BEYOND THE CROWN

The grand ballroom was abuzz with excitement as the ladies-in-waiting, resplendent in their finest gowns, mingled, and laughed together. Kanha, the Empress's cousin and closest friend, looked stunning in her midnight blue gown, adorned with intricate silver embroidery that sparkled under the candlelight. Kiara, the governor's daughter, wore a breathtaking crystal teal gown, its delicate silver threads shimmering as she moved. Gina, with her sapphire blue gown and gold accents, radiated a warm and vibrant energy, while Mirha's berry blue gown, adorned with delicate pearls, added a touch of whimsy to her overall appearance.

As they chatted and laughed, the Empress, Nailah, made her entrance, her lilac gown a vision of loveliness. The delicate silk fabric seemed to shimmer and glow in the light, and the intricate embroidery that adorned the bodice added a touch of regality to her overall appearance.

The ladies-in-waiting curtsied as Nailah approached them, a warm smile on her face. "My dear ladies," she said, as they all bowed their heads. "It's so wonderful to see you all again."

Kanha smiled, her eyes shining with warmth. "We've missed you, Nailah. It's been too long."

Nailah nodded, her gaze sweeping over the group. "I know. I'm sorry I've been unable to write to you. But I'm here now, and I'm determined to make the most of this evening."

"It's fine, Your Majesty," said Kiara. "You were having your honeymoon. How dare we interrupt your privacy?" The rest nodded in agreement.

As they chatted and caught up, the Duke and the Lords arrived, making their way through the crowds of nobles and dignitaries. Lord Tando, Lord Kaisen, and Duke Rnzo were all in attendance, each of them looking dashing in their formal attire.

Nailah's eyes sparkled as she greeted them, her manner confident and regal. "It's lovely to see you, gentlemen," she said.

Duke Rnzo bowed low. "The pleasure is mine, Your Majesty. I am Duke Rnzo of Magili." He glanced at Gina, his eyes warm with interest. "It's lovely to see you, ladies."

Lord Tando smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I am Lord Tando, and this is my brother, Lord Kaisen. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Your Majesty."

He turned to Kiara, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Lady Kiara, would you do me the honour of saving a dance for me later?" Kiara blushed, nodding her head in agreement.

The ladies laughed as the gentlemen bowed and took their leave. Shortly after, an announcer came in and announced the Emperor's arrival, which took everyone by surprise.

The Emperor, Arvin, had arrived, his presence commanding and imposing. Nailah's eyes widened in surprise as he made his way towards her, his gaze locked on hers.

As the emperor entered the grand ballroom, his commanding presence was met with a chorus of gasps and whispers. The room, ablaze with the soft glow of candelabras and the vibrant colours of the nobles' attire, seemed to shrink in the face of his imposing figure. His gaze swept across the room, his piercing eyes locking onto Nailah's for a brief moment, sending a shiver down her spine. He bowed lightly, his broad shoulders dipping in respect, and she responded with a deeper curtsy, her head bowed in reverence. The delicate silk of her lilac gown shimmered in the light, and the intricate embroidery that adorned the bodice added a touch of regality to her overall appearance.

Arvin's gaze lingered on his Empress for a moment before he turned to his left, making his way to the western side of the ballroom where the Dukes and Lords were seated. The room was abuzz with excitement, the air thick with anticipation, as the guests awaited the start of the festivities.

"What an entry," Rnzo said, his deep voice booming through the room, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Kaisen chuckled, his dark hair gleaming in the candlelight. "We don't expect anything less from the Great Emperor."

Rnzo added, his voice laced with mockery, "Indeed, Your Majesty. You always know how to make an entrance."

The gentlemen burst into laughter, their deep voices echoing off the high ceiling.

"Don't get too comfortable, Rnzo," Arvin said, his voice tinged with warning. "That tongue of yours might just cost you your head."

Rnzo grinned, his eyes glinting with mischief. "I'm terrified."

Kaisen smiled wryly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Shall I prepare for the execution, Your Majesty? It seems His Grace doesn't get the message."

