2 Chapter 1

"As to the deceit perpetrated upon women, let it pass, for, when love is in the way, men and women as a general rule dupe each other."

- Giacomo Casanova

The Great Banquet Hall

Reina Estella was smiling from a distance. Her platinum blonde hair was tied up in a bun, loose strands intricately trailed her perfectly sculptured face. One would evidently see her glistening blue orbs and deep smile lines as she laughed. Who could blame her? She was engaged to man who was about to be king.

Beside her, greeting the guests entering the hall, is her fiance—His Royal Highness, Caspian Antonio II.

Camden Aeneas watched from the other side of the room, a glass of wine in his hand. He just returned from Spain, and clearly, he didn't want to be there. Nevertheless, it was the only chance he had to see Estella again, and perhaps; change her mind.

The man turned away, sipping from his glass; in which, he visibly failed to notice—it was empty. He had withdrawn to the far end of the banquet hall, pondering his thoughts.

Estella, through the glimpse of her sight, watched her former lover, sipping an empty glass of wine as if it unquestionably contained liquid. She worried for him.

"Beloved, what is it that keeps your mind?" Caspian held her hand. "Is the reception not to your liking?"

The lady laughed awkwardly. "Think not of it. I'm simply... parched."

Like a fly drawn to the fire, Estella made her way to her once love; and as she grew closer, she felt her footsteps too burdensome to carry. Mayhap it was her heart that felt heavy; or her remorseful conscience after leaving her lover years ago? The gap between them closed, and she felt her heart sinking.

"Estella." The man observed her, keeping his distance.

Living away from England for so long, his skin was slightly tan than his normal white complexion. He had such striking black eyes and a commanding gaze; and his dark hair was so messy, it was almost attractive. He is attractive. Spain looked good on him.

She smiled at the man. "How do you fare?"

"Grand." As if finally noticing his empty glass, he smirked. He had found himself comedic—he had found the turn of events comedic.

They both stood still—mute.

Camden was never one to start chitchats. He found it very tedious work and spoke to a bare minimum. In fact, he hardly spoke at all! Even as a child, he had very little to say and often looked so grim for a little kid. It was Estella who spoke most of the times and he simply listened to her babble on; but, even she had no words for their present circumstances.

Coincidentally, music played from inside the hall; the dance had started. Perhaps the walls felt the uneasiness in the air? Possibly—walls do have ears; then again, what's there to hear but the silence?

Ladies and gentlemen flocked the dance floor; waltzing in perfect sync to the melody, dresses cascaded around the hall, and leather shoes glided smoothly���too smoothly. The whole scene was rehearsed, and as though it was cue to fetch his lover, an older male escorts Estella away. Every moment seemed to be planned in advance.

Caspian exchanged a slight bow with his brother and left. He guided Estella across the dance floor and danced.

"I hope I wasn't interrupting," he smiled ever so sweetly. "But you look like you needed saving."

"Oh, Caspian, I'm no damsel in distress." She chuckled. 

He turned elegantly and placed his hand on her waist. He gazed at her intently, his eyes never left hers. "I will always protect you. No matter what." The dance was perfect. Caspian was perfect. Ah Estella, you lucky dog.