Chapter 279 The Special Guests
Anton’s eyes narrowed into a cold, predatory glare as they landed on Scarlet. The intensity of his stare was so sharp that an involuntary shiver crawled down her spine.
It wasn’t merely anger.
It was the kind of look that made someone feel like prey.
What a creep, Scarlet muttered under her breath, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing her discomfort. She lifted her chin and turned away, quickly following the others.
Anton barely spared Scarlet another glance.
His attention had already drifted back to Lara.
His curiosity had transformed into fascination.
Every sentence she spoke only deepened the mystery surrounding her.
How could a young woman know so much about the long-forgotten Kromwel Dynasty? Her understanding went far beyond what could be found in books or documentaries. She spoke as though she had walked those palace corridors herself… as though she had witnessed history unfold with her own eyes.
It was impossible.
And yet…
The more impossible it seemed, the more determined he became to uncover the truth.
He took a step toward her, intending to continue their conversation, but before he could utter another word, a sudden wave of excitement rippled through the ballroom.
Murmurs rose from every corner.
Guests instinctively turned toward the grand entrance.
“The royal family from Zalmeria has arrived.”
“I heard the Crown Prince and the the first Princess came personally.”
“They rarely attend events outside their kingdom.”
Aquilo immediately straightened.
“I have to go,” he said. “The royal family from Zalmeria has arrived.”
Without another word, he strode toward the entrance, his pace brisk yet composed.
Zalmeria, the island kingdom to the east, remained one of the few sovereign monarchies still standing in the modern world. Though small in territory, its royal family commanded immense prestige, their centuries-old lineage earning respect far beyond their borders.
One by one, the guests drifted toward the entrance, eager to catch a glimpse of the distinguished visitors.
Lara quietly returned to the ballroom.
Her gaze instinctively searched the crowd.
Ares wasn’t where she had left him.
She frowned slightly before looking toward the entrance.
There he was.
Standing beside the Governor of Laguna and the Mayor of Calma, Ares welcomed the royal delegation with the effortless confidence of a man accustomed to commanding every room he entered.
He looked impossibly handsome in his tailored tuxedo, his broad shoulders and commanding presence making him stand out even among politicians, dignitaries, and royalty.
Then Lara noticed her.
Walking gracefully at the center of the delegation was a woman whose elegance seemed almost unreal.
She wore a crimson mermaid gown that shimmered like sunset dancing across the sea, hugging her slender figure before flowing into graceful folds behind her. Resting delicately atop her head was a refined tiara studded with brilliant rubies that sparkled beneath the crystal chandeliers.
Her hair, the color of spun corn silk, was swept into an immaculate chignon that revealed the graceful curve of her neck.
Her striking almond-shaped amber eyes, were framed by naturally thick, dark brows that made their color appear even more vivid. Her gaze held a quiet intensity, giving her an effortlessly regal and unforgettable presence.
Even from across the ballroom, Lara could tell the woman was breathtaking.
The kind of beauty that didn’t need to announce itself.
People simply couldn’t look away.
But what unsettled Lara wasn’t the woman’s appearance. It was where those mesmerizing amber eyes were fixed.
They never left Ares. Not even for a second.
And judging by the warmth in her smile…
This wasn’t the first time she had looked at him that way.
“Hey, Larissa.”
Asher appeared beside her with his usual easy smile, holding a crystal wine glass in one hand and a small plate of delicate pastries in the other.
“Why are you standing here instead of at the entrance? Aren’t you supposed to be part of the welcoming party?”
He offered her the refreshments.
Lara shook her head with a faint smile.
“I’ll eat and drink later.”
Asher merely shrugged.
“Suit yourself.”
He intercepted a passing waiter and returned both the wine glass and pastries to the silver tray before stepping beside her.
Following her line of sight, he glanced toward the ballroom entrance.
The crowd had grown even thicker.
Rows of security personnel in black suits, government officials, and distinguished guests surrounded the royal delegation, completely obscuring the stunning princess from Lara’s view.
Even the dignified gentleman clad in an ivory ceremonial robe could barely be seen now.
That must be Prince Yohannes, the Crown Prince of Zalmeria, Lara thought.
“There are already too many people over there,” she said. “I’d only end up getting in everyone’s way.”
“Fair enough.”
Asher turned back to her, studying her for a brief moment. His lips slowly curved into an appreciative smile.
“You look incredible tonight.”
Lara raised an eyebrow.
“Oh?”
“I mean it.” His voice carried an unusual sincerity. “You’re the kind of woman people write poems about.”
He gave a small laugh before adding, “A timeless beauty.”
Lara couldn’t help but chuckle.
“And since when did you become such a smooth talker? It is not like you.”
“Since I realized compliments are free. Unlike my boring brother.”
She laughed again, shaking her head.
Her gaze drifted over him instead, deliberately inspecting him from head to toe.
The tailored beige suit fit him remarkably well, accentuating his tall frame without looking overly formal. His neatly styled hair and relaxed smile made him look effortlessly charming.
“Not bad yourself,” she admitted. “You clean up nicely.”
Asher placed a hand over his chest in mock gratitude.
“I’ll treasure that compliment forever.”
Lara rolled her eyes playfully before another thought crossed her mind.
“I saw Moira earlier.” She tilted her head. “Did you come with her?”
The smile on Asher’s face disappeared almost instantly.
“Of course not.”
The reply came so quickly that it was almost comical. It was as though he feared that even a heartbeat’s hesitation would be mistaken for guilt.
Lara blinked before a teasing smile slowly spread across her lips.
“That was an awfully fast denial.”
Asher let out an exasperated sigh.
“Because I knew exactly where your mind is going.”
“And where was it going?” Lara asked.
“Somewhere completely wrong.”
His expression softened as he looked at Lara.
“I came alone.”
Then, after a brief pause, he added with quiet honesty,
“If there had been someone I wanted to arrive with tonight…”
His eyes lingered on hers for just a fraction longer than they should have.
“…it certainly wouldn’t have been Moira.”
The unspoken meaning hung silently between them, while only a few meters away, the royal delegation continued making their grand entrance—completely unnoticed by either of them.