In the aftermath of the announcement, the palace hummed with restrained chaos.
Behind every smiling toast and glittering charm of civility was a storm of whispered questions.
Just who really is Celeste?
Almost all of the nobles doesn't know where she came from and there were already countless rumors about her origin, yet no one knew the truth.
"She appeared out of nowhere," murmured Lady Anette of House Doreaux, tracing the rim of her wineglass with one perfectly manicured nail. "One season she was no one. Now? She's engaged to an archduke. Just who is she? Is she even an Esmerean?"
"House Raellis has always been low-profile," her companion offered, eyes fixed on Celeste across the ballroom. "But this isn't just marriage. It's elevation. Favor."
Some nobles, intrigued rather than threatened, found themselves watching Celeste like a puzzle to be solved.
"Have you seen the way the High Minister greets her? Like she could make or unmake him."
