When the Astrid couple entered the banquet, the crowd became quiet and bowed their heads. The beautiful couple made their entrance regally that it blinds the eyes of the spectators.

The Duke of Astrid wear his ceremonial military uniform with a sash coated with ruby stones and three medals while the duchess wears a custom-made Victorian Vintage high neck white dress with a lace design. The dress was coordinated with lace gloves, a rose corsage, and a sparkling crown that was carefully placed in her hair. Her hair was pulled back into a bun.

The Duchess banquet gown was designed by the empire's famous designer Baron Oswald De La Torre. The artist design it according to the Duke's command, to keep it elegant, simple and modest.

When Oswald presented the banquet gowns that revealed the duchess's back and bosom, the Duke almost snapped his neck. So, he carefully designed the Duchess gown to be modest and regal, but most of his designs were rejected because the Duke thought they showed too much skin.

Finally, when he has no other choice and is at his wits' end, he risks his life to present the last dress in vain hope that he might live and keep his neck. When the Duke readily accepted it, the Gods must have heard his prayer.

Oswald was astounded by the Duchess's appearance, which was regal and stunning despite the dress's simple design. He believed that she would look beautiful in any dress due to her grace and unmatched beauty.

The royal couple continued the banquet by performing the drinking of champagne custom, which was followed by a wedding gala dance.

"Your Majesty, in the future, would you spare Baron Oswald's life?". Rachel sweetly pleaded for the baron's life for she just saw how terrified he was when Sebastian looks at him with contempt.

While slowly dancing, Sebastian grips her waist tightly and whisper in her ears.

"Don't provoke me, Rachel. Mentioning the name of another man while I am holding you this close."

When Sebastian addresses her by her first name, Rachel gets a creepy goosebumps on her skin. It sounded so sensual because it was the first time, he had called her informally. She can't help but reveal her reddened face.

Sebastian saw her flushed face and understood her body reaction. "I may spare his life, but if you'll call me by my first name," He chuckled softly and brush a light kiss in her ear.

Rachel felt her hairs stood up and her heart pounded so loudly. ".....Sebastian, please treat the poor guy fairly". She spoke softly, as though she were speaking to herself.

"Ha ha ha". Sebastian laughs loudly that the people in their immediate vicinity stop what they are doing to stare at the intriguing scene.

Rachel tugged at his sleeve because she was so embarrassed that people were watching them attentively.

She was fortunate that the dance ended just in time for her to flee from the Duke. The newlyweds bowed, and the nobles enthusiastically applauded.

Rachel quickly moves away from Sebastian, and her ladies in waiting follow her as she waits to be greeted by her friends.

"We greet her Majesty, the mother of the north". Sam and Bianca made a ceremonial bow to the Duchess of Astrid.

"Be at ease ladies", the Duchess smiled gleefully as her subjects kissed her back hand in reverence to her majesty and to show their devotion to her.

"Your Majesty, please pardon our impudence but we missed you dearly". Sam and Bianca give the duchess a timid gaze.

"Oh my, but I missed my girls too. Please visit me in the palace anytime soon". Rachel winks at them to let them know that nothing has changed.

The ladies were giggling heartily when Anne, the lady head in waiting, warned them to be low key and behave appropriately. Other noble families then greeted the Duchess, and she took their greetings impeccably.

On the corner, a young man's heart is pounding loudly as he catches the glimpse of his unrequited love. He is content to see her smiling brightly while surrounded by the noble ladies.

How quickly times have changed, making it impossible to meet her since that she has attained the highest nobility status. He will always treasure those special memories when he could just relax next to her and bask at her hilarious babbling.

Simon would like to give his greetings to the Duchess, but he was being closely watched by the General of the Duke's Knights. She is heavily guarded by the Duke's most elite soldiers, yet she seems oblivious of her situation.

'Is she aware that his Majesty intentionally built her cage so she can't escape his clutches.' He sighs heavily and then he heard a loud snicker from behind.

"I don't know that your situation is worse than mine. Waiting to get her attention but as you can see, she is now out of reach". Luther mockingly chuckles as he turns to face the person standing next to him.

"But you and I are different. Because I can always reach my sister and your case is, tsk tsk hopeless".

Luther wanted to vent his anger for it was not acknowledged and he was pleased to have found his victim in time.

Because the person gazing at his sister is a thousand times more pitiful than him, he felt like he had won this time.

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Author's note: Enjoy this roller coaster chapter that is filled with flirtation, sarcasm and anguish 😉😜

PS: I have uploaded the Duke and Duchess Banquet outfit for your reference. Photos are snippets from Pinterest, all rights reserve to the original owner.