Rnzo glanced at Kaisen, and they shared a brief smile, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of the candelabras.

Their attention turned to Tando, who had been quietly observing Kiara as she laughed and smiled, her crystal teal gown shimmering in the light.

"Lover boy," Arvin called out, his voice teasing. "When will you make her your bride?"

Tando's eyes snapped towards the Emperor, his face flushing with embarrassment. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Rnzo raised an eyebrow, his expression sceptical. "Oh, is that so? Then, I suppose Lady Kiara is still on the market. Perhaps I might propose?"

Tando shot Rnzo a dagger-like glance, causing the others to laugh.

"I shall marry Kiara soon," Tando declared, his voice firm.

Rnzo chuckled. "I'm shaking in my boots."

Tando turned the conversation, asking, "Enough about me. Have you seen anyone worthy of attention tonight?"

Rnzo smirked, his eyes glinting with interest. "I have seen a potential target."

Arvin's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "And who might that be?"

Rnzo glanced at the table where the ladies-in-waiting were seated, his gaze lingering on Gina's sapphire blue gown. "I think I'll keep that to myself for now."

Kaisen spoke up, his voice innocent. "I don't think I can say I've had a conversation with anyone. They're all attractive, but I want more than just looks."

Arvin and Tando nodded in agreement, their faces serious.

Rnzo rolled his eyes, his expression playful. "You're impossible, Kaisen."

As the performance began, Heman whispered something to Arvin, his voice low and urgent.

As the performers took to the stage, Arvin stood up, his commanding presence silencing the room. He began to speak, his voice booming through the ballroom, "Tonight, we gather to celebrate the union of our great empire. Let us put aside our differences and come together in joy and revelry. Let the music move you, let the wine flow, and let us make merry!"

The room erupted into cheers and applause, the music swelling to a crescendo. The Emperor smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement before taking his seat once more.

But his respite was short-lived. Shortly after the performances began, Arvin rose from his seat, his expression unreadable. Without a word, he turned and exited the ballroom, leaving the revellers to wonder at his sudden departure.

Nailah's eyes narrowed, her gaze fixed on the doorway through which her husband had disappeared. She felt a surge of determination, her heart pounding in her chest.

Without a word, Nailah rose from her seat, her ladies-in-waiting watching in surprise as she followed the Emperor. Kanha, sensing her cousin's intentions, smiled knowingly and nodded to the other ladies. "She was exhausted."

Nailah rushed after Arvin, her breath catching in her throat as she pushed through the halls. The soft rustle of her lilac gown echoed off the marble floors as she hastened to catch up with her husband. She almost reached him, her hand outstretched to grasp his sleeve when he stopped abruptly, turning to face her.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken emotions.

Arvin's expression softened, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he understood Nailah's desperation. "Are you exhausted?" he asked, his deep voice tinged with concern.

Nailah shook her head, her dark hair rustling with the movement.

Arvin looked confused, glancing at Heman as if seeking answers. Heman just looked back at him, then at Nailah.

"Shall we go to Malaka?" Arvin asked again, his voice low and husky.

Nailah finally spoke, her voice firm. "Only if you stay the night."

Arvin's expression changed, understanding dawning on his face. He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips.

He helped Nailah into the carriage and soon followed. The soft creak of the carriage door echoed through the night air as they disappeared into the darkness.

The grand ballroom was a whirlwind of colour and sound, the nobles and dignitaries mingling and laughing together as they enjoyed the music and dancing. The room was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the soft glow of candelabras cast a warm, golden light over the scene. Amidst the revelry, the ladies-in-waiting and their potential suitors stole moments together, their conversations and glances speaking volumes about their feelings.

Kiara and Lord Tando, childhood sweethearts, were lost in their own little world. They laughed and chatted, their eyes locked on each other as they reminisced about old times. "Do you remember when we used to sneak out of archery practice and explore the woods?" Kiara asked, her eyes sparkling with mirth. Her long, curly brown hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, and her bright blue dress shone like the stars in the night sky.

