The Alliance

Chapter 15: The Welcome feast

The dining hall of Windors castle is a sight to behold. Long tables covered with gold-embroidered linens stretches down the room, adorned with fresh flowers and lit by the flickering glow of countless candles. At the far end of the hall, the royal family’s table stands on a raised dais, flanked by banners of Mercia and Eldermere. Queen Eleanor has spared no expense; opera singers prepare their final notes, jugglers and acrobats perform for early arrivals, and the scent of roasted game and spiced wine fills the air. The feast is designed to leave a lasting impression on the visiting court of Eldermere.

But far from the laughter and music of the dining hall, tension simmers in Princess Bianca’s chambers.

Jasmine tightens the laces of Bianca’s gown, her hands trembling slightly as she avoids meeting the princess’s gaze. Bianca stands before the mirror, her golden hair perfectly covered by the violet veil that drapes over her face. She inspects herself with sharp eyes, her lips curling into a faint smile.

“You’ve done well,” Bianca says, her voice calm yet edged with malice. “But there’s one more thing you must do for me, Jasmine.”

Jasmine straightens, her brow furrowing. “What do you mean, Your Highness?”

Bianca turns to face her, her veil shifting slightly but still concealing her face. “Tonight, after the dinner, you’ll meet Prince Phillip in my place. He’s summoned me for a private audience, and you will go.”

Jasmine’s breath hitches, her eyes wide. “What? No! I can’t—”

“You will,” Bianca interrupts sharply, stepping closer. “You will dress in my finest clothes, wear the veil, and pretend to be me. That was the reason I hid my face all this time—to ensure no one could tell us apart. You will take my place, Jasmine, and you will marry the prince.”

Jasmine staggers back, shaking her head as tears fill her eyes. “No! I won’t do it. This is madness, Bianca. I can’t—”

Bianca’s voice drops to an icy whisper. “You will do it, or I’ll make sure your mother pays the price. You think I know not about your little secret visits to her in the village?”

Jasmine freezes, her hands clenching into fists. “You wouldn’t dare…”

“Oh, I would,” Bianca says with a cruel smile. “One word from me, and she’ll be gone before sunrise. Do you want that on your conscience, Jasmine?”

Jasmine’s tears spill over, her voice trembling. “Why are you doing this? You’re the princess. You’re supposed to marry the prince. Why are you forcing this on me?”

“Because I don’t want to marry him!” Bianca snaps, her voice rising. “I refuse to be shackled to a man I don’t love. And you… you’re perfect for this. You’re nothing but a shadow in the palace. No one will question it.”

Jasmine sobs quietly, her head bowing. Her father was hanged for theft, now she’s about to be hanged for treason. King Maises will not spare her for this but the thought of her poor mother dying for something so avoidable will tuant her for life. “You’re cruel, Bianca. So cruel.”

Bianca tilts her head, her expression softening only slightly. “Perhaps. But you’ll thank me one day. Now, stop crying and prepare yourself. Tonight, you’ll meet the prince, and you’ll do everything I say.”

Swallowing her grief, Jasmine nods reluctantly, her heart heavy with despair.

The dining hall buzz with life as the royal courts of Mercia and Eldermere gather together. The opera singers perform enchanting melodies, while dancers twirl gracefully in the center of the room. Queen Eleanor moves among the guests, her charm and poise drawing admiration from all.

Seated at the dais, Prince Phillip’s gaze is fixed on Bianca, who sits beside her sisters. Her violet veil intrigues him, and he finds himself leaning forward, eager to see even the faintest hint of her features.

“Princess Bianca,” he says at last, his voice smooth and warm. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you.”

Bianca inclines her head gracefully. “The pleasure is mine, Your Highness. Your kingdom is beautiful.”

“You flatter us,” Phillip replies, his dark eyes glinting with interest. “And your sisters—they’ve spoken so highly of you. It seems beauty and grace run in your family.” He offers a polite nod to Aurora, Calista and Amira who smiles in return.

“It’s kind of you to say so,” Aurora says. “We’ve heard much about you as well, Prince Phillip. Your reputation as a valiant knight precedes you.”

Phillip chuckles modestly. “You honor me, Princess. But tonight is not about my achievements—it’s about uniting our kingdoms.”

As the conversation continues, Phillip attention remains on Bianca. Though her veil obscures her face, there is something captivating about her presence. When the queen calls for a toast to the union of their kingdoms, Phillip leans closer to Bianca and says quietly, “After the dinner, I have a special surprise for you. A chance for us to speak privately and get to know each other better.”

Bianca nods, her voice steady. “I would like that, Your Highness.”

Across the room, Jasmine stands at the back with the other attendants, her face downcast as she tries to avoid notice. Her heart aches with fear and anger as she thinks of the task Bianca has forced upon her.

After the welcome feast, back in their chambers, Calista corners Bianca, her voice sharp. “What are you planning, Bianca? I know the portrait we sent wasn’t yours. You’ve been hiding your face for days, and now you’re meeting the prince privately? Tell me what you’re up to.”

Bianca snaps at her sister “You told Amira about the portrait even though you promised to keep it between us, why on earth do you think I can trust you again. What? Who will you tell next, Aurora?” The fury in her heart can set a furnace ablaze.

“I’m sorry sister, when I saw your inflamed face, I was nervous and ran to Amira to vent.” She pleads, a mop forming on her face.

“Well, Amira seems to be in line with my decision, unlike Aurora who’s so duty inclined.”

“Well then, tell me what your plan is—“ Calista urges her, the fear of Aurora walking in on them engulfs her.

Bianca smirks, removing her crown and setting it on the vanity. “All you need to know, Calista, is that I’m ensuring our family’s survival. Trust me, everything is under control.”

Calista’s eyes narrows. “If this goes wrong, it won’t just be you who suffers. The entire kingdom is at stake.”

Bianca turns to her, her expression cold. “Then you’d better hope it doesn’t go wrong, dear sister.”

As the candles flickers in the chamber, the weight of Bianca’s deception hangs heavy in the air, setting the stage for the chaos yet to come.