17 Strength and Honor

It's been a week since the attack.

After the guards helped Allyria and Kaius, they were immediately brought to the infirmary for days and were tended by their most skilled physicians.

Allyria refused to get treatment, not unless the bodies of her and Kaius' royal guards were brought back to the castle. The King and Queen, having to fear for their daughter's life, sent people to retrieve the bodies a day after. A few escaped but were also in critical condition.

Her parents have already sent guards to search for the assassins, hoping to find at least one and discover their secret hideout if there was any. However, a week had already passed and they are nowhere near to tracking them.

Luckily for Kaius and Allyria, their injuries got healed just in time for the celebration. Although there were still a few visible wounds, it's not something to be worried about. The makeup concealed the bruises enough.

Since the attack at the woodlands were still not disclosed to anyone outside the castle, no one from the nobles should ever have a thought why the royal "couple" are a no show during the party so her mother made sure their appearance would be highlighted during the evening ball.

Both royal families had to show a strong front if they wanted to be supported by the elites of the country.

"His Royal Highness welcomes you all to the fifteenth birthday celebration of his daughter, the princess of Vervali, Vysela Annaliese Aleshkovsky," the master of ceremony said, "We will now admit his honored guests."

The King and Queen sat on the throne with King Maximilian beside them. Their children, on the other hand, positioned on top of the helical staircase waiting for the grand entrance together with Prince Kaius for the formal announcement of his and Allyria's betrothal.

"Announcing Lord Viktor of House Chauvethier, first of his name and nephew to the King, and guest," the emcee declared. Lord Viktor entered the hall together with his lady, Mireth, proudly in their House colors and addressed the guests in waiting as they approach the King and Queen to greet them with a respectful bow.

The other nobles followed in line as the emcee presented them one by one.

Although it wasn't a customary for everyone to wear formal attires, still, women and men alike wore lavish, colorful fabrics, glistening in diamonds and exquisite jewels hanging on their bodies.

The Great Hall looked even wider and regal now that they maximized the place and adorned with different decorations. Crystal chandeliers spiraled down from the arching sky-blue ceiling, illuminating the glimmering golden walls and a floor so polished it looked like an iced-over lake.

Joyous music filled the air as performers played string quartets and a cotillion for the nobles erupted on the dance floor.

Everyone continued to say their pleasantries. Others were busy feasting the different kinds of desserts and mouth-watering dishes cooked only by the best chefs of the kingdom.

As soon as the emcee presented each one of the guests, they settled and locked their eyes on the King and Queen, who were now standing to give their greetings.

"It is with utmost joy that I welcome you all to my daughter's birthday celebration. I think you all already know her unless you've been hiding under a rock for most of your life," the nobles laughed at the Kings's terrible joke.

"As this is a most welcome day, we are blessed with the attendance of our most honored guests, the esteemed Bishops, lords and the monarchs of an adjoining kingdom," he glanced and gave a brief nod to King Maximilian.

"This is a celebration we want to share with you as another stage of my dear Vysela's life is being unfolded in front our very eyes. It's actually sad that they have to grow up so fast, but what can you say, you can't keep them a baby forever," laughter again echoed across the hall.

He continued on, talking about Vysela, the legacy of the Aleshkovskys and all the other things he thought to say was of the essence.

The nobles listened intently, looking at the King with pride and gratitude. Thanks to their connections and His Royal Highness' generosity, they became the ruling class that they are today.

The King, eyeing at his constituents, finally gave a slight smile, "Let's not keep the introduction long. I bid you to enjoy the night. Let the cupbearers bring forth my best drink so we may begin in good cheer," he raised his glass and all the others who had cups on their hand followed.

After that, the King then eyed the emcee as a signal for the next part of the festivity. "Please gather around and help me welcome the jewel of the night, daughter to His and Her Royal Majesty, the princess of Vervali, Vysela Annaliese Aleshkovsky."

Everyone turned their eyes on Vysela as she walked down the staircase accompanied by her two brothers on each side. She looked the sweetheart that she is with her cut-off-the-shoulder ball gown made up of intricately embellished layered tulle fabric in pink coral.

Her brothers, on the other hand, looked sharp with their black velvet suits, exactly the sort of thing a woman would imagine a prince would wear on a formal event like this. Just like all the other celebrations, the siblings remained to be at their best. Not their favorite thing to do though, but what can you do?

They were no less than the future faces of Vervali, so they had to put on an excellent show.

"I can't believe we have to be showcased again like a lottery prize," Allyria said, rolling her eyes as she looked at the nobles staring at her siblings who were now together with the King and Queen, "The last time we did this, we almost got ourselves killed."

She never liked the idea of announcing their engagement on her sister's birthday. Firstly, because it seemed disrespectful for her sister's part for robbing her night. And second, the thought still frightens her that the day might happen again today. But it was the King and Queen's demands, so like always, they had no choice but to say yes.

Kaius gave her a reassuring tap on her shoulder, "Everything will be fine. I'm sure your mother and father already made sure of that."

She heaved a deep breath and tried to lighten her mood, but only failed when her eyes said otherwise.

Kaius pinched her cheeks, stretching it wide, "Don't be so pessimistic. Nothing will happen. If ever something does, I'll take care of you," he gave her a wink and released her cheeks after she flicked his hand off.

She only gave a glare and turned to what was happening downstairs. After the King announced about the betrothal and did some fancy talk about uniting kingdoms, Allyria slid her hand on his arm and readied herself for the exposure, "Let's just hope tonight runs along smoothly."

Allyria and Kaius took their time walking in the graceful flowing arc, mustering the sweetest smile they can show.

Allyria looked regal as always with her dusty deep periwinkle gown, the transparent puff sleeves running to the wrist appliqued with gold lace in intricate details. Her hair was in a simple messy bun, the dark locks perfectly falling on the sides of her face. Kaius also stole the spotlight with his baroque blue jacquard tailcoat with silver embroidery. As separate people, they looked dashing and captivating. Together, they are surreal.

They greeted everyone with a smile as soon as they stepped on the platform together with the King and Queen. King Maximilian joined them and stood beside his son.

Both Kings had something to say, acquainting people with their children's engagement and filled in the details and plans of what would happen after they seal their ties.

Plans; there were so many that Allyria couldn't count. Also, politics was never her stronghold. She'd rather stay far than be involved in any of it.

The nobles, however, nodded in agreement, amused by their good leader's plans to further empower the country.

Allyria just stifled a yawn.

"To Cesparia and Vervali," King Adrelius raised his cup and beamed widely, the wrinkles on his eyes almost showing.

King Maximilian did the same and nodded at him. "Strength and honor," he chanted the words of the Vervalian kingdom like his own.

"Strength and honor," the nobles raised their glasses and replied in unison.