14 The Banquet (Part-1)

Calvin helped Hanson wear his cloak under the evaluating gaze of Florien. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry. The two princes of Steins were completely opposing in personalities resembling black and white. The older brother is a schemer while the younger brother is too straightforward for his own good. But then, it's good that the older prince was the crown prince, as Florien's personality is more suited to be a knight than a ruler.

"Say, Your Highness Prince Florien. If I may ask, why is His and Her Majesty Florence not attending their only princess' wedding?" Stefan suddenly broke the silence.

Florien was surprised as he did not expect the knight to talk to him, much less ask that question. After the initial surprise, his expression turned dark.

Florien sneered. "I'd rather they not attend the wedding."

The three other men were surprised at his sudden display of hostility to one of the most revered royals in Zestria.

"Why... do you say so Your Highness?" Calvin probed cautiously.

Florien let out a non-amused laugh at that. "Why? You ask me why? It's because they are people who will neither let her live, nor let her die."

The room was silent. Even the clinking of the buckles stopped as Hanson paused in fastening his cloak to his suit. The three men did not utter a word or more so, they could not.

"She did not live an easy life Prince." Florien continued, "Your troubles are nothing compared to the sufferings she went through. I hope you keep it in mind." His tone was solemn but his eyes were sharp.

It was a warning.

Hanson could clearly perceive that the younger prince was serious; serious enough that he would not hesitate to drag the kingdoms into it. Hanson very well knew that even though Christian was the crown prince, the law of Steins does not restrict the other male descendants of the royal family to hold authority over the army.

"I won't promise you anything." Hanson stated. Before Florien could flare up, he continued, "People tend to hurt each other, intentionally or unintentionally. So I can't promise not to hurt her as we barely know each other. "

"However, I will do my utmost to protect her."

Florien's eyes widened. He did not expect Hanson to be quite honest and straightforward. It was the same feeling he felt with Leortes. Trust. He felt that he could trust Kaia with the man. Although, he has yet to fully trust Hanson, for now those words were enough.

"She is my wife-to-be. She is the first woman whom I'll pledge myself to and will be the last."

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"It's time Your Highness"

Kaia heard Catherine's voice just as Alexandra finished fixing the tiara to Kaia's light golden locks. Kaia would be fine with just placing the tiara over her head but Alexandra did not want to take a chance, so Kaia just let her do as she pleased.

The golden tiara was adorned in sparkling white diamonds that did not conceal the golden lustre but still stood out. Her hair was tied up in a bun, revealing her smooth porcelain neck. She wore matching set of earrings and necklace, shaped like golden tulips woven around together with their stalk.

Her dress was a pale peach silk dress with the sleeves short and off shoulder and the skirt puffy with multiple layers. An ornament encrusted with diamonds was places right at the part where the bodice meets the flaring skirt.

She was already tall enough, so her heels were short. They were also easier to move around with, so Kaia had nothing to complain about.

Kaia gazed at her reflection in the mirror. She had rarely dressed up as she was not allowed to attend any occasion ever since she was young and as soon as she reached her marriageable years she had already fell in love, lost him and lost even the freedom to step out of her room.

She had but dressed up only once before in her entire life, with the help of Cynthia and Lily, Cynthia's mother. A small sad smile tugged on her lips as she tugged at the rose gold necklace which she now wound around her wrist under her gloves. She had never taken it off ever since that day and she couldn't bring herself to do so now. Although she knew she has to discard those feelings if she did not want to break.

But what would she do when she'd rather be broken than forget him?

With Catherine's reminder the women set out to the banquet. Calvin was waiting outside the room to escort Kaia till the banquet hall where Hanson is supposedly waiting so they could enter together.

Alexandra had dressed herself up as well as she and Cynthia were eligible to attend. Cynthia did not want to leave Athena behind so she decided to stay behind with her. Catherine was naturally attending as well.

Kaia did not want Frederick following her and thankfully he had been busy these few days to ensure the security of the perimeter and to not let any incident happen in the three days and the wedding. He only left after being reassured by Catherine's arrival. Kaia was honestly grateful to the young duchess because of it.

When they reached the bottom of the stairs Kaia saw Hanson waiting for her. He looked elegant and impeccable with his formal suit on and his indigo cloak with the arresting golden roaring lion head insignia embroidered in the middle. He looked marvellous; the colour black looked as if it existed for the sake of enhancing his beautiful figure and visage. He turned around when he heard the footsteps, his eyes widening a fraction that was almost indiscernable.

Not knowing that she was being admired by the one she was admiring as well, a small smile tugged on Kaia's lips as she placed her hand over the offered arm of her fiancé.

Maybe her rare but genuine smile was infective, Hanson's lips curved into a gentle smile as well.