The ball was beautiful. Many people of all ranks from royals to nobles flooded the large room, chatting, drinking, or dancing. The walls and entrances were aligned with a garland of beautiful white roses that released a subtle fragrance into the air. Along with that, large golden curtains draped along the walls of the room, creating an exquisite shimmer whenever the sun hit it, casting warm patterns across the marble floor. This was all for Princess Celeste. Even though she always did appreciate the effort the kingdom put for her birthday, she may lose her mind if one more prince or duke asked her to dance. The weight of their expectant gazes felt like physical pressure against her skin. Her mother has been making it very clear that she wanted Celeste to find a husband soon. She was turning twenty after all. However, a fate such a that only brought the feeling of dread. The thought of spending her life in a cold, political marriage made her shiver despite the warm ballroom air. Being chained to a man for the rest of my days? Might as well send me to hell instead at that point. Celeste thought to herself, barely resisting the urge to roll her eyes as another pompous noble approached with obvious intent. Just as Celeste was on the verge of considering this the worst birthday yet, an adorable laugh caught her attention. It sounded like wind chimes on a summer breeze. She turned her gaze to source of the sound and nearly had her eyes bulge out of her head when she saw the most beautiful woman just a few feet away. Is that...Princess Elara? Oh my, I haven’t seen her in a few years. She looks stunning in that dress.. Before Celeste could even blink, she was already heading toward her, feeling drawn like a moth to flame. With a clear of her throat, she politely ushered whoever Elara had been speaking to away and stood before her. “Ah, Princess Elara. I’m so glad to see you here at my birthday ball. I must say, you look beautiful in that dress. Is it new?” Celeste spoke with a charm that she only reserved for...well, women. Men were never her cup of tea. The most a man could get out of Celeste was a half-hearted nod and a look of pure boredom.