15 The Banquet (Part-2)

"Presenting, Prince Hanson Edmund De Voire and Princess Kaia Julivine Dahlia Florence!" The Herald's voice boomed across the hall as Hanson and Kaia stepped in.

The chattering noises immediately subsided. Every pair of eyes at the banquet hall turned to look at them, admiring, scrutinising, judging. But no one could refuse the fact that the two young royals looked as if they were made for each other.

Kaia felt insecure as she knew the toils in the past two years left their trace on her and her once buoyant features were no longer as bright. But she did not know that they were only her thoughts. In fact no one can deny her beauty and she looked perfect for her age even more exquisite than the Arian beauties, who were well coveted all over Zestria.

Her innocent and youthful looks, matched Hanson's perfectly as both looked significantly younger by two to three years compared to their age. Coupled with the contrast of her light coloured dress and Hanson's dark suit, they were significantly eye-catching.

Hanson led Kaia to the table in the middle of the hall, designated for the royal family. The King sat at the head of the table as per custom and to his right sat the Queen followed by the Princess and an unfamiliar man. Kaia just gave a glance before Hanson took her to sit on the left side.

They greeted the King and Queen when they reached their seats. The king and Queen smiled at Kaia while the Princess grinned.

"You look beautiful my dear" the queen complimented Kaia with a hint of pride in her eyes.

"She is isn't she? She's Xavier's daughter after all." The King chuckled.

Kaia knew her father was renowned for his looks and bravery from a very young age. He was tall, with dark hair and those special green eyes which is a trait of the Walerian royal family, adorning his handsome features. He was also valiant with his continuous winning streak against the invading Libertians in the North western border. She had heard that he was every woman's dream during his youth.

Kaia on the other hand inherited most of her features from her mother, her platinum blond locks that cascade down in slight waves, her small heart shaped profile, her royal blue eyes which had a striking blue shade purer than genuine lapis lazuli, except her nose and lips which resembled her father. She was also tall while her mother was of normal height.

Kaia felt neither happiness nor disgust at the remark. She was indifferent. She had a burning hatred buried deep in her heart but she had hardened herself long ago.

Hanson noticed the slight pursing of her lips. Even though she was smiling, Hanson could tell she was anything but pleased. Prince Florien's remark about her parents came to his mind.

'They are people who would neither let her live, nor let her die.'

Before he could dwell on those words anymore, both Kaia and his attention were drawn towards the man who was seated next to Princess Pricella when he gave a slight bow and paid his respects.

"Greetings Your Highness Prince Voire, Your Highness Princess Florence."

"Greetings Marquis" Hanson nodded at him as he helped Kaia with her seat.

He then introduced the marquis to Kaia after taking his seat.

"This is Marquis Vesper, my sister's fiancé."

Kaia raised her eyebrows in slight surprise. She then nodded back at marquis Vesper. "Greetings Marquis"

She then turned with a knowing but amused look towards Princess Pricella who was smiling widely, for which the princess smiled bashfully and hid her face behind her hand.

Kaia now knew why she hadn't seen the princess around for long even though she was very welcoming when she first arrived and looked like she couldn't wait to spend time with her. Looking at her now Kaia was sure that she was marrying for love and not simply for political reasons.

Princess Pricella was beautiful with her innocent dark eyes, soft slightly flushed cheeks and the curly light brown hair she had inherited from the king. When she smiles one would have the urge to protect and spoil her.

No wonder the Marquis' eyes become doting when they fall on her. But then he isn't any less unworthy with his handsome features, straight caramel brown hair and light grey eyes.

Kaia ignored the couple who was whispering sweet nothings to each other out of politeness and turned towards the king who looked displeased. Kaia was surprised at that but then she noted that Hanson had sat on the second seat from the King's left leaving one seat empty.

Kaia immediately knew why but she was confused. Would that person arrive? Even then the eldest prince cannot take the seat next to the king as he isn't the crown prince-

Kaia's eyes widened in realization. She turned to look at Hanson who was calmly talking to his mother.

This man was becoming more and more intriguing as time passed by.

Soon Prince Christian and Prince Florien arrived and the first course was served. Florien sat next to Kaia not minding the table order and etiquette, forcing his brother to sit on the other side, although Christian did not mind. The table was quiet as they finished the food, with the exception of the piercing glances Florien sent to Hanson and Kaia from time to time.

Kaia was surprised that the taste was mellow and sweet according to her country's standards even though the potatoes in this dish wasn't supposed to taste sweet and mellow as the people of Clarines enjoy richer flavours with less sweetness.

Kaia glanced at Hanson after they finished with the appetizers and were waiting for the main course. Hanson noticed her stare and asked in concern. "Is the food not to your taste?"

Kaia gave a small smile and shook her head. "No it is very much to my taste, thank you."

Her eyes crinkled as she smiled when thanking him and Hanson's expression softened in response. Pricella who noticed that whispered to Maxwell. "My younger brother is surprisingly good at courting, I was worried for nothing."

Marquis Vesper chuckled back in response. "With all those efforts he put in making her feel welcomed, even I would lose out for sure."

Pricella shook her head with her eyes still watching the interactions between Hanson and Kaia, "My brother is naturally talented in many things, but you are not. But still you always give your best, so for me you are the best."

Seeing her smile, the marquis couldn't help but want to hold her. "I wish they would hurry with their wedding." He mumbled.

"Hmm?" Pricella turned to him as she couldn't hear Maxwell clearly.

"Nothing dear" he responded with a smile.

'I wish they would hurry with their wedding, so I could marry you soon.'

However he held his thoughts to himself.