5 The Anticipated Arrival
A sudden knock on the door interrupted Selene and Iris's conversation. The two sisters exchanged a knowing look before Iris called out, "Come in."
The door swung open and in strode Andreas, his posture exuding a respectful formality. He offered a quick bow to the princesses before addressing both sisters. "I'm sorry to disturb you, my Ladies, but you're expected in the throne room. The patrol at the gate has announced Prince Kang-Dae's arrival."
The news sent a shiver down Selene's spine. Her heart raced, and her breathing grew erratic. She couldn't help but wonder what to expect from this prince. Regardless of her sentiments, now was the time to play her cards right. She was determined to use any of his favourable disposition to secure her freedom from the impending engagement.
With an encouraging nod from Iris, the sisters rose from their seats and with purpose they made their way to the throne room. They could feel the tension grow with every step they took.
King Lycaon had arranged this union without Selene's consent or knowledge. Hence, the situation caused her emotions to be a turbulent mix of apprehension and determination.
As Selene and Iris entered the throne room, they both bowed their heads in greeting to their father, who acknowledged them with a subtle nod. On that note, they made their way to the golden thrones which were arranged in ascending tiers, with the king seated on the highest platform, flanked by two guards.
Selene briskly, yet graciously took her seat on the second step below her father's throne, next to her younger brother, the second child in the line of succession, Prince Thanos.
Simultaneously, Iris replicated her older sister's pace as she walked to sit on her throne next to their stepbrother, Ermis, the last child in line of succession. Their throne is settled on the platform below that of Selene and Thanos.
The gathered council, nobles and courtiers, however, maintained their poised demeanours as they all stood at both ends of the large throne room. Whispers of excitement for the future of their country hovered above their heads as it flowed from one person to another.
An undercurrent of tension filled the room, unnoticeable to anyone not privy to Selene's reluctance to this engagement. This was because each member of the royal family presented a calm, composed, and poised exterior as they had been trained to do.
In contrast, their personal guards stood steadfast beside the royal members' thrones, each wearing stoic expressions. They were clad in customary black uniforms, their swords sheathed at their waists.
Momentarily, Selene's gaze swept across the regal surroundings and the absence of the queen's throne weighed heavily on her. She missed her mother as a pang of longing coursed through her heart.
The sudden sound of trumpets pierced the air, snapping everyone's attention to the large opened doors of the royal courtroom. The royal announcer entered the room, offered a respectful bow, and then proceeded to greet the members of the Arcadian royal family and the members of the royal court.
With a flourish and a booming voice which echoed in the now silent room, he introduced the eagerly anticipated guest: "Behold, his royal highness, Prince Kim Kang-Dae. The first son and heir of our most righteous sovereign ruler, King Kim Seok Hyun of the prosperous Kingdom of Mu."
The moment had arrived, and like a bolt of lightning, the anticipation in the room crackled as all eyes shifted to the entrance, eager to catch their first glimpse of the enigmatic prince.
