Beautiful classical music from notable Italian composers like Vivaldi, Verdi, and Puccini, serenaded the guests at the grand ballroom. It was truly an event worthy of the global stage as it showcased the beautiful post-modern architecture that Castello di Firenze was famous for. The grand ballroom was a circular dome sitting on top of one of the castle’s highest tower. It boasted an unobstructed view of the night sky and the city of New Florence. For the protection of the guests, the dome was constructed out of of military grade glass that can withstand aerial attacks. The interior of the ballroom was decorated with hues of gray, blue, white, and a touch of gold. The most notable, perhaps, was a massive crystal chandelier hanging from the center of the dome like droplets of rain frozen in time. The light would touch the crystals making it twinkle and burst with multitudes of colors. As if for coherence, the centerpiece of the guests' tables arranged around the dome was adorned with the same, though significantly smaller in scale. The table arrangement was in a semi circle pattern on the left and right hemisphere, leaving the center of the room vacant for the purpose of dancing and socialization. The royal family was expected to occupy the tables on a semi circular mezzanine opposite the main entrance, above the guests' tables and behind a dais that the queen occupied at the moment. The guests arrived earlier that night through a lift connected to a launchpad several floors beneath the event. Upon exiting the lift, they were greeted with a rare concerto from Vivaldi’s repertoire as their senses took in an exquisite flower garden that bloomed all year round. Security was especially tight that no matter the position of the guest, he or she was subjected to pass through a security scan to have his or her identity verified by the network before the announcer can announce his or her presence, if needed. Once done, the guests were greeted by ushers wearing the colors of the kingdom and helped them find their assigned table. However, for very important guests, they were requested to march along the red carpet to personally greet the royal family. A waiting room adjacent to the ballroom was where Lucius should be right at that moment. That was what worried Calista. She overheard the tone of the queen as she was talking to her brother and it seemed that he was still not where he should be. Contrary to popular belief, Luke was not a fan of fancy balls and parties, especially events hosted by their mother. The Victor’s ball was the worst for two reasons – it was broadcasted live all over the world, and it was the venue that announced his farewell to freedom. This was the opposite for the princess. She loved these events, loved to dress-up, and of course loved to socialize with the nobility and important persons in the kingdom. With the confidence that came with being the second in line to the throne paired with charisma and a bright smile, she was what people would call a social butterfly. But that night, in the absence of her brother, it became her duty to stand at the dais beside her mother and step-father to greet foreign dignitaries as their arrival was announced one by one. The last of which had greeted the royal family about 30 minutes ago. She eagerly watched the stairways made of glass that straddled the main guest entrance. The stairways led to a chrome double door bearing the family’s crest, which was the designated for the grand entrance of the crown prince and the princess elect. She leaned to her mother’s ear. “Mother, may I be excused to check on Luke?” Pleasant as the queen may look in a regal navy blue gown, her voice was tight and her smile a bit on the scary side when she turned to her daughter. “Go and find my damnable son, dearest.” Calista nodded in relief. Her step-father, the tall and striking Prince Damien also gave her permission to leave. Calista wasted no time. She headed to the nearest exit just as the Violin Concerto in A minor was concluded. Cold evening breeze and the delicate scent of flowers greeted her outside the ballroom. She found staff, also dressed for the occasion, and equipment setup by a handful of authorized media to cover the event. As part of the protocol, interviews were not allowed so nobody bothered Calista as she dragged the precious stone-encrusted train of her peach dress. She was not halfway through the garden when Luke stepped out of the lift together with one of the twins, Nico. “Luke!” Calista practically ran to her brother. Thankfully he was dressed for the occasion, in the ceremonial white tunic adorned with golden buttons, lining, and ceremonial pins on the right side of his chest that indicated his status not only in the monarchy, but also as a pilot of the strike force. His tunic was paired with black trousers and leather shoes. He was truly a sight to behold – a head taller than most, with just the right amount of muscles not too bulky and not at all lanky. Add to this his tanned complexion and the commanding presence that came with being the crown prince. There was no wonder that a sudden hush overtook the garden when he stepped out, but it was the intensity in those eyes and the tight set of his jaw, Cally thought, that did most of the job. Beside him, Nico, who society would tag as exceptionally handsome, looked like a commoner beside Luke. He was wearing a similar fashion as his brother, but in the color black and with significantly less embellishments. The ceremonial attire which the crown prince and the other princes wore was not too different from what was worn in the past. Perhaps it was an attempt to honor tradition