Realms of power

As the chariot came to a stop in front of the palace, Prince Liam jumped down first, then turned to help Sarah alight. He held out his hand, his eyes locked onto hers, and Sarah felt a flutter in her chest as she took it.

The prince's hand was warm and strong, his fingers wrapping around hers like a vice. He pulled her down from the chariot, his eyes never leaving hers, and Sarah felt a sense of trepidation. She knew what the prince was trying to do - he wanted people in the palace to see them together, to gossip about it.

As soon as her feet touched the ground, the prince refused to let go of her hand. He held it for a moment longer than necessary, his eyes glinting with amusement. Sarah struggled slightly, trying to pull her hand away, but the prince's grip was like a vice.

" Hold still," he whispered, his voice firm, his breath warm against her ear.

Sarah's eyes flashed with anger, but she knew she could not make a scene. Not here, not now. She forced herself to relax, to let the prince hold her hand for a moment longer.

Constance, who was standing at a distance, giggled at the sight of her mistress being held by the prince. Sarah's eyes shot daggers at her maid, but Constance just winked at her and looked away.

Finally, Prince Liam released her hand, and they were met by a palace chief eunuch who bowed low. "Your Highness, Lady Sarah, welcome to the palace," he said, his voice high-pitched. "I trust your journey was uneventful?"

"The banquet has just begun," the eunuch continued, his eyes flicking between the prince and Sarah. "Please, follow me." 

As they walked toward the banquet hall, Sarah noticed that the maids were gossiping and pointing at her. She felt a flush rise to her cheeks, knowing that she was the center of attention.

When they reached the banquet hall, they were announced, and the room fell silent. Sarah's heart was heaving in her chest as she walked alongside the prince, her eyes fixed on the king and queen who sat at the head table.

King Myles and Queen Lauren looked at them with regal dignity, their faces expressionless. They were an elegant couple, with refined features and an air of sophistication.

They bowed low before the royal couple, and Sarah felt a sense of trepidation. She knew that she was in for a long night.

Queen Lauren, a stern-looking woman with a sharp jawline, looked at Sarah with a critical eye. "You are late, Sarah," she said, her voice cold. "Why is that?"

Prince Liam spoke up for her, his voice smooth. "Mother, Sarah had a hiccup on the way here, and I happened to pass by. I intervened, and we came here together."

Sarah confirmed his story, her voice grateful. "I am most grateful to the prince, Your Majesty."

King Myles, a portly man with a bushy beard, looked at Sarah with interest. His eyes landed on her wrist, and he frowned. "Come closer, Sarah, so I can see that properly."

Sarah obeyed, feeling a sense of trepidation. The king's eyes narrowed as he examined her wrist, and then he looked up at his queen. "Is this not yours, my queen?" he asked, his voice curious.

Queen Lauren's eyes widened, and she leaned forward, her eyes fixed on Sarah's wrist. Sarah felt a sense of unease, knowing that she was in for a difficult night.

The queen's eyes sparkled as she gazed at the bangle on Sarah's wrist. She smiled, a hint of mischief in her voice. "Yes, my dear king, it is indeed mine. A precious gift you gave me, if I recall correctly."

King Myles nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "I did give it to you, my dear. And I'm glad to see you've passed it on to our son."

Queen Lauren's eyes flicked to Prince Liam, a hint of pride in her voice. "I encouraged Liam to be as noble as his father, and to give the bangle to someone he thought was special. Just as you gave it to me, my dear king."

The king laughed, a hearty sound that filled the banquet hall. "Well, I suppose that's a good enough explanation. Liam, Sarah, please take your seats."

As they sat down, the room erupted into a flurry of whispers and speculation. People began to speak among themselves, their voices hushed but excited. This was huge news, with a lot of meaning to them.

Sarah felt like the ground should open and swallow her. She had never been the center of attention before, and she didn't like it one bit. Most of the young ladies in the room looked at her with disdain, their eyes flashing with jealousy. Prince Liam was the most eligible and suitable bachelor in the kingdom, and every lady wanted him. Yes, they would hate her, Sarah knew that.

As they began to eat, the attendance of another person was announced. Consort Renee, another wife of the king, swept into the room, her presence commanding attention. Her dress was a masterpiece of silk and satin, a intricate concoction of colors and textures that seemed to shimmer and shine in the light.

The dress was a deep, rich purple, with intricate gold embroidery that seemed to dance across the fabric. It was cut low at the neck, showcasing Consort Renee's flawless skin and ample bosom. Her sleeves were long and flowing, with tiny diamonds sewn into the hem that sparkled like fire in the light.

Consort Renee's jewelry was equally impressive. She wore a necklace of gleaming rubies, each stone perfectly matched and polished. Her earrings were tiny diamonds, shaped like stars and hanging from delicate gold threads. Her hair was a rich, dark brown, falling down her back like a waterfall of night. It was adorned with delicate gold combs, each one shaped like a flower and studded with tiny diamonds.

The moment Consort Renee stepped into the room, the king's eyes locked onto her, his attention riveted. He stared at her, his eyes drinking in the sight of her, and Queen Lauren's face darkened with anger. She noticed the way the king was looking at Consort Renee, and she didn't like it one bit.

The queen's eyes flashed with jealousy, her face pale with rage. She knew that Consort Renee was a favorite of the king's, and she didn't like the way he was looking at her. She felt a surge of anger, a desire to confront the king and demand to know why he was paying so much attention to Consort Renee.

But she did not. She kept her cool, her face serene and composed. She smiled and nodded, pretending that nothing was wrong, but inside, she was seething with rage.

Maybe no one in the banquet room noticed, but Sarah did. She noticed it every time. And this was one of the reasons she never wanted to have anything to do with the royal family. But would she be able to get what she wants? Would she be able to escape the selection of the princes brides?