Page 11 of The Throne Seeker

Every inch of the ballroom was bursting with extravagance, decorated with large, lavish flower bouquets and tables filled with an array of fruits, vegetables, and cheeses. Another table was dedicated solely to drinks, desserts, and pastries. She hadn’t seen the castle in such a splendid state since the last succession.

Her eyes darted to the colossal golden clock hung on the wall atop the grand staircase.

The familiar nervous butterflies in her stomach morphed into a chaotic swarm of raging moths, rising up into her throat and threatening to escape. The air suddenly grew warm and thick, making it hard to breathe.

“Deep breaths,” she murmured to herself.

She was so engrossed in her thoughts she barely noticed her mother approaching from behind. “Isn’t it glorious?” Her mother smiled at the crowd. “At last, you’ll find a husband, and we can leave last year behind us.”

“You know this would be a lot more enjoyable if we werebothhunting for a husband,” Rose said, knowing full well she was poking a bear. “Lord Barron has never taken a wife, and we both know he’s the best-looking high council member, hands down.”

Her mother rolled her eyes. “You think I want to do that again after a marriage like mine? No. I think my efforts are better invested in you—Ah!” She pointed down to the crowd. “There’s Tristan.”

Rose’s gaze dropped to find Tristan already dancing. The young ladies of the court had always favored him. During past visits, she’d attempted to befriend many of them, but for some reason or another, she’d had no such luck. Beth was the only true friend she’d acquired—aside from the royal family—but she seldom visited except during holidays or special occasions. She suspected their prejudice stemmed from her humble status, which made it difficult for the court women to accept her. Her mother insisted it was jealousy.

“Come on.” Her mother interlocked her arm with hers. “Can’t dance with him from up here.” She winked, bumping her hip against Rose’s. Rose smiled, bumping hers back.

Her mother led her down the grand staircase to the dance floor. They had barely taken two steps into the crowd when the music came to a halt.

All eyes turned towards the staircase. For a brief moment, she thought they were looking at her. Out of instinct, she straightened her posture and glanced over her shoulder—discovering what really caught their attention.

The king was elevated above the crowd, standing on the wide marble staircase with veins of real gold interwoven in the grain, creating a glittering river beneath his feet.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I ask for your attention. As we begin this wonderful evening, I want to express my deep honor in being here with you. This is truly a night for celebration. To those in uniform, we are profoundly thankful for your return. This evening, we honor both you and the heroes we have lost.” He paused, and the sparkle in his eyes dimmed. “I am particularly grateful for my son’s safe return. His tactical skills and bravery have shown leadership beyond his years. He has proposed a peace treaty with Vertmere to unite our provinces, marking the first step to reuniting Vallor!”

The crowd broke out in applause.

The king raised his voice over the claps. “Please join me in expressing our gratitude for my son, Prince Roman Montague!”

Thunderous cheers erupted from all directions. The soldiers’ cries were so loud they nearly made her go deaf. Many chanted a name she had never heard before. “Drengr! Drengr! Drengr!” they called.

Roman separated himself from the crowd and climbed the staircase to his father. The king immediately took Roman’s hand and thrust it into the air, amplifying the cheers. Roman turned to receive their praise, but his mouth remained in a thin line, offering only a rigid nod.

But she barely noticed his manners. Instead, she was captivated by the man who now stood next to his father.

Awe consumed her, leaving her convinced she wasn’t looking at her childhood friend but a stranger. Gone was the little boy she once knew, replaced by a tall, broad man. His new muscular build was living proof of his commitment to training and fighting in the war. What was once a youthful, innocent face hadgrown into a square, powerfully sharp, clean-shaven jaw. He was vaguely familiar but entirely foreign at the same time.

But more shockingly, it was him—the man she’d seen from the balcony.

Roman was oblivious to her stare until his wandering eyes locked on hers. She managed a small, inviting smile, tilting her head slightly. He, however, did not return the gesture.

Their eye contact was severed when the king firmly placed his hand on Roman’s shoulder. He leaned in closer, whispering something into Roman’s ear with a proud smile before dismissing him. Without a word, Roman descended the staircase and submerged himself back into the crowd.

She thought the speech had ended, yet the king remained on the stairs. His all-powerful gaze scanned the room before fixing on her. A spark of admiration glittered in his twinkling eyes. Her heartbeat became steadily audible; she knew that look by heart. It was the same look she had treasured in her childhood—the one that made her feel like she was a part of this rich world.

“I couldn’t let the night pass without expressing a few words for someone else we’re celebrating tonight—someone I’ve sorely missed.” The king’s commanding gaze fell upon her once more. “Rose, will you come join me?”

She felt as if the air had been sucked from her lungs. At first, she thought that his words were just her imagination, but as every gaze turned to her, it became clear that it was indeed real. She had thought that he might offer a toast to congratulate her, but standing beside him? Elevated above everyone else?

She must have hesitated for too long because her mother pressed a hand on her lower back, encouraging her forward. “Go on, dear,” her mother whispered in her ear, smiling to save face for the crowd.

No getting out of it now.

With careful steps, she gathered her dress to conceal her shaking hands; the stillness of the room made her light footsteps echo through the hall.

The king’s reassuring smile was her sole comfort as she stopped one step below him.

He placed his gentle hand on her shoulder as she faced the crowd with him. “Many of you know that Rose has visited us every summer since childhood. The moment I first met her, I knew she was exceptional. Throughout her time here, I have grown fond of the intelligent young woman she has become. Now that she has been absent from our lives for the past year, I’ve come to understand just how much of a treasure she is to us… to me.” His large hand gave her shoulder a reaffirming squeeze. “As you can see, my little Rose has fully blossomed and will make her debut into society tonight. Many of you are aware that Rose lost her father under tragic circumstances. If he were here, I am certain my friend would be giving the toast this evening. While I know I can’t truly replace a father, I hope she grows to view me as a present substitute.” He gifted her a hearty smile when she looked over her shoulder at him. “I give her my full trust and support as she embarks on this exciting new chapter in her life. Rose, I hope you realize how cherished you are. Congratulations!”