Chapter 4 - The Toast of the CenturyAt 9:00 PM sharp, the head butler struck a silver chime three times, silencing the grand ballroom.
Microphones clicked on across the dais.
Lord Chancellor step forward, raising his glass high. “My lords, ladies, and honored guests! Tonight, we celebrate the permanent union of the House of Vale and the House of Arden. Please join me in welcoming Lady Celeste to speak.”
Applause thundered through the hall.
Celeste stepped gracefully to the center microphone, glowing under the spotlight. She raised her crystal flute, her eyes gleaming with absolute triumph as she looked out over the sea of wealthy elites.
“Thank you all,” Celeste began, her voice carrying a practiced, syrupy sweetness. “For months, our beloved Prince Adrian has suffered through the unimaginable tragedy of his accident. Many doubted whether our kingdom could survive under a leader confined to the shadows. But love, ambition, and loyalty find a way. Tonight, alongside our engagement, we will formalize the historic Vale-Arden economic alliance, ensuring our family's absolute prosperity for generations to come.”
The crowd erupted into roaring applause. Minister Sterling beamed. Julian nodded smugly from the VIP section.
Adrian remained seated in his wheelchair, his hands still resting quietly on the armrests. He did not clap. He did not smile.
Instead, he slowly reached down to his right wrist, unclipped the small magnetic recording device, and laid it gently on the small glass podium beside the microphone.
Celeste blinked, her smile faltering for a fraction of a second as she looked down at the tiny metallic device. “Adrian, darling... what is that?”
May you like
Adrian picked up the wireless microphone from the stand. His voice, deep, steady, and resonant, echoed off the crystal chandeliers with terrifying clarity.
“That,” Adrian said quietly, “is six months of your honest opinions, Celeste.”
