In line with the arrangement, it was announced that the engagement ceremony would be expedited. Aiden joined Raven in search of a gown for the occasion, while among the gatherings of noblewomen, the buzz was about how invitations to the ceremony had already been received; naturally, Daisy was far from elated by this development. If the ceremony proceeds, her chances of driving a wedge between them diminish. Quick to action, she had to convince everyone that it was Raven manipulating the prince into haste. However, just as she was about to leave, her father confronts her, visibly infuriated.
"What have you done? We will now be the mockery of high society."
"Father! I’ve done nothing. How can you think so lowly of me?"
"Then explain why the emperor informed me that our family is not to be welcomed at the engagement ceremony?"
"What? No, no, that cannot be. If we’re absent, the ladies will surely speak ill of me afterwards."
They would suspect she had done something to warrant the snub; she couldn’t stand the thought of society viewing her as a villain. Her reputation hinged on her presence at courtly dances and royal festivities.
"I know not your misstep, but you are ruining everything. I had hoped for you to marry the prince and had plans to facilitate it, but if you’ve crossed a line, you risk being dismissed by the emperor as a potential bride."
"Believe me, Father, I am innocent. Surely, that girl has cast some spell over the emperor. She must be a witch, and witches wield dark arts."
"Quiet! Do not dare besmirch her thus. The emperor seems intent on letting no harm come to this engagement, but fret not, I have laid my own schemes."
Daisy refrains from inquiring about these plots, instinctively knowing they will work in her favor. She must now ingratiate herself further with the empress; her support could pivot Daisy into becoming the future betrothed to the prince.
At last, the anticipated day arrives. The palace is teeming with nobility, for to the emperor, his son’s betrothal is of paramount importance. However, the empress bears some discontent that Raven is the chosen fiancee. As the celebration is in full swing, the emperor stands to speak, and during his address, the prince escorts Raven forth while the emperor introduces her.
"Miss Raven Green, today, with my blessing, is officially the crown princess of Ilios."
Raven appears, radiant in a white dress with a veil. While not a wedding, tradition dictated that the prince's fiancee be adorned as a bride for the betrothal ceremony; her beauty left the assembly in awe, and even Aiden found himself incapable of averting his gaze. He promptly approached her to present an engagement ring set with a magnificent emerald, solemnizing their engagement.
The festivity marches on. Now, it falls to the newly betrothed couple to commence the first dance. All eyes observe, rendering Raven understandably anxious; though she would attend dances with Vivian, she tended to stay on the sidelines, often declining invitations to dance.
"Calm yourself. Just follow my lead. If you step on me, it will go unnoticed."
"It’s not trodding on your feet, Your Highness, that worries me, but the potential misstep that could send me tumbling."
"You won't fall; the length of your dress is just right."
"I would have preferred a shorter one. Nevertheless, I understand the need for decorum."
"That's true. But the length suits you; it showcases your beauty even more."
Raven averts her gaze, dismissing the prince's flattery as routine. But she’s mistaken, for he exhibits a faint blush on his cheeks, a reaction distinct from his past dealings. Previous interactions were blinded by Daisy, but now, near Raven, he is enveloped in a warmth that beckons him to linger by her side.
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