Chapter 414: The Forgotten Past - VIII

The ballroom of Ravenor Mansion was as grand as one would expect from one of the Underworld’s five most prestigious noble families.

Power, prestige, and wealth radiated from every corner, from the towering golden chandeliers and polished marble floors to the magnificent white pillars and intricate golden arches framing large windows overlooking Tartarus’s floating castles.

Crimson roses adorned the ballroom in honour of the young woman who resembled a blooming rose herself.

A grand magical clock hovered in midair, its glowing hands ticking steadily toward the precise moment Hera would turn eighteen. One by one, esteemed guests approached to greet the hosts standing beneath it.

Hera could feel every gaze dissecting her from top to bottom. While some genuinely praised the fine young woman she had grown into, others concealed their true intentions behind deceptive smiles, masking their lust, jealousy, and envy.

Aliana watched the scene play out as a silent spectator, experiencing every emotion raging within Hera as if it were her own... the suffocating discomfort, the quiet melancholy, and the unbridled longing reserved for only one man... Gavriel.

Soon, a pregnant noblewoman with dark brown hair and eyes approached the hosts alongside a tall man.

Something about the couple struck Aliana as strangely familiar, and her eyes widened as she realised why.

Cillian Pierce.

’Could they be... Cillian’s parents?’ Aliana thought, her eyes dropping in shock to the woman’s pregnant belly.

Low whispers rippled through the surrounding nobles.

"Look, even Lord Theron and Lady Seraphine Piersmont are in attendance," a guest remarked.

"I suppose the occasion is momentous enough for even them to grace us with their presence," another replied.

"Of course they would attend. Her Majesty and the Crown Prince are set to appear tonight, and Lady Seraphine is not only the Queen’s cousin but also a staunch ally of the Crown."

Ignoring the whispers, Seraphine greeted the hosts with a charming smile that instantly reminded Aliana of Cillian. "Lady Arabella, Lord Viktor, what a splendid evening you have arranged."

Arabella stepped forward and briefly embraced Lady Seraphine. "Thank you, Lady Seraphine. It warms my heart to see you in such radiant health."

"I couldn’t possibly miss this evening," Seraphine replied with a graceful laugh. "After all, one of my royal nephews may finally claim a bride today."

Arabella chuckled softly. "I see the court whispers have reached your ears as well."

"Her Majesty is thoroughly thrilled at the prospect of your daughter joining the royal family." Seraphine turned her gaze upon Hera, her eyes softening. "You are an absolute vision, my dear. I’m certain both princes will be captivated the moment they lay eyes on you."

"You honour me, Lady Seraphine," Hera replied, bowing her head as she discreetly clenched her hands beneath her silken skirt.

Beside her, Vorra gritted her teeth, envy slithering through her heart as Hera once again drew every eye. Still, she smoothed her expression and glanced toward the entrance. The clock was ticking, and the Crown Prince would arrive at any moment, stirring hope deep within her that fate might finally smile upon her.

Yet Vorra wasn’t the only woman harbouring such hopes. Many young women who had recently come of age were present at the banquet with the exact same intent.

Just then, the herald’s voice rang through the ballroom.

"Pay your respects! Presenting Her Majesty, Queen Lilith!"

The conversations died instantly as the nobles bowed their heads.

Queen Lilith entered with her commanding presence, accompanied by Prince Belial, while Prince Malakov followed a step behind.

Viktor and Arabella stepped forward and bowed.

"Your Majesty, it is an honour to welcome you to our home," Viktor greeted her.

"Lord Viktor, you needn’t be so formal," Lilith replied with a gracious smile. "Your family has always been dear to me. I am delighted to be here on such a special occasion."

The couple then bowed to the princes. "Your Highnesses, welcome to Ravenor Mansion."

Belial offered them a courteous nod. "Lord Viktor, Lady Arabella. Thank you for having us."

Malakov inclined his head with a devilish smile. "It is a pleasure to attend such a splendid occasion."

Hera had kept her head lowered throughout the exchange when Lilith called to her.

"Lady Hera, come here. Let me have a look at you."

Her nerves tightened, but she stepped forward.

Both princes immediately turned towards her.

As Hera slowly lifted her head to meet Lilith’s gaze, Belial and Malakov momentarily forgot to breathe.

