The banquet was in full swing when the queen made her grand entrance under the watchful eyes of the gathered crowd.
In an instant, the atmosphere electrified.
The queen was beloved in Craneville, and her presence only added to the fervor of the evening.
With a simple raise of her hand, the room fell into a respectful hush.
"I'm deeply grateful for your presence tonight," the queen began with a smile. "It's my pleasure to announce something very important on this occasion."
She gestured towards Brittany and Eltham. "Bri, Eltham, come here, will you?"
Brittany's nerves were on edge, her glance towards Eltham carried a silent plea for support.
Was the queen about to publicly announce their engagement?
Eltham, ever composed, offered his hand. "Let's go up together."
With a reluctant bite of her lip, Brittany linked her arm with his, stepping forward amidst barely concealed jealousy from Piper.
"Many of you might have guessed," the queen continued. "Next month, we'll celebrate the engagement of Eltham and Miss Brittany. You're all invited to join the festivities."
The announcement sent waves of excitement through the audience.
"Furthermore, after marrying into the royal family, Miss Lynette will continue her career, aside from her royal duties."
This statement caused a stir. Traditionally, marrying into royalty meant giving up one's career to serve the crown. But Brittany was being given a chance to continue her work, a privilege publicly declared by the queen herself.
Piper's discomfort was palpable, her face a temporary mask of embarrassment.
With just a few words, the queen had settled the matter of the marriage.
Brittany and Eltham, now the center of attention, received a mix of flattering and congratulatory remarks.
Finally managing to escape the crowd, Brittany excused herself, claiming to feel unwell, and headed upstairs to rest.
Had he heard the queen's announcement?
Isaac entered, closing the door with his foot, and gently lifted Brittany onto the bed before helping her off with her shoes.
Her feet, usually so delicate and fair, were marred by the harsh rub of the shoes.
"Who chose these for you?"
"Eltham."
Isaac muttered under his breath, clearly thinking Eltham had failed to understand Brittany's needs.
He took out a tube of ointment, carefully applying it to her wounds with a tenderness that made Brittany's heart flutter.
No one had ever touched her feet before. If it had been anyone else, she might have resisted, but Isaac's touch was different, comforting even in its intimacy.
"I didn't know about the queen's engagement announcement beforehand," Isaac confessed.
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