The idea startled her. It sounded absurd. But it made sense.
A political union with Sylrick Kartegen would silence the Imperial court. It would preserve her title. And more importantly, it would open doors The Archducal House of Kartegen had kept locked for five years.
Doors that led to the truth about her parents.
Kayona looked out the window, lips tightening as the weight of the thought settled.
I will attend the ball. I wouldn't get cornered this time.
The day of the Kartegen ball arrived with clear skies and sharpened whispers.
Inside the Obregón estate, the air was heavy with urgency. Servants moved quickly through the hallways, arms full of fabric, jewelry boxes, and last-minute correspondence.
The Archduchess' quarters were lit with the soft glow of afternoon sun, filtered through pale green curtains
Kayona stood in front of the tall mirror in her dressing room. A flowery corseted gown of stormy gray silk rested on her frame, laced at the sides with silver threads. Black gloves reached her elbows.
"Lower the neckline to reach the edge of my shoulders," she said flatly.
The seamstress flinched but obeyed. "Of course, Your Grace."
"Where is the turquoise set?" she asked without turning.
"Here, Your Grace," one of the maids replied, holding a navy-blue tray.
Kayona picked up the jewelry one by one, fastening each piece around her neck and wrists while another maid gently helped with her earrings.
There she was, all set for the Kartegen ball. She looked into the mirror. Her ethereal reflection stared back, poised and striking. Her slender frame stood with quiet confidence, her caramel skin glowing under the candlelight. The long silver curls flowed behind her shoulders, and her sky-blue eyes gleamed with purpose.
The seamstress and the maid stood in silent awe.
"You look breathtaking, Your Grace," one of them said with clear admiration.
Kayona smiled. "Thank you. And thank you all for your hard work."
As if on cue, a knock sounded at the door.
"You can come in," she called.
The door creaked open and Maxwell stepped in. He stood near the entrance, composed and steady in his sharp Obregón uniform. At thirty-one, he looked much the same as he had five years ago—tall, broad-shouldered, clean-cut. His dark hair was neatly trimmed, his posture as disciplined as ever. The only difference was in his eyes. They were calmer now and more watchful. He had seen more, carried more, and it showed in the way he scanned a room before speaking.
"Good day, Your Grace," he greeted with a slight bow. "I came to confirm if you're ready for the ball."
Kayona turned quickly at the sound of his voice.
"Maxwell, you're here!" she said, moving toward him with excitement.
"I'm all set," she added with a smile.
"You look exquisite as always, Your Grace," Maxwell replied sincerely, offering his arm.
"Thank you, Max!" Kayona beamed, linking her left hand through his as they stepped out of her room together.
As they descended the mansion's grand staircase, Kayona glanced at him with a knowing look.
"You know, Maxwell, you could actually use this ball as a chance to meet someone. You've been single for as long as I've known you."
Maxwell's cheeks flushed slightly, though he tried to hide it.
"Why bring that up all of a sudden, Your Grace? I've made it clear I have no intention of getting married."
"But it wouldn't hurt to explore a connection and see where it leads—unless you have other reasons for refusing."
"And what reasons would those be?" he asked, turning to her with a puzzled expression.
"Because you're scared I would be left alone?"
He didn't respond.
Kayona let out a quiet sigh.
"Maxwell, you can't keep depriving yourself of happiness for my sake. Besides… I'm getting married soon."
Maxwell froze mid-step, staring at her in shock.
"Don't look at me like that," she said gently. "I'll explain everything later."
They continued down the staircase in silence. The weight of Kayona's words lingered between them — not awkward, but heavy with meaning. Maxwell didn't speak, and she didn't push him to.
Outside, the carriage stood ready. Its crest shimmered faintly in the torchlight as the Obregón guards opened the door.
They rode quietly through the evening roads of Verristone Province, the region governed by House Kartegen. Tall trees lined the path, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze as the carriage approached its destination.
Soon, the towering gates of the Kartegen estate came into view — vast, regal, and glowing with rows of lanterns and soft music spilling from within.
The ball had begun.
The grand doors of the Kartegen estate swung open with a deep, ceremonial creak.
Kayona stepped inside.
The ballroom stretched wide before her, a palace of polished marble and golden trim, with chandeliers strung like constellations above the gathering of Valchevia's elite. Musicians played softly from the corner, their string instruments weaving a melody that filled the space without overpowering it.
Conversations slowed.
All eyes turned.
Dressed in a regal silver gown lined with black detailing and elegant lace gloves, Kayona Obregón walked forward with quiet command. Her silver curls flowed freely over her shoulders and down her back, framing her sky-blue eyes and caramel skin. Each step across the marble floor echoed with intention. She looked confident, composed, and untouchable.
Maxwell walked beside her in silence. The room had eyes for only one.
Whispers rippled through the crowd:
"Is that Archduchess Obregón?"
"She hasn't attended a noble event in years."
"She really takes after the Late Archduke and Archduchess, what a striking beauty."
"I heard she took control of the Obregón estate herself."
She heard them — and kept walking.
Some were surprised. Others were wary. A few lowered their gazes in quiet recognition of her new status.
As she reached the final step, a noblewoman in pale pink approached, fanning herself slowly.
"How refreshing to see you in public again, Archduchess Obregón. We thought you had vanished from society altogether."
Kayona offered a composed smile. "I never left. I was simply… occupied."
Before another word could be exchanged, a tall figure in onyx and gold approached — his voice smooth and confident.
"Occupied, indeed," the man said. "And now, commanding the entire room with your presence".
He offered a bow. "Lord Sylrick Kartegen. Welcome to Verristone, Archduchess Obregón."
Did this guy seriously think I wouldn't recognize him?
He had changed, that much was clear. He stood taller now, his frame stronger and more defined, carrying the quiet poise of someone who had seen real battle. But even with the polished uniform and rigid posture, he wasn't unrecognizable.
Kayona offered a composed smile.
"Congratulations on the successful completion of your military training, Lord Sylrick."
He moved a little closer, lowering his gaze as if trying to read something behind her calm expression.