The grand ballroom of Goldenrealm Castle was a spectacle of opulence and grandeur. Crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceilings, their light refracting into a thousand shimmering rainbows that danced across the walls. The air was thick with the scent of roses, mingling with the heady aroma of expensive perfumes worn by the nobility. The polished marble floors gleamed underfoot, reflecting the swirling colors of the guests’ gowns and suits. The room buzzed with laughter, whispered conversations, and the soft rustle of silk as nobles, alphas, and suitors from across the kingdom mingled, their eyes occasionally darting toward the grand staircase. They were all waiting for one person—the Crowned Princess of Goldenrealm, Penelope Adalbert.
William stood at the edge of the room, a goblet
