"James Alden..." I stopped walking at once.
"Aria, what is wrong?" Caroline asked, halting as she felt my hand grow still in hers.
"Oh—the Northern people. Yes, I was quite disappointed that the king did not— Aria? Where are you going?"
I had already rushed ahead, leaving her behind.
I must get closer. I must see him.
He was old—his hair entirely grey.
"Ah, Aria, you might have waited for me—oh! Look at him, he is most handsome!" Caroline said as she caught up beside me.
I frowned in confusion, wondering whom she meant. Then I noticed the young man standing beside James Alden—his grandson.
He was tall and lean, with pale skin and very dark brown hair, nearly black. I could not yet see the colour of his eyes, yet there was no denying—he was indeed handsome.
How am I to speak with him? Perhaps if I stand beside the duke... he will surely greet him.
"Caroline, I am going to find my father. I shall return shortly, yes?"
"Oh, very well. I shall be over there with the others," she said, pointing toward a corner filled with eager young ladies.
I hurried to find the duke. He stood among several nobles, and soon I saw him move toward James Alden and begin speaking with him.
I quickly joined them.
"Oh, Aria, you have come at just the right moment. This is my youngest child, Aria," the duke said, presenting me.
When James Alden's eyes fell upon me, I saw something flicker within them—just for a moment—before it vanished.
"Good evening, my dear. I am James Alden. This is my grandson, Aaron."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Alden, Sir Aaron," I said, curtsying.
"What a fine young lady you have, Duke. And how old is she now?" James asked.
"She is sixteen—the jewel of our home," the duke replied, placing his hand upon my shoulder.
Aaron had not taken his eyes off me. At last, I saw that they were a deep olive green.
When our gazes met, he smiled faintly.
"May I have the honour of a dance, my lady?"
The duke's hand tightened upon my shoulder.
"Oh, do allow it," James said lightly. "Do not refuse my poor grandson."
I turned to the duke, waiting.
"It is quite all right, my dear. Go on," he said, though his tone was far from pleased.
Aaron led me to the dance floor. His hand rested upon my waist, and he took my hand gently.
"It has been a long time, Aria," he said.
I started in surprise.
"I beg your pardon... do we know one another?"
He gave a quiet chuckle. "You would not remember. You were but three years of age."
"Who are you?" I asked, my voice low.
"My father is your father's cousin. You may call me your cousin as well," he said with a wider smile.
My breath caught.
"We have been searching for you, Aria. I cannot believe you have been taken by the duke," he continued, his tone turning serious.
I was left speechless, yet he did not pause.
"Have the dreams begun?"
My eyes widened.
"Ah... I see they have. And your powers—have they awakened?"
"Do you know what is happening to me?" I whispered, my heart pounding.
"You are a witch, Aria. There is much we must speak of, and little time. Listen—we must take you back to the North."
"What? How? The duke keeps me as though I were a prisoner."
He frowned deeply. "Then he must have known..." he muttered.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Aria, you must find a way to escape. In fifteen days' time, we shall wait for you at the bridge leading to Laurenza."
Before I could answer, the music came to an end.
"It was a pleasure to dance with you, Lady Aria," he said aloud.
As he passed me, he whispered softly, "We shall be waiting."
I turned, wishing to stop him—but he was already gone.
I stood there, lost in confusion.
These people... they are my family.
Can I truly trust them?
Where were they when my father died?
And if they are truly my kin, why do they not simply take me with them?
Am I some secret... meant to be hidden?
I was so consumed by my thoughts that I did not hear Caroline calling me.
"Aria! I have been waving at you for an age—what are you thinking of? Aria!"
She waved her hand before my face.
"Ah—Caroline, forgive me. I am merely overwhelmed. It has been long since I have seen so many people."
"Oh, do not worry. We may sit somewhere quiet, just the two of us, if you wish."
"Thank you... but go and enjoy yourself. I shall join you shortly. I only need a little rest."
"Very well—but do not be long!"
I made my way to an empty table in the corner and sat down.
Do they have powers as well?
And what do they expect of me?
For heaven's sake, I am but sixteen—how am I meant to escape a guarded estate?
"Aria, pray do not devour the macarons so fiercely. Are you well?"
Henry sat beside me.
I had not even realised I had nearly emptied the plate.
"Did that Northern man say something to trouble you?
Yes—and I wish I could tear his head from his shoulders.
"No... I am only tired. When may we return home?"
"Home? The prince has not yet arrived."
I groaned softly. "And when shall he appear?"
Henry laughed. "Already weary? Why not return to your friends?"
"I suppose I must... though they are rather loud."
He chuckled. "You see? Women are troublesome."
"No—noblewomen are troublesome," I corrected.
He raised a brow.
"Very well... I shall go. Wish me luck."
"Good luck," he said with a smile.
I returned it warmly. The more I spoke with Henry, the more at ease I felt.
Before rejoining Caroline, I searched for Aaron and James—but they were surrounded. I could not approach without drawing notice.
I joined the girls.
