The grand hall of the imperial palace shimmered with elegance, its centerpiece a magnificent chandelier suspended from the high ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow, near to which, graceful arrangements of white roses adorned the space, their petals soft and pristine.

All the guests started gathering in the grand hall that evening to attend Royal Concubine Evistia’s 49th birthday event. As befits a member of an imperial family, the event was prepared with utmost care.

Among the guests were many important families both from Eravi Empire and Sevelrum Empire .

The guest chattered with their friends and allies waiting for the arrival of Emperor Alenward.

Meanwhile, Aries, Aria and Zen stood greeting their honored guests at the entrance of the hall. Aria stood at the right side of the entrance as both Aries and Zen took the other side.

“Your Highness, you’ve been staring at my sister this whole time, may I know the reason.”

Aries threw side eyes at Zen as he asked.

“Oh…well, I was just admiring her beauty, haha.”

Zen laughed as he saw Aries giving him side eye before giving him a gentle smile.

Aries gave out a heavy sigh looking at Zen before speaking up at a polite tone.

“We are really grateful for everything Sevelrum Empire has done for us, Your Highness…..

Zen sensed that Aries wanted to say something more but was hesitating.

“ Aries if it’s something concerning your elder sister, please do not hesitate.”

Zen said in a calm tone standing beside Aries with his hand on his back as he nodded to the guests in front of him.

After a few minutes of silence, Aries finally spoke up.

“Your Highness, as I was saying……we would never be able to repay your kindness you and Sevelrum Empire bestowed upon us….it might be really rude of us to ask for anything more than that……”

Aries once again was in loss of words but when he looked at Zen patiently waiting for him to complete he calmed himself and tried to continue.

“This marriage between my sister and Your Highness might not mean anything more than just an alliance between the two empires but my elder sister…….she is very precious to me, It might be rude for me to request you this…..would you please take good care of my sister after marriage?”

Aries looked down after he spoke out his feelings waiting nervously for Zen’s answer.

“I do not know if I am capable enough to fulfil your request Aries because I fear the future that lies before me

but I promise to try my best to provide your elder sister with the warmth and comfort she got beside her family and make her happy.”

“That was assuring, thank you, Your Highness.”

Aries politely bowed to Zen with his right hand placed on his chest to show his respect and Zen smiled.

Aria rushes to where Aries and Zen was standing and asked-

“What were you guys discussing?”

But before she could get an answer the butler approached them and asked them to move to the Grand Hall as the event was going to start and the trio followed.

“Emperor Alenward and Emperor Ivancore of Sevelrum has arrived.

As soon as the people in the grand hall heard the announcement all bowed to greet them as they saw Alenward and Ivancore walked down the staircase to the grand hall and said in unison-

“Long Live the Empire.”

Alenward stood beside Ivancore and announced-

“I am really happy to invite everyone to the special occasion of Royal Concubine Evistia’s 49th birthday and hope my guests to enjoy this event to their heart’s content.”

“Beside me stands the Great Emperor of Sevelrum who helped and fought alongside us against our enemy and I am very happy to announce that this strong bond between us shall intake in the bright future ahead of us and even become stronger as my daughter and the only Princess of Eravi shall tie knot with Crown Prince Zen.”

Alenward raised his wine filled cup towards the guests as he officially announced about Aria and Zen’s marriage and the guests followed suit.

Zen, Aria and Aries followed the butler to the Grand Hall the took the seats the butler showed them and soon Empress Fisairi and then Royal Concubine Evistia made their entry into the event. As the trio were quietly waiting for the event to began they heard some people gossiping behind-

“I heard that His Majesty himself took care of the details for this event.”

“No wonder, the preparations seem flawless.”

“To go this Far for Royal Concubine Evistia when His Majesty never even once showed himself at one of Her Majesty’s hosted events, I wonder how Her Majesty must be feeling.”

 The people behind were speaking with concerned voice but Aria and Aries knew better than anyone that this people were craving to get some gossip and drama out of their family.

As Aries heard their words, he clenched his molar in anger but soon Aria who was sitting beside him softly placed her hand on his and said in a confident voice-

“Don’t bother yourself with such gossips Aries, our mothers will handle it.”

 Aries finally calmed down when he heard his sister’s gentle voice and smiled. Not after long the main event ie, giving gifts to Royal Concubine Evistia had started.

                                                                                                                                                  -to be continued

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