The ballroom slowly returned to its usual rhythm after Beatrice's public declaration.
Music resumed, conversations restarted, and servants moved through the crowd with trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Yet the atmosphere around Aciel and Xylia remained different.
People watched them. Some with admiration. Others with curiosity. And a few with envy.
Xylia could still feel the weight of the ruby necklace against her chest. The heirloom was beautiful, but after everything that had happened, it felt heavier than any piece of jewelry should.
She glanced at Aciel.
"Your mother certainly knows how to make an entrance."
Aciel gave her a sideways look.
"You haven't seen anything yet."
Before Xylia could ask what he meant, Aciel approached one of the royal attendants.
"Tell the Queen I'd like a private audience."
The attendant bowed.
"Of course, Your Highness."
Xylia raised an eyebrow.
"Your Highness?"
Aciel sighed.
"Ignore him."
The attendant wisely lowered his gaze.
