The bright spotlights shone directly on Adrian and Amara.
For a moment, Amara couldn't move.
Hundreds of eyes were suddenly on them.
Politicians. Celebrities. Royal guests. Reporters.
Her heart pounded so loudly she was sure everyone could hear it.
The host smiled warmly from the stage.
"Your Royal Highness," he said politely, "would you like to introduce your guest to everyone tonight?"
The ballroom fell silent.
Amara slowly turned toward Adrian.
Please don't make me speak, she thought nervously.
Adrian looked completely calm, as always.
He gently took Amara's hand and led her toward the stage.
Each step felt heavier than the last.
The whispers around the room grew louder.
"That's the girl."
"She came with the prince."
"Who is she?"
When they reached the stage, Adrian took the microphone from the host.
The room went completely quiet.
Adrian glanced briefly at Amara before speaking.
"Good evening."
His deep, steady voice filled the ballroom.
"I would like to introduce someone important tonight."
Amara felt her stomach flip.
Important?
Adrian continued.
"This is Amara Daniels."
The room murmured again.
"She is a student at St. Augustine Royal Academy," Adrian said, "and one of the academy's scholarship scholars."
A few guests nodded with interest.
But others looked surprised.
A scholarship student?
At a royal gala?
Adrian's voice remained calm.
"Tonight's charity supports young scholars across the country."
He looked toward Amara briefly.
"So it felt appropriate to bring someone who represents that future."
Amara blinked in surprise.
She hadn't expected that.
Around the room, some guests began clapping politely.
The tension slowly softened.
Even the Queen watched quietly with a thoughtful expression.
But not everyone was pleased.
Across the ballroom, Vanessa stood frozen.
Her face had gone pale with anger.
"That should have been me," she whispered again.
Meanwhile, Adrian handed the microphone back to the host.
The music slowly started again as guests returned to talking and moving around the room.
Amara exhaled deeply.
"I thought I was going to faint."
Adrian looked amused.
"You didn't."
"You just introduced me to half the most powerful people in the country."
"Yes."
"And you're acting like it's normal!"
"For me, it is."
Amara shook her head.
"You really live in a different world."
Before Adrian could respond, another elegant voice spoke behind them.
"You handled that very well."
They turned.
The Queen stood there again.
Her gaze rested on Amara.
"You seem nervous," the Queen said gently.
Amara forced a small smile.
"A little, Your Majesty."
The Queen studied her for another moment.
Then she said something unexpected.
"Adrian rarely brings anyone to royal events."
Amara glanced quickly at Adrian.
The Queen's lips curved slightly.
"So I must admit… I am curious about you."
Amara didn't know how to respond.
Before the moment became more awkward, Adrian spoke.
"Mother."
The Queen gave him a knowing look.
"Yes, yes."
She stepped back slightly.
"Enjoy the evening."
As she walked away, Amara slowly exhaled again.
"Your mother is terrifying."
Adrian chuckled quietly.
"She likes you."
Amara stared at him.
"She was interrogating me!"
Adrian shook his head.
"No."
He glanced toward the ballroom where guests continued dancing and talking.
"That was her being polite."
Amara blinked.
"That was polite?!"
But before Adrian could answer—
A loud crash suddenly echoed from across the ballroom.
Guests gasped.
All eyes turned toward the balcony area.
Someone had knocked over a table of glasses.
And standing right beside the broken glass…
Was Vanessa.
Her furious eyes were locked directly on Amara.