The day of the feast arrived with an energy I hadn't quite expected. Servants buzzed through the corridors like bees in a hive, polishing, preparing, and perfecting every corner of the palace. It was a grand affair—one that clearly held importance to everyone around me. I stood in my room, freshly dressed in an embroidered royal suit of midnight blue and silver, tailored to perfection, every thread screaming of wealth and nobility. If only they knew.
The palace shimmered with elegance. Chandeliers had been polished to a mirror shine, flower arrangements lined the halls, and rich tapestries were hung along the walls, displaying centuries of royal legacy. I stared at myself in the mirror longer than necessary, still trying to accept the reflection staring back at me.
Just as I was adjusting the ornate cufflinks, there was a knock at the door. I turned. "Come in."
Liora stepped inside, dressed in a regal gown of deep emerald green, her hair tied in a braided crown that only amplified her natural elegance. I swallowed hard, trying to keep my thoughts in check. She smiled faintly.
"You look... like a real prince tonight."
"Thanks to you," I said. "You've been helping me through every single thing, even this feast."
She shrugged, walking further into the room. "It's what any sister would do. Besides, you've done better than anyone expected."
I chuckled softly. "Even though none of this makes sense?"
Her eyes held mine for a moment too long, then she looked away. "It doesn't have to. We just keep moving forward."
There was a moment of silence between us—thick and heavy. My chest ached with the confusion I'd been bottling up. I wanted to tell her that she was the only one who made this life feel bearable, but I couldn't. It would be wrong.
We left for the ballroom together. The doors were tall, carved with symbols of the royal house. Guards opened them with a ceremonious gesture, and we were greeted by applause and music.
Everyone was there—nobles, politicians, foreign dignitaries. People bowed as we walked by, giving me glances of awe and respect I'd never known before. It felt surreal.
"Your Highness, welcome," said one of the court officials.
I smiled politely. "Thank you."
We took our seats at the royal table, placed at the highest point of the room. I sat beside my mother and Liora, Claire to my right. Claire looked stunning in a pale pink gown, her smile warm and inviting.
"Tonight is for you," she said softly. "The kingdom celebrates your return."
"It feels a little overwhelming," I admitted.
"You'll get used to it."
As the feast began, music filled the room. Plates of lavish dishes were brought out, wine was poured generously, and laughter echoed from every corner. People toasted to me. Some offered gifts. My mother beamed with pride.
When the time came, I was asked to give a short speech. I stood, every eye on me, and took a deep breath.
"Thank you all for welcoming me so warmly. It's been a journey... one I never expected to take. But I am grateful—for this palace, for the family I've returned to, and for this kingdom that I now call home. I look forward to serving it with honor."
There was applause, and I returned to my seat, heart pounding. Claire leaned in.
"You speak so well."
"Thanks," I said, catching Liora's eyes across the table. She offered a small nod.
After the meal, there was dancing. Couples took to the center of the grand hall as the orchestra played a slow waltz. Claire extended her hand toward me.
"May I have this dance, Your Highness?"
I hesitated, then accepted. As we moved across the floor, she spoke softly.
"You've adjusted better than I imagined."
"You don't know me well enough to say that."
She laughed. "True. But I intend to."
I smiled politely. Claire was kind, graceful, and clearly someone the people approved of. But something about it felt off. I glanced toward Liora, who was talking to a visiting duchess. She didn't look at us. Her posture was stiff, her smile strained.
After the dance, I returned to the table, only to find Liora missing. I slipped away from the crowd and went to find her.
I discovered her standing alone on the terrace, looking out at the night sky.
"You disappeared, princess," I said gently.
She turned, surprised. "Needed some air."
I joined her. The stars above us twinkled in endless silence. For a while, neither of us spoke.
"You were amazing tonight," she finally said. "The kingdom loves you already."
"They love an idea of me," I muttered. "A prince I'm pretending to be."
She looked at me sharply. "You are that prince."
I shook my head. "Liora, there's so much you don't know."
"And maybe that's okay," she replied. "Sometimes, the truth is just what people choose to believe."
I wanted to ask her what she meant. But she turned back toward the hall.
"Come. They're waiting for you."
As we walked back, side by side, I found myself falling deeper into the illusion. Maybe it was easier to be Elias now. Maybe pretending wasn't pretending anymore.
But every time I looked at Liora... I was reminded that some truths are harder to suppress. Especially the one growing silently between us.