Chapter 45

ISABELLE’S POV

The intensity of his sharp look sent a chill down my spine, but I refused to let it show one bit.

Instead, I cocked my head at him, arching my eyebrow and maintaining my composure.

My wolf didn't stay quiet. ‘Told you meddling in his affairs wouldn’t end well. He seems furious. Are you satisfied now?’ she growled with disapproval.

‘He’ll get over it,’ I shot back inwardly, not backing down for a second.

Tristan stepped forward, his eyes darting between us, he could already sense the rising tension in the room and let out a light chuckle to diffuse it.

“Then let’s forget about it,” he said, dismissing my proposition with a wave of his hand.

The crowd began murmuring once again, their tones shifting.

“It seems the princess has truly moved on from the Beta,” someone remarked.

“Yes, she wouldn’t have proposed it otherwise,” another agreed.

Once Matilda stepped away, the crowd eased up and dispersed. Rowan shot me one last look before he also turned around and walked away.

I retreated to my chair beside Tristan feeling indifferent and watching the ball.

After a while, the banquet moved into the gift presentation segment, a tradition I had always enjoyed.

At each ball, all the noble families offer a token of loyalty and celebration to the emperor and royal family, presents ranging from intricate jewellery to rare gemstones.

Tristan settled on his throne as the nobles approached with their families all bearing a special gift.

A thick man, donned with luxurious fabrics stepped forward. I immediately spotted Tania close behind him. That must be the marquis, her father.

The marquis stood in front of Tristan, his chest puffed up with pride as he presented a massive sapphire that shimmered under the light. “A gemstone only worthy of the royal family,” he declared with a flourish. He also presented a chest with other glittering jewels and precious items.

My brother accepted it graciously, but I noticed the smug expression on Tania’s face as she watched her father, the marquis offering received loud applause and cheers.

One by one, all the nobles stepped forward with their gifts—golden artefacts, silk fabric, and rare impressive treasures from distant lands. But immediately Lila's father approached the throne, the mood in the room suddenly shifted.

Lila's father, a man with weathered hands and a humble black tunic, limped towards the throne, his daughter helping him.

In his hands was a small present and something inside. When he came close enough I saw the mechanical bird.

I let out a small gasp at the intricate designs of the bird's feathers. The bird had been carefully crafted till it looked so life-like and real.

The small contraption gleamed as he placed it on the pedestal, and then he stepped back and pulled a lever.

I watched with bated breath waiting for the reveal but when the bird transformed with a series of intricate movements, spreading its wings and taking flight, my eyes widened.

Gasps of awe echoed through the hall as it soared gracefully above the throne before returning to its original form.

The nobles leaned in, whispering with barely restrained excitement. “What a marvel!”

I was captivated by the machine. My eyes lit up as I turned to Tristan with a gleaming smile. “May I have this gift, brother?”

Tristan flashed me a warm smile, his eyes crinkling at my excitement. “Of course, Isabelle. Consider it yours.” He replied.

I nodded in excitement, reaching out to feel the exterior of the bird.

“Who crafted this remarkable bird?” Tristan asked, addressing Lila's father.

Fatherly pride instantly shone in the older man’s eyes. “Your Majesty, it was my daughter, Lila, who created this.”

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to her, who was standing behind her father with a sheepish smile.

Her plain dress and humble demeanour were in such stark contrast to the finery around her, but there was no mistaking the pride in her eyes.

“Lila,” Tristan called out, motioning for her to come forward.

She hesitated for a second, her cheeks flushed and her eyes tinged red, but I flashed her a reassuring smile. Taking her father's hands, he led her to the centre of the room.

“This young woman is extraordinary,” I announced loudly. “Her talent and hard work have brought us something so unique,” I remarked, gesturing to the beautiful machine.

I turned to Tristan with purpose. “I propose a reward for Lila, not only for her gift but for showing us her great talent.”

Tristan nodded approvingly. “I agree. Lila, you will surely be given handsome rewards for your work. And if you’re willing, we would like you to create more of such unique prices for the kingdom.”

Lila's eyes widened in disbelief. “Your Majesties…T..thank you.”

As the applause echoed around them, I caught sight of Tania and her entourage. The smugness on her face from her father's gift had been wiped away now replaced with burning envy, her lips pressed into a thin line.

I just couldn’t resist the opportunity. She turned toward the crowd, my eyes trained on the noblewomen directly as I addressed them.

“Let this be a good lesson to all of us. Talent, creativity, and strength are not determined by one’s birth or status. We should treat each other with respect despite our statuses.”

The ball echoed with scattered applause and nods, although I could see that some of the noblewomen including Tania were all struggling to mask their irritation.

Lila's father beamed with pride as his daughter stood beside me. “Thank you, Your Highness. You’ve given her a chance she never thought she’d have.”

“Talent like hers deserves to be nurtured and displayed for all to see” I replied warmly.

As the crowd quieted down and settled back into their seats, I watched Tania suddenly step forward away from the crowd.

“Your Highness, while I understand your sentiment, there is a matter between Lila and I that must be addressed.” She said, her chin held high and her voice sharp.