Lord Tando chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "How could I forget? You were always the adventurous one, Kiara." He smiled, his strong jawline and piercing blue eyes making him look like a handsome prince from a fairy tale.

"And you were the scared one," Kiara added, playfully teasing him. She playfully rolled her eyes, and Lord Tando laughed, his eyes shining with amusement.

As the music swelled, Kiara and Lord Tando took to the dance floor, their movements fluid and in sync. They were the picture of happiness, their love for each other palpable. The other dancers parted to let them through, watching with smiles as the couple twirled and spun across the floor.

The ballroom was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the soft glow of candelabras cast a warm ambience over the room. The nobles and dignitaries were dressed in their finest attire, their jewels and ornaments glinting in the light.

Meanwhile, Gina, feeling overwhelmed by the crowds and noise, excused herself and stepped out into the cool night air. She took a few deep breaths, feeling her social anxiety begin to dissipate. As she turned to re-enter the ballroom, she was stopped by Duke Rnzo, who was standing by the entry, sipping a glass of wine. His piercing eyes seemed to bore into her soul, and his chiselled features made him look like a statue of a Greek god.

Gina's heart skipped a beat as she wanted him out of her way but didn't know the right thing to say. They stood in that position for a solid minute, Rnzo towering over Gina, the two just staring at each other. The only sound was the soft rustling of the leaves in the nearby gardens.

"Excuse me, Your Grace," Gina finally broke the silence, her voice firm but polite.

Rnzo narrowed his eyes, his gaze piercing. "If you desire to leave so quickly, I won't stop you, but I would very much appreciate it if we got to know each other and sat out here."

Without saying a word, Gina turned around and sat on a nearby bench, Rnzo following suit, sitting opposite her. The bench creaked softly under their weight, and the sound seemed to echo through the night air.

"I must say, you look lovely tonight, Lady...?" Duke Rnzo said, his eyes warm with admiration. His voice was low and husky, sending shivers down Gina's spine.

Gina narrowed her eyes, feeling a little bit offended, but she didn't blame him; it wasn't like she was some kind of noble. "Gina is my name. Thank you, Your Grace. You're too kind."

Rnzo's eyes sparkled with interest. "Daughter of...?"

Gina sighed in disappointment, her shoulders sagging slightly. "If it's a noble title you seek, I'm far from noble. I'm Gina Tiavan, daughter of Her Majesty's childhood governess, and with Her Majesty's kindness, the only title I hold is her Majesty's lady. With that being said, if you seek a title, Lady Kanha is..."

Before Gina could finish, Rnzo interrupted. "Marry me," he said, his voice low and husky.

Gina's response was immediate. "What!!..No," she said, her voice firm, like a reflex.

Realizing what just happened, Gina felt the air getting thicker and awkward. The tension in the air was unbearable, so Gina quickly got up and ran back inside, her heart pounding fast, trying to comprehend what had just happened.

"He must be mad, who...what...he barely knows me, and I don't know him," she thought to herself as she rushed inside.

Rnzo also surprised himself but was even more surprised by the rejection. He grinned to himself like a maniac, "I think I have found my wife," he thought, a plan already forming in his mind. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his eyes glinting with amusement. He couldn't believe he had been rejected, but at the same time, he was excited by the challenge.

As Gina rushed back inside, she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. She felt like she had just escaped a predator, and her heart was still racing from the encounter. She took a few deep breaths, trying to calm herself down, but she couldn't get the image of Rnzo's piercing blue eyes out of her mind.

Meanwhile, Kanha and Mirha sat together, watching the dancing couples with envy. Lord Kaisen joined them, his tall, imposing figure commanding attention.

"Ladies, isn't the party to your liking?" he asked, his deep voice warm with concern. His eyes scanned the room, taking in the revelry.

Kanha smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, no, Lord Kaisen. It's lovely. We're just too beat at the moment. The night is longer than we expected."

