The moment their eyes met, Laina could feel her heart palpitating in her chest. Her cheeks were warm to the touch. The redness was just from the rouge she has applied, she was blushing. Margaret seemingly noticed this immediately. As much as she wanted to interfere, she could not bring herself to do so.

His irises were dark sapphire blue, glistening under the warm light of the chandeliers. He was surrounded by countless beautiful women, all vying for his affection. All they wanted was a glance from him. A simple compliment. But none of them had him mesmerized like she did.

Dante had been searching for her the moment he stepped foot into the ballroom. He couldn’t care less about the women who followed him across the hall. For once, he had even turned up early so as not to miss her.

He was looking for the charming princess to appear in her black dress. Dante knew she would likely stick out like a sore thumb since most others chose to dress in lighter colors. Pastel shades were always popular among noble and royal women.

Much to his surprise, there were a lot more women dressed in darker colors for the Ball. Could this have something to do with what he had done at the dress shop earlier in the day?

-They can try everything in their power to win my affection, but they will never get any of it.- he thought to himself.

No one could replace her in his heart.

As soon as her arrival was announced, he turned to look at the Crown Princess. The beautiful dress she wore hugged her figure well. It was practically made for her. It was in her favorite color, designed with her favorite patterns. All he wanted to do was to hold her hand in his and dance the night away.

“When will you be mine again,” he muttered to himself as he continued to look at her.

No matter how hard he tried, he could not take his eyes off her. He was like that lovesick fool he once was all those years ago. It was at that moment, their eyes met. Her fiery ruby red eyes were looking straight at him. For a moment, he thought he saw her smile.

Was it an illusion?

He smiled with a gentle nod, acknowledging her gaze. As soon as he did so, she quickly averted her gaze to the side. She turned to look the other way.

Laina was embarrassed. She must have been staring at him for so long that he noticed!

-What are you doing Laina?!- she chided herself.

Something about that King seemed to draw her in like a moth to a lamp. Was it because of his handsome looks? Or could it be something else?

When she turned to look over in his direction once more, she saw him talking to one of the many princesses who flocked around him. Laina let out a sigh but before she could do anything else, the crown Princess found herself surrounded by suitors.

Princes and nobility from various nations were vying for her attention. She did not know how to react at first, but Laina never wavered. She maintained her composure and grace as she made polite conversation with them.

“How has your evening been so far?” Someone asked.

But before she could even reply, another lavishly dressed prince had taken hold of her gloved hand. He looked up at her with love-sick eyes.

“Would you care to have your first dance with me? You are the most beautiful Princess at the ball today, milady. I hope I can sweep you off your feet with a dance,” the daring prince attempted to charm her.

Margaret could not help but roll her eyes at the prince’s attempts to charm Laina. She was glad that her Crown Princess was not easily swept off her feet either.

Laina removed her hand from the prince’s with a kind smile.

“I must say, Prince Radford, that is awfully forthcoming of you. Pray tell, do you know who I am?”

The prince was taken aback by Laina’s question. He was completely caught off guard.

But Prince Radford quickly regained his composure and replied, “I have been quite taken by your beauty, milady. You are like an angel who ascended from the Heavens, a nymph rising from the depths of the ocean…”

Laina could not help but laugh at the amount of bootlicking the prince was trying to do. He must have assumed she would forget her question if he buttered her up enough. But Laina never forgets. She remembered everything with great detail.

Days before, Margaret had run through the details of almost every single notable royal and nobility in attendance at the Masquerade Ball. While some portraits were missing, the general details of the features, likes and dislikes, and key information of the attendees were all presented to her.

She had memorized them like the back of her hand.

“While I appreciate your flattery, Prince Radford, you seem to be evading my question,” Laina said with a radiating smile.

The prince was caught in a difficult position. It was getting increasingly awkward with each passing second. He truly did not know the name of the princess who stood before him. He did not know the name of the young woman he wanted to dance with.

He looked to the side, hoping someone could drop him a hint and help him up. But there was no one there to help him. Seeing the situation unfold caused Laina to shake her head disapprovingly.

Laina broke the silence with her quip, “I, on the other hand, know exactly who you are. You’re Prince Radford the second eldest prince of the Windford Kingdom. The main export of your Kingdom is metalwork, quill feathers, and high-grade animal fur. Your father is the current ruler, with your mother, Queen Analise by his side as well as three royal consorts.”

“Am I right?”

Prince Radford had no words. It was as if the Crown Princess was reciting a poem she had read from the pages of a book.

“Yes… That’s right-“

Before he could say anything to defend himself or apologize, Laina continued.

“Well, for your benefit, and the benefit of others, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Laina, Laina De Solara. I am the Crown Princess of Kinshearth. The next time you wish to charm a pretty princess, at least learn her name first, your highness.”

She turned, ready to walk away but gracefully turned back for a moment, with a warm smile upon her lips.

“Thank you for your offer to dance, Prince Radford. But I prefer a dance partner who knows who I am,” With that, Laina left the dumbfounded prince and headed over to the cocktail table at the side of the hall.

The other princes and nobility who witnessed Laina’s wit were taken aback by it. Most princesses were graceful, meek, innocent, and shy. Few were as bold and brave as Laina. This made her stand out from the other princesses and young ladies who were at the Masquerade Ball.

It made Laina, the belle of the Ball.