"You—" She takes a deep breath as Cer grabs her hand, a warning in his gaze. "The least you could do is acknowledge Wyn. She is the one we're celebrating tonight, after all."

Ze takes one look at Wyn and nods before going back to ignoring them.

"I hate him," Thea grumbles under her breath, followed by a stern reproach from Cer.

My body trembles with relief as the fog that's taken over my mind slowly dissipates. Relief fills me to the brim. Good Lord, what was that insanity? What the hell had come over me? I'm not sure what would have happened if Thea hadn't spoken at that moment. It's almost as if my body had a mind of its own, and only one purpose—him.

I remain silent as we continue on to the ballroom.

The doors open just as we arrive, the blinding lights from the chandeliers dazzling me. The music is loud and boisterous, as is the chatter that engulfs the room. There are refreshments and small bites by the side of the room, available for everyone to help themselves. Everyone is preoccupied with socializing, and so far no one is dancing—but I assume that may be because Wyn has yet to arrive.

In line with the rest of the house, the ballroom is a combination of marble and gold, with baroque-like wall decorations. There are marble columns adorned with golden leaves at every entrance, as well as friezes depicting battle scenes on each side of the room, high up where the wall meets the ceiling.

As we stop at the entrance, Maros and Rhea come forward to greet us. As her father, Maros takes Wyn's arm, leading her into the ballroom as the butler announces their arrival.

Everyone stops what they're doing to stare at Wyn and admire her dress. Whispers abound, and I catch wind of a few remarks—mostly positive. They're praising her beauty and the way the color blue accentuates her coloring. Yet there are also the off-handed comments, and they all come from one side of the ballroom. I hold onto the sound of those bitter voices and search them with my gaze, not surprised when I spot Elora and her band of bullies present. The king is by her side too, together with a few other people whom I assume to be in the royal entourage.

As Wyn and her parents go around the room to make introductions with all people present, the butler calls out our names and invites us to proceed inside—me on Ze's arm, and Thea on Cer's.

"What happens now?" I whisper to Ze as I let my gaze roam about the room.

"Arwyn and Cerenios will open the first dance. But first, she must finish her introductions."

"Maros and Rhea are taking her to meet all the men, I see," I note drily.