Chapter 3 The Introduction

Jovita pondered, but was glad that it was only a dream.

The entire kingdom of Aven buzzed with excitement as the day of the formal introduction of Prince Lucius and Princess Jovita finally arrived. The castle staff worked effortlessly to ensure that every detail was perfect, from the intricate flower arrangements to the precise seating setup.

The atmosphere grew warmer as guests began to arrive.

Princess Jovita radiated elegance in her delicate silk skirt and matching blouse. Her hair was perfectly styled. She wore a hat that made her face too beautiful to behold. The makeup she applied was subtle as well as radiant. Her beauty, nothing short of breathtaking

Lucy paced the floor of her room, deep in thought. " Today, my cousin Jovita, and prince Lucius will be formally introduced as bride and groom to be," she murmured to herself. " But what they do not know is that I have been in a secret relationship with the prince for over a year now. He loves me, not Jovita, and I will prove it. I will not let him go without a fight. "

A cunning glint sparkled in her eye. " My father will take this kingdom of Aven, while I, on the other hand, become the queen of Allen. But I will need help to make this happen. I am certainly going to put my plan into action, starting from now!

Lucy promptly dressed and looked ravishingly beautiful. She sauntered into the room where Princess Jovita was being attended to by her maids. With a hint of sarcasm, Lucy said, "Little cousin, are you certain you can handle what is coming? " I am only concerned for you dear. The princess and her maids exchanged surprised glances, as Lucy sashayed away, leaving them in awkward silence.

Prince Lucius arrived just as the ceremony was about to commence. As the prince's motorcade approached the castle, the sound of revving engines and strength filled the air. A fleet of sleek cars, adorned with the royal crest, made their way up the winding driveway.

The bodyguards swiftly formed a protective barricade around the prince's vehicle . Prince Lucius emerged as the door swung open. Resplendent in his formal attire, he strode into the grand hall, with confidence in his gleaming eyes.

Lucy strategically positioned herself near the entrance to ensure she would catch the eye of Prince Lucius before he joined the gathering. As their eyes met, Lucius quickly looked away, feigning indifference. Lucy's eyes narrowed slightly, her expression a mask of calm.

" This is just an introduction. "Can you imagine the grandeur of the marriage ceremony? One girl whispered. It is going to be a spectacle like no other. "This is royalty after all!" Someone exclaimed, eyes wide with anticipation.

The festivities were nothing short of opulent. An abundance of food and drinks overflowed the tables. Six cows were slaughtered to feed the esteemed royal dignitaries and the general guests. To set the tone of the merriment, the most renowned musician in the land was commissioned to provide the entertainment, filling the air with enchanting melodies.

As the prince and princess were formally introduced, the room erupted in thunderous applause and cheers. The two kings, who would soon become in-laws, were overcome with joy and exchanged warm smiles, while the royal dignitaries nodded in approval, with their faces reflecting satisfaction. Lucius and Jovita shared a courteous, emotionless smile, their hands touching briefly, as they exchanged a gentle formal embrace. Amidst the laughter and joy that filled the air, a few discerning eyes noted a silent undercurrent.

Later that night, the king's younger brother Ben, his daughter Lucy, and some unusual companions gathered at a quaint coffee shop on the outskirts of Allen. As they awaited Prince Lucius's arrival, Lucy burst into tears, lamenting that the prince could be intentionally delaying. She feared he might have changed his mind and decided to marry Princess Jovita. " He must have fallen in love with her after that elaborate introduction ceremony," she thought.

" Worry not," Ben, Lucy's father, said, attempting to comfort his sobbing daughter. He gently placed his right hand on her shoulder. "Everything will happen as planned," he reassured her, his voice calm and steady.

Princess Jovita tossed and turned, unable to shake off her restlessness. Her senior maid grew concerned. Lucia, who had never seen her mistress in such a state, equally became worried. She exchanged a concerned glance with Meg, wondering what could be troubling the princess. Meg decided to whip up a soothing soup. She added a special ingredient passed down from her grandmother, which she had learned to prepare as a child.

" My princess, drink this soup, "Meg persuaded her. " It will calm your mind and help you sleep."

Jovita hesitated for a moment before taking a sip. Almost instantly, her eyelids grew heavy, and she drifted off to sleep.

After waiting for about two hours in the coffee shop, the three strangers that accompanied Ben and his daughter Lucy grew impatient.

"Did you bring us here to waste our precious time? The one wearing an earring asked angrily, his eyes red from the intake of hard drugs.

Ben, seemingly unfazed by the young man's outburst, calmly checked his watch for what felt like the hundredth time. "He will be here," he said, his voice steady. "Just a few more minutes."

The stranger with painted hair snorted, his eyes flashing with annoyance. "A few more minutes? We've already wasted two hours! "What is the point of this little rendezvous, huh?"

Lucy, who had been quietly observing the exchange, spoke up, her voice soft but firm. "I think we should just wait a bit longer. The gentleman knows what he is doing. You know how very busy he is?"

The young man with tattoos on his right hand gazed at Lucy intensely, and for a moment, his expression softened. But then his eyes hardened, and he turned back to Ben. "Fine. We are waiting. But if this is some kind of wild goose chase, you will regret wasting our time."

Just then, the coffee shop door swung open, and a tall, imposing figure walked in, scanning the room with an air of confidence.