Kaisen smiled in response, turning to Mirha. "I don't think we have met, my lady."

Mirha slightly became nervous, and even worse that Kanha was there. "I'm Mirha Launi of Bukid kingdom," she said, her Southern accent barely noticeable. She curtsied low, her long, dark hair falling like a waterfall down her back.

Kaisen laughed slightly, his eyes admiring. "I can hear you suppressing your Southern accent. Please, feel free, my lady."

Kanha jumped in, laughing. "She's such a sweetheart, my lord. She doesn't have any formal education, so excuse her manners, my lord."

Kaisen narrowed his eyes, his gaze piercing. "It doesn't matter at all now, doesn't, Lady Kanha?"

Mirha felt as though she had messed up, and she apologized profusely. "I'm truly sorry for my incompetence, my Lord. Lady Kanha is truly right; I don't have much of an education."

Kaisen interrupted, his voice warm. "Can you write?"

"Yes," Mirha said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Can you read?" Kaisen asked, his eyes sparkling with interest.

"Yes," Mirha added, her confidence growing.

Kaisen smiled. "Then what more is needed for a formal education?"

Mirha was quiet, taken aback by Kaisen's words. Kanha was also silent, watching the exchange with interest.

Seeing Mirha's reaction, Kaisen couldn't help but laugh; she was so adorable. Kaisen then continued, his eyes warm with sincerity. "I'm sure each and every one of you beautiful ladies is unique in her own way, and that's what makes each one of you special."

Mirha looked at him with admiration, her heart skipping a beat. Kanha, too, felt a flutter in her chest, her eyes meeting Kaisen's for a brief moment.

Just then, Gina came panting, like she had been running. Kanha glanced at her, concern etched on her face.

"My lady, are you okay? Do you need some water?" Kaisen asked, signalling to the staff to get water.

Gina took a few deep breaths, composing herself. "I'm doing well, thank you, my lord. You are too kind."

Kanha smiled, stepping aside with Gina and Mirha. Kanha whispered, "Let Mirha escort you. I need to go back and get Kiara and head to ours, too."

The two nodded, and Gina headed off with Mirha, leaving Kanha to make her way back to Kaisen.

As Kanha walked back to the ballroom, she saw Kaisen had company - Duke Rnzo - and could hear what they were speaking about. She overheard Duke Rnzo and Lord Kaisen talking. She slowed down, listening in on their conversation.

"So, it was you that had the lady frightened," Kaisen said, his voice tinged with disapproval.

Rnzo smiled, confirming his guilt, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Please, these ladies are our guests. Be more mindful."

Kaisen added, "Gina... I want Gina."Rnzo's voice was low and husky. "What?!" Kaisen questioned, his eyes narrowing in surprise.

Rnzo explained, "We had a conversation, and I asked her to marry me; she rejected me." He chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement.

Kaisen's eyes widened in shock. "You asked her to marry you? After just meeting her?"

Rnzo shrugged. "I know it's unconventional, but I couldn't help myself. There's something about her that drew me in."

Kaisen raised an eyebrow. "And what makes you think she's interested in you?"

Rnzo grinned. "Oh, she's not. At least, not yet. But i believe i can make her."

Kaisen's expression turned serious. "Rnzo, I don't think that's a good idea. Gina is a lady-in-waiting, and she deserves to be treated with respect."

Rnzo's grin faltered for a moment, but then he recovered. "Of course, I'll treat her with respect. But I'm not giving up on her. She's the one I want."

Kaisen sighed, shaking his head. "You're going to get yourself rejected the second time, Rnzo."

Rnzo just laughed, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Maybe."

"Whatever you say, let's go back home for now." Kaisen suggested and led the way

Kanha, who had heard the whole conversation

Couldn't help but to feel envious but also abit confused why Rnzo would propose to Gina yet he barely knows her.

Her thoughts were cut short when she saw Kiara moving towards her with Lord Tando

They said their goodbyes

Kiara and Kanha then went back to the Imperial castle to their wing.