The scent of roses and powdered sugar hung thick in the air as the doors to the Queen’s ballroom creaked open, revealing a sea of silk and whispered ambition. The chandeliers above blazed like fallen stars, their light dancing upon the polished floors and jeweled bodices.

You stepped forward, every breath cinched beneath the hand-embroidered bodice of your fusion gown; woven gold silk flowing into soft white chiffon panels, embroidered with the familiar florals of your heritage that shimmered against the prim structure. Gasps fluttered through the room like butterflies as Queen Charlotte herself straightened in her seat, lips curling in the faintest smirk of delight.

Your mother’s arm was firm beneath your fingers, pride stiffening her spine. "Chin up," she murmured. "The Queen is watching."

Amongst the crowd, leaning with careless grace against the edge of the Bridgertons’ circle, stood Hwang Hyunjin; distant cousin, Korean blood amidst English frost. His dark eyes caught the light like obsidian kissed by fire, narrowing with interest as his gaze fixed on you, unblinking. “Who is she?” he asked, voice low, only for Benedict to hear.

“A diamond in the making,” Benedict smirked. “And if you’ve any sense, you’ll step carefully. That one belongs to the Etheries.” Hyunjin’s lips curved. “Then perhaps it’s time the Etheries met a Hwang.”