single gold pin at his collar. His hair is neatly styled, his jaw sharp under the soft palace lights.
I almost don't recognize him.
For a second, he doesn't move.
His eyes sweep over me in shock, admiration, and something else flickering in them.
Then, he steps forward, his expression unreadable. "Shall we?"
His voice is smoother than usual. He extends his hand.
I hesitate, then place mine in his warm grip. A slight tingle shoots through me.
Behind me, Esther is giggling.
I fight a smile and fall into step beside him.
As we step into the hallway, I feel the weight of dozens of eyes.
Guards. Maids. Palace staff.
They stare, wide-eyed, whispering.
For the first time in six months of marriage, Cassian and I are seen together.
Like a real couple.
And I have no idea what this night holds.
The moment we step into the grand hall, the air shifts. A ripple of whispers and gasps moves through the seated guests as all eyes turn to us. Cassian walks beside me with effortless grace, his hand lightly resting on the small of my back, guiding me toward the royal dais.
At the far end of the hall, Liliana sits beside the queen, both of them dressed in extravagant gowns. The queen, dazzling as always, watches us with a frown so subtle it could almost be missed but I don't miss it. Liliana, on the other hand, turns visibly green, her fingers gripping the armrest of her chair like she's holding herself back from standing.
Cassian leads me to where the Queen is already seated at the head of the long banquet table, surrounded by nobles and dignitaries.
Without hesitation, Cassian strides forward and leans down to embrace her. "Happy birthday, Queen Mother. May your days be long," he says with warmth and reverence.
A pleased smile graces her lips as she cups his face briefly. "Thank you, my son."
I step forward, my curtsy poised and graceful. "Your Majesty, happy birthday," I say smoothly.
She barely acknowledges me with a stiff nod before turning back to Cassian, dismissing me like a mere formality.
I glance across the hall, where Liliana sits rigidly, deliberately avoiding my gaze. I hold back a smirk. Typical.
Ignoring the tension in the air, I lift my chin and take my place beside Cassian. If they thought my presence here would waver, they were sorely mistaken.
Cassian walks me straight to the throne. Not just any seat—the one beside his own. The one meant for the Crown Princess.
A low murmur spreads across the hall. The noblemen exchange glances. Some women look at me with thinly veiled envy, while others whisper behind their fans. The council members, seated in their formal attire, seem taken aback. Even Lord Edric, who is always polite, raises a curious brow.
Cassian takes his seat with authority, then turns to me, offering his hand. I hesitate for the briefest second, not out of doubt, but out of realization.
Six months ago, I was just a pawn in a marriage of convenience. Tonight, Cassian is making a statement.
I sit beside him, my chin lifted, my expression unreadable.
The queen's frown deepens. Liliana clenches her jaw.
Cassian leans slightly toward me and murmurs, just low enough for only me to hear;
"You look breathtaking, Celeste."
I tilt my head, letting my lips curve into a knowing smile.
"Thank you. You don't look bad yourself."
A pause. The queen straightens in her seat. The weight of the room settles.
Then, Cassian does something unexpected. He lifts my hand, deliberately, purposefully and places a soft kiss on the back of it.
The gasps this time are audible.
The queen's knuckles turn white where she grips her goblet. Liliana looks like she might choke on air.
And I? I simply smile, my eyes meeting Cassian's in silent understanding.
Tonight, for the first time, we are seen together as a real couple.
But just as the applause swells around us, a voice cuts through the noise - cold, sharp, and unmistakable.
"Well, isn't this a lovely performance?"
I turn, my smile faltering.
And there, standing at the entrance, is the last person I ever expected to see.