In Kingdom Aletros…

The whole kingdom is still in shock that their Crown Prince Ethan left everything just for a girl he loves.

While some people praised him for his true love, some have started condemning him, saying that he doesn't love his country and his people.

The whole country had turned upside down just in one long day and it started coming back to normal only after Louis was officially made a Prince.

Before he left for the states seven years back, he was a sweetheart of the kingdom. Every girl was his fan while little kids all loved him so much. He was that charismatic and good!!

Given his charming nature, eloquence, integrity and order, even people felt he was the perfect candidate to become a King.

And at every time of coronation of the Crowned Prince, there used to be a competition between the heirs of the King to decide who is most capable