Hailey descended the grand staircase with measured grace. She was breathtaking. Her blue gown was sleeveless, flowing elegantly as it hugged her figure before cascading to the floor. Guards followed closely behind as she entered the throne room.
The announcer's voice rang out.
"Her Highness Hailey Lucia Winter has arrived." Everyone stood as she walked toward her parents. Hailey curtsied before taking her seat beside her mother the, Queen.
"His Grace James Frost, Duke of Derbyshire, has arrived." "His Highness Prince Derrick Arthur, Crown Prince of Durham, has arrived."
"Let the celebration begin," King Robert announced.Music filled the hall. Laughter echoed. The scent of alcohol hung heavy in the air.
Hailey was bored.
She was expected to choose a suitor before sunrise, yet none interested her. Princes, dukes, earls and high-ranking men filled the hall, but to her, they were dull and predictable.
Then she saw Prince Derrick approaching.
"Your Highness," he said with a smile, "may I have this dance?" Hailey stood, a mischievous smile on her lips, and stepped closer."Prince Derrick," she said sweetly, "I don't dance with ugly men. I would rather dance with my brother's dog."
Gasps echoed.
"How dare you approach me, you filthy piece of trash." Prince Derrick's eyes widened in shock.Hailey walked past him and stopped in the center of the throne room.
"You should all listen carefully," she announced. "Go home. I am not choosing any of you. You are greedy, pathetic fools. Every single one of you has hidden motives and I see through your disguises."She turned to her father."I'm sorry, Papa."Then she walked out.
Prince Derrick clenched his fists.
"I will never forget this insult, King Robert. Your daughter and your kingdom will pay for this." Derrick threatened…
"Then prepare for war, Prince," Loki snapped coldly. "Gladly" Derrick shot back.The doors slammed shut behind Derrick and his guards, the echo ringing through the grand hall like a verdict.
Silence followed.
Heavy. Suffocating.
No music. No laughter. No clinking of goblets.
Queen Candice sat frozen on her throne, her fingers clenched tightly around the armrest. Her face had drained of color not from anger alone, but from humiliation. Every noble in the hall had witnessed it. Every envoy. Every visiting prince.King Robert exhaled slowly, rubbing his temple, his gaze fixed on the closed doors his daughter had disappeared through.
Whispers broke out almost immediately.
"She insulted them all…"
"Before the entire council…"
"Such recklessness in a princess…"
Prince Derrick's threat still hung in the air like poison."I will never forget this insult."
Loki stood rigid, jaw clenched, his eyes dark. He took one step forward, placing himself subtly between his parents and the nobles as if daring anyone to speak further.
The head steward cleared his throat nervously. "Your Majesty… shall we continue the celebration?" Candice rose abruptly to her feet."No," she said sharply, her voice trembling despite her effort to stay composed. "The gathering is over." A stunned murmur rippled through the hall.
"Please escort our guests back to their chambers," she continued, forcing dignity into her posture. "Wintercrest thanks you for your presence." The nobles bowed stiffly, some offended, others amused, and many deeply unsettled. One by one, they walked out of the hall, their gazes lingering, judging and calculating.
When the doors finally closed again, only the royal family remained.Candice turned to Robert, her eyes blazing. "You see now?" she whispered harshly. "You see what your indulgence has done?"Robert said nothing.
Loki finally spoke, his voice low. "Prince Derrick meant every word."Robert straightened slowly."So did I," Loki added.