"Lady Aria, you look beautiful," Catherine said, and the others agreed.
"Thank you. You all look lovely as well," I replied.
"We were speaking of Sir Aaron Alden. Tell us—how was your dance?" Caroline asked eagerly.
All eyes turned to me.
It nearly stopped my heart.
"He was... quite pleasant," I said instead.
"Ah, you are so fortunate, Aria. I wish he had asked me," Caroline sighed.
"The prince will surely dance with you, Lady Caroline," another girl said.
"When shall the prince—"
Before I could finish, an announcement rang out:
"Their Majesties—the King and Queen—and His Highness, the Crown Prince."
All turned toward the entrance.
The queen ascended gracefully, the king at her side, and the prince beside her.
"Oh, how handsome he is," one girl whispered dreamily.
"His golden hair shines like the sun," Catherine added.
"Come, let us move closer—I wish to see his eyes, they say he has the most beautiful blue eyes" Caroline said.
We followed, forming rows as the royal family passed between us.
The prince wore a look of boredom and quiet arrogance. The girls beside me nearly squealed with excitement, drawing his attention.
His gaze fell upon us.
Then—upon me.
His eyes met mine.
I looked away at once, yet I caught the faint smirk upon his lips.
He truly is Leo's brother... the very same smirk. Though Leo... is far more manly.
After they took their seats, the nobles hurried forward with greetings and flattery.
I remained behind.
Henry stepped beside me. "Will you not greet the prince?"
I gave him a look.
He laughed softly. "Yes, I thought as much. Still, we must. Father is waiting."
We approached the throne.
"I greet Your Majesties and His Highness. We wish you a long and prosperous life," the duke said, bowing. We followed.
"Christopher, there is no need for such formality," the king said warmly.
"And Henry—you have grown into a fine young man. You must visit the palace more often."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Henry replied.
"And who is this lovely young lady?" the queen asked.
"This is my daughter, Aria," the duke said.
"Ah—the girl you adopted," the king added.
The prince had been watching me all the while.
He rose and stepped forward.
"May I have the honour of the first dance, my lady?"
The hall fell silent.
"It would be my pleasure," I said, though my smile was strained.
As he led me to the floor, I felt the weight of countless jealous gazes.
Curse you... for placing me in such a position.
The music began.
His hand gripped my waist firmly—too firmly.
"You have enchanting eyes, Lady Aria."
"Thank you, Your Highness," I replied, fixing my gaze upon his chest.
"Dark hair... you are Northern, I believe."
"So I am told."
Must he speak so much?
He drew me closer, his body pressing against mine.
"Are you not enjoying yourself? Many would envy your place."
What arrogance...
"On the contrary, Your Highness," I said sweetly, "it feels as though I am in a dream."
"Then look at me," he murmured.
I raised my head.
His smile unsettled me.
Then—I felt it. something hard poking my abdomen
Oh... how utterly shameless.
I tried to pull away, but he would not allow it.
So—I stepped sharply upon his foot.
"Oh! Forgive me, Your Highness—I am not a skilled dancer."
He laughed. "You may step upon me as often as you please."
What a lunatic.
At last, the music ended.
He took my hand and kissed it.
"We shall have great amusement together, Lady Aria," he said, his eyes gleaming.
I felt nothing but disgust.
One such man in my life is more than enough—I have no need for another.
As I stepped away from him, I searched at once for Henry.
Instead, my eyes fell upon Caroline, who stood surrounded by the other girls.
Please… do not be upset because of this…
I made my way toward them. The moment I approached, their chatter ceased. After a brief silence, Caroline spoke, her voice as bright as ever.
"Oh, Aria, how was your dance with the prince?"
I hesitated.
Surely, I could not tell them the truth.
"It was… rather tense," I said at last.
"How fortunate you are, Lady Aria," Malissa's voice came from behind. "First Sir Aaron, and now the prince."
I truly have no patience for her at present…
"Well, it is only natural," Caroline said kindly. "Aria is very beautiful."
Caroline truly is a saint.
I looked at her with quiet gratitude.
"Thank you, Caroline. But I believe they are merely curious about the girl the duke has adopted," I replied.
Malissa gave a soft, mocking laugh, but I chose to ignore her.
"If you will excuse me, ladies, I must find my brother."
I soon found Henry speaking with a young man, while a group of ladies nearby attempted to draw their attention with laughter and glances—none of which Henry acknowledged. I almost pitied them.
"Henry," I called.
"Aria," he said, turning to me. "This is my friend, Louis."
Louis appeared an ordinary-looking man, yet there was something in his bearing that marked him as a knight—and one of good standing.
He took my hand and kissed it politely. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Aria. Henry has spoken much of you."
I cast Henry an amused look. "Has he, indeed?"
Henry flushed slightly. "Is there… something you need?" he asked, quickly changing the subject.
How endearing he is.
"May we return home now? I am quite weary."
"Yes. I shall inform Father that we are taking our leave early."
"Thank you," I said, offering him a warm smile.
He returned it just as gently.