It's Christmas Eve, the night of my long-anticipated Christmas Ball, an event never before seen in the kingdom of Matica. I have outdone myself in the planning, with only a little help from Esther, while Cassian personally handled the guest list. My own list is small; my parents and Ray, a few close friends from school, and Madam Jessy, whom I invited personally.
The Great Hall is transformed, adorned with dazzling Christmas colours; deep reds, shimmering golds, and soft whites. The towering Christmas tree stands in the center, its twinkling lights casting a magical glow. The scent of pine and spiced wine fills the air, mingling with the soft notes of the orchestra warming up. Everything is set. Everything is perfect.
Guests begin arriving, their elegant attires adding to the grand spectacle. My family arrives early, and my eyes are instantly drawn to Ray. He looks adorable in his tuxedo, the one I picked out for him, his outfit stylishly mirroring Cassian's. The resemblance between them is undeniable, and I can't help but wonder if anyone else notices it as sharply as I do.
I, too, have spared no effort in my appearance tonight. My gown is a masterpiece, designed with meticulous precision in just a few days. The fabric flows like liquid silver, catching the candlelight with every movement. My hair is swept up in an intricate style, and my makeup is flawless, highlighting my best features. I even had a gown specially made for the Queen, but she is nowhere in sight yet.
Then, Cassian enters.
Dressed in his regal robe, he looks every bit the prince he was born to be; commanding, powerful, breathtaking. His dark eyes find me across the hall, and his lips curve into a slow, appreciative smile as he approaches.
"My Queen, you are ravishing tonight," he murmurs, his voice laced with admiration. His gaze lingers on me, making my pulse race.
I smile, feeling warmth spread through me. "And you, my King, are absolutely breathtaking," I reply, blowing him a playful kiss.
Around us, the palace maids and guards are also dressed to match the festive spirit, their attire perfectly complementing the Christmas theme. The energy in the air is electric, charged with excitement. The night has only just begun, but I know, it will be unforgettable.
As more guests arrive, the room fills with the murmur of voices, the clinking of glasses, and the soothing hum of the orchestra playing in the background. Nobles in their finest attire glide across the room, mingling with the council members, while a few high-ranking merchants and diplomats exchange pleasantries over goblets of rich wine.
Among them, my own guests stand out; my parents, their eyes wide with awe as they take in the splendor of the palace. Ray clings to my father's hand, looking around with a mixture of curiosity and excitement. He looks utterly adorable. The resemblance between him and my husband is uncanny, and I catch Cassian smirking slightly when he notices.
"You did all this?" My mother breathes, her eyes glistening as she looks around.
I nod. "With Esther's help, of course. And Cassian took care of the guest list."
She takes my hand, squeezing it gently. "I'm proud of you, Celeste. You've made something incredible."
Ray tugs at my gown. "Celeste, this place looks like a fairytale!"
I crouch to his level, smoothing his collar. "That was the plan, Ray. And you? You look like a little prince tonight."
He giggles, then glances at Cassian shyly before whispering, "So does he."
Cassian, who has been listening, chuckles. "I'll take that as a compliment, young man."
Before I can respond, a familiar voice calls my name.
I turn to see my friends from school approaching, their dresses sparkling under the chandeliers. They rush toward me, excitement in their eyes.
"This is unbelievable, Celeste!" one of them exclaims.
"You look stunning," another adds, admiration in her voice.
I smile warmly. "And you all look gorgeous as well. Thank you for coming."
They gush about the decorations, the food, and how surreal it is to be inside the palace. I make sure to personally introduce them to my parents, ensuring they feel welcome. The night is about joy and celebration, and I want them to be part of it.
Then, the music shifts. The orchestra transitions into a waltz, the familiar notes filling the air.
Cassian steps closer, his gaze locking onto mine. He extends his hand. "Shall we?"
I hesitate for a fraction of a second. I can feel the weight of everyone's stares; the nobles, the council members, my parents, even Ray, who watches with wide eyes.
Then I slip my hand into his. "We shall."
The moment we step onto the dance floor, the room quiets. Cassian leads effortlessly, his movements smooth and precise. His hand on my waist is firm yet gentle, guiding me as if we've done this a hundred times before.
I can hear murmurs around us.
"Look at them," someone whispers.
"A perfect match," another voice murmurs.
From the corner of my eye, I see Lord Edric watching closely, his expression unreadable. The other council members exchange glances, silently noting the way Cassian and I move in sync.
Then there's the Queen.
She is seated stiffly, her fingers gripping her wine glass with white-knuckled tension. She did not wear the gown I had made for her. Instead, she chose a heavy royal blue dress, an obvious statement that she does not approve of this night or of me.
I feel her stare burning into me, but I refuse to look her way. This moment is mine.
Cassian twirls me, bringing me back into his arms, holding me just a second longer than necessary. My heart races, not just from the dance, but from the way he looks at me. The chemistry between us is undeniable, impossible to ignore.
From the side, I hear Ray whisper excitedly to my father, "They're like the couples in the storybooks!"
My father chuckles, and my mother presses a hand to her chest, watching us with tears glistening in her eyes.
As the final note of the waltz fades, the room erupts into applause.
I take a steady breath and step forward. It is time.
"Ladies and gentlemen," I begin, my voice carrying through the hall. Instantly, the room falls silent. "Tonight marks the first Christmas Ball in the history of Matica Palace. A night of joy, of celebration, of unity."
I pause, scanning the room. I meet the eyes of those who doubt me, those who scrutinize my every move, and those who support me.
"I thank you all for gracing this occasion with your presence. For too long, tradition has bound us in ways that have made change seem impossible. But times are evolving. And so must we."
A ripple of murmurs spreads through the crowd. The council members exchange subtle glances. Queen Morgana's glare sharpens.
"This will not be the last ball of its kind," I continue, my voice unwavering. "Matica is entering a new era; one where joy, festivity, and togetherness are not seen as weaknesses, but as strengths."
I glance at my parents, at Ray, at Cassian. "Tonight, let us celebrate. But remember - this is only the beginning. Merry Christmas Everyone!"
"Merry Christmas!!!" Resonates back and Thunderous applause fills the room.
Cassian takes my hand, lifting it to his lips. "That was spectacular," he murmurs.
I exhale, meeting his gaze. "I meant every word."
He smirks. "I know."
From the corner of my eye, I see Queen Morgana rise sharply from her seat. She turns on her heel, her gown sweeping behind her as she storms out of the hall.
I can't help but smile.
Tonight, I have made my mark.