that was in place even before the monarchy was established. “Cally, get back inside before our dragon of a mother bites both our heads off!” Luke yelled from across the garden, causing hushed giggles from the present media and some members of the nobility. His voice, low and commanding, had always had a melodious tone to it. “Take this princeling with you and never take your eyes off him and his evil twin.” He shoved Nico towards the direction of his sister. The younger prince, still a head shorter than Luke, also a few inches shorter than Calista wearing heels, flipped the finger at his brother. “He’s just mad because I caught him in the middle of --” Luke cut him off by pinching his cheeks, just like when they were kids. It annoyed both Nico and his twin Philip, but it was very effective. “Ouch! Lucius!” “Get inside before I lose my cool and let you have it, brother.” Nico’s brows furrowed, but he could not challenge his older brother’s order. By that time, Cally was standing before him. She reached up and smoothed her brother’s fashionably mussed hair, which she guessed was not the stylist’s idea. His face was clean shaven, making him look younger and more handsome in her opinion despite the tense set of his jaw and lips.“You were flying again, were you?” “Yes, and it didn’t help this time. But now I have to go, and you should too. Tell mother that her beloved heir is here." The prince paused, as if thinking for the right words. "Against his will, as usual, but present nevertheless.” Inside the waiting room, the pressure was evident in the air. The event coordinators were about to make a decision that would not please the queen but would at least stop the speculations being made by the media. They were about to send the princess elect out without her prince. In his place was one of the more pleasant looking castle guards. He was dressed in finery but was not meant to upstage any member of the royal family. Without looking her in the eye, Darkhorse 3 offered his arm to the princess elect. Everything was in place, everybody had the green signal when the security from outside the waiting room demanded, "stand down, Darkhorse 3. Escort is here." The collective sigh of relief was audible all over the room, from the ladies in waiting to the staff, even the guards themselves. At the same time, Luke entered the waiting room all by himself. There was no urgency in the manner which he moved, just fluid grace and tightly leashed power. The proxy escort, who still had his arm offered out for Rhiane Black bowed and stepped aside. “I’ll take it from here,” Luke confirmed, then assumed his position beside the princess elect, without paying her much attention. As soon as the couple was in position, the room burst with activity. The beautician made a final retouch to Rhiane, while another quickly slicked Luke’s hair to a more formal style. Possibly sensing how tensed the woman was, Luke said still without looking at her, “It will be fine. Hold on to my arm, and just focus on your steps. Smile at the cameras, and for heaven’s sake do not trip.” “This is Lady Victor 1 to command center. Escort is ready.” The command center replied, “Copy that, Lady Victor 1. Command center to Ground. Prepare for arrival.” As if on cue, the lights inside the room dimmed and the door slid open. Without a word, he led the princess elect to the den of lions, or more popularly known as his mother’s court. The orchestra stopped the concerto as the pleasant male voice of the night’s host filled the room. “Presenting, His royal highness, Prince Alessandro Lucius Castiliogne and our Princess elect, Ms. Rhiane Black.” The room erupted with clapping just as the orchestra played a different tune. He was used to this. True to his advice to Rhiane, Luke smiled for the camera and took careful steps down the grand staircase, all the while hoping that Rhiane would indeed not trip and take him down with her. A red carpet was lain on the staircase leading to the dais where the queen sat proudly. On her right was Prince Damian and their twins, while on her left was Calista wearing her shoulder length curls and bright smile. Gathered around the room were people he had met at least once in his life, some he knew by name, others just a familiar face. The march to the queen was long, but thankfully uneventful. The closer he came to his mother, the better he could see the subtle hints that told him that despite the amiable expression on her face, she was not at all happy. Regardless, as she would always say, the show must go on. Luke brought them to the foot of the dais then bowed a deep respectful bow to the queen. He trusted that Rhiane was properly oriented with proper conduct of court. “Your majesty, I present you our Princess elect, my future bride, Ms. Rhiane Black.” The queen tilted her head in acknowledgement before getting up on her feet. "Ladies and gentlemen, people of New Florence and of the new Kingdom of Rome," she started. Her face, an older version of Calista's, was projected on a section of the dome that turned into a monitor above the dais. She was a beauty to behold with her dark brown almond-shaped eyes, narrow full lips, and complexion that betrayed her real age. "Tonight we uphold the tradition of our fathers that went before us, to keep the royal bloodline of the House of Castiglione strong for the purpose of the advancement of the kingdom and the protection of our people." She gestured with her hand for Luke and Rhiane to join her as she addressed the kingdom and the world. "I present to you, my beloved kingdom, our princess and future queen, Ms. Rhiane Black, the Lady Victor, and the future of Rome."