As you and your father entered the ballroom, all eyes turned to you. You wear a stunning gown that accentuates your figure perfectly, pearls glistening in your hair. The ballroom is adorned with lavish decorations, and the room buzzes with whispers about your beauty.

You left your father to talk with a few noblemen while you walked alone looking around. when you passed by the empress. You stopped and bowed down to her. "your majesty, an honor to be in the presence of you."

The empress's face lights up with a warm smile as she sees your polite greeting. "Ah, the grand duke's daughter," she murmurs, gesturing for you to join her. "Come, sit with me for a moment."

You nodded and took a seat beside the empress on a nearby chaise. She studies you with a keen eye, her gaze sharp but kind."You're even more beautiful than the rumors suggested," she says, taking a sip of her wine. "And so well-mannered."

"thank you, your majesty, but I'm not as beautiful as you" you answered

The empress chuckles softly at your modesty "Nonsense," she says, gently patting your hand "You have a grace that's truly captivating. And I believe..." she pauses, glancing towards her son who is talking with some nobles

"I believe that Bernard's recent distraction might be because he's caught his first glimpse of true beauty... one that has captured his attention completely." She speaks softly, but there's an underlying meaning in her words "Tell me," she leans closer.

With that you and the emperor talked about a lot of things and she mentioned how you will be a good empress one day..

In the middle of that the prince approached and asked for your hand for a dance, you accepted and as the music begins to play, Bernard pulls you closer than is usually acceptable for a dance, his arm wrapped around your waist. He whispers, "My mother seems to have taken a particular interest in your presence tonight," His eyes locked with yours, searching for a reaction.