Belial could not tear his eyes away from the woman meant to become his betrothed.

Meanwhile, Malakov’s gaze slowly raked over her from top to bottom, a dark desire instantly flooding his heart.

’Such a beauty...’ Malakov thought, his jaw tightening subtly. ’Had I known she was hidden away so well, I would have taken her as mine long before the Queen could harbor any thoughts of tying her to one of her sons.’

Lilith’s expression softened as she gently cupped Hera’s cheek.

"What a breathtaking young lady you have become. I remember seeing you when you were little. I can hardly believe you’re turning eighteen tonight."

Hera lowered her eyes respectfully.

"The years have passed far too quickly, Your Majesty," Arabella replied softly.

Lilith gave a fond nod, her warm gaze remaining fixed on Hera.

"Lady Hera, let me introduce you to my sons," Lilith spoke, and Hera stiffened ever so slightly upon hearing those words. Queen Lilith noticed her reaction and wondered if the young lady was simply nervous.

Still, she instructed, "Belial, come forward."

The prince stepped towards Hera and bowed. "Lady Hera, it is a privilege to finally meet the rose of House Ravenor."

"The pleasure is mine, Your Highness," Hera replied softly.

He offered his hand forward, and Hera’s eyes lifted from his extended hand to settle on his face. Prince Belial was extremely handsome with his unique silver hair and eyes. Yet he was not the man whose touch she longed for.

Placing her hand in his, she felt his lips gently brush against her gloved knuckles before he straightened. "I have heard many praises regarding your beauty and grace, but I see now that rumors fell far short of reality."

Queen Lilith looked between them with an amused smile, clearly pleased by the impression Hera had made.

"Thank you for your kind words, Your Highness." Hera withdrew her hand politely.

Before Belial could say another word, Prince Malakov stepped forward.

"Allow me to introduce myself as well, Lady Hera," Malakov said, his deep voice carrying evident interest as he took a step closer to her.

Belial frowned slightly before stepping to the side.

Malakov bowed and extended his hand. His sharp eyes never looked away from Hera for even a single second. "I’m Prince Malakov. It is a delight to behold a treasure so exquisite hidden away in the Ravenor estate."

A sudden chill ran down Hera’s spine upon meeting Malakov’s intense gaze, but with so many eyes watching them, she reluctantly placed her hand in his.

Unlike Belial, who had been gentle and courteous, Malakov’s grip was firm, and the kiss he pressed to her knuckles lingered far too long.

Frowning inwardly, Hera quickly murmured, "A pleasure, Your Highness," and tried to take a step back to pull her hand free, but Malakov did not release her until he rose to his full height.

Malakov’s lips curved into a faint smile as he noticed her retreat. "A rose indeed, yet with sharp thorns."

Belial frowned at his brother’s remark, but Lilith chose to overlook it, well aware of Malakov’s fondness for provoking others.

Just then, Arabella cleared her throat, voicing the question on everyone’s mind. "Your Majesty, will the Crown Prince be joining us today?"

Lilith felt disappointment seep into her heart at the thought of Gavriel.

For the past two days, he had vanished into the fifth level without so much as a word, even after she and the King had made his attendance strictly mandatory tonight.

Yet he remained utterly unreachable.

With so many eyes upon her, Lilith offered a small smile.

"He is slightly delayed by official duties, but he should join us as soon as he finishes. We shall begin the banquet in the meantime."

While the other women appeared disappointed, Hera released a barely noticeable sigh of relief.

As elegant music began to swell through the hall to distract others from probing further into the Crown Prince’s absence, Belial stepped forward and extended his hand toward Hera once more. "Would you do me the honor of a dance, milady?"

Hera blinked in surprise, but his gentle smile softened the unexpected invitation.

Her gaze flickered towards her mother, who exchanged a glance with Queen Lilith before giving her an encouraging nod.

With no polite way to decline, Hera had no choice but to accept.

Belial guided her toward the center of the dance floor, while Malakov kept his dark, calculating gaze locked firmly on her.

Lilith glanced up at the floating clock, noting that only half an hour remained before Hera turned eighteen.

’Just what are you up to, Riel?’ she wondered inwardly.