The royal palace was ornamented with lavish decorations, befitting the grand occasion of the birthday of the one and only prince of the Astandra empire and making the official announcement of the heir to the throne. The entire palace was illuminated with dazzling lights, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. The garden, too, radiated with warm and exotic lighting, adding to the enchantment of the event.
Inside the banquet hall, elegant flower arrangements adorned the tables, accompanied by a delightful spread of mouthwatering dishes. The air was filled with the melodious tunes of the musical orchestra, playing popular songs of the time, creating a joyful atmosphere. On the stage inside the hall, two regal chairs were placed, reserved for the emperor and the empress, signifying their esteemed presence. Additional chairs were arranged for the nobles to relax and enjoy the celebration.
As the evening progressed, the guests began to arrive, each eager to make a favourable impression in front of the royal family. Timeliness was emphasized, as punctuality was seen as a sign of respect and social standing. As each noble arrived, their presence was announced aloud, accompanied by the proclamation of their title and name, drawing attention and acknowledging their attendance. All the noble families had gathered, engaging in conversations and exchanging pleasantries. With the imperial family's arrival, the banquet hall atmosphere became hushed and filled with anticipation, a mark of reverence for their esteemed presence. The nobles, in a display of respect, greeted them with deep bows, acknowledging their position and authority.
The emperor took a glass of fine wine "Today on this joyous occasion all of us have gathered to celebrate the 18th birthday of my dearest son, the crown prince of the Astandra empire and henceforth we all shall witness the beginning of a remarkable journey of the future leader of the empire," saying this he raised a toast looking at the door where Flavian was making his entry walking through the hall to the seat of the emperor and the empress. "From here on I announce Flavian Attila Hadrian as the official heir to the emperor of the empire," said the emperor with everyone's applause and congratulations to the crown prince.
Following this announcement, a pleasant air of celebration filled the room as guests delighted in their meals and engaged in cheerful dances with their partners. As Flavian met a few nobles to make some small exchanges of dialogues, his eyes swept through the hall, his gaze fixated on a figure he had been eagerly expecting. Clad in a captivating green dress, she seemed to radiate an ethereal beauty that mesmerised him. At that moment, he felt like he had encountered an angel amidst the revelry. Unable to tear his eyes away, Flavian was drawn irresistibly towards Leesa, who was savouring a delicious plate of food, accompanied by Byrant, who appeared to be carefully analyzing each dish.
Byrant, having assisted in the preparation of some dishes, possessed a profound understanding of the details of the dishes. The esteemed royal chef himself had extended a personal invitation to Paul to take the role of a co-chef responsible for making the delicacies tonight, who came with Byrant as his apprentice for the grand celebration. Recognizing the value of exposing Byrant to various culinary experts and their unique techniques, Paul believed it would be a remarkable learning experience for the young apprentice. Thus, Byrant had the honour of absorbing himself in the company of diverse culinarians, expanding his knowledge and honing his skills amidst the gastronomic splendour of the occasion. So he was helping Leesa to try the dishes in a particular order which shall help enhance the taste of the whole course.
As Flavian approached Leesa, his desire to be near her overpowering any hesitation. He found himself captivated by her presence, drawn to her effortless grace and charm. As he stood before her, he mustered the courage to speak, his words laced with excitement and admiration.
"Lady Marlene," Flavian began, his voice filled with sincerity, "You look absolutely enchanting this evening. May I have the pleasure of sharing a dance with you?"
As the crown prince extended his hand to invite Leesa for a dance, a wave of jealousy swept through the hall, capturing the attention of many noble ladies. They couldn't help but feel a pang of envy, as the opportunity to dance with Flavian, a charming and strikingly handsome man, was something they had all secretly desired. His faultless appearance, dressed in a dark blue suit that complemented his radiant snow-white hair, only added to his charisma. However, their envy was tinged with resignation, for they knew that Leesa, as the only princess of the empire, held a special status that made her untouchable. Any ill intention towards her would be considered a breach of decorum and a crime of the highest order. Thus, all they could do was watch the scene.
Flavian waited anxiously for her response, hoping that his words had conveyed the depth of his admiration and the genuine connection he felt towards her. At that moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in the midst of a grand celebration, their destinies intertwined.
"Have this, it is absolutely mouthwatering Your Highness," said Leesa trying to finish up her food, while suggesting Flavian let her finish the food before their dance.
Leesa saw no reason to decline Flavian's invitation to dance. After all, he was the centre of attention on his special day, and any decision she made would inevitably be subject to speculation and rumours. Rather than fueling the gossip, Leesa chose to comply with Flavian's wishes, knowing that it was his birthday and he deserved to have the dances he desired. They enjoyed the elegant feast until Leesa had her fill, setting her plate aside. With the music guiding their steps, they made their way to the centre of the banquet hall, where couples swayed in rhythm to the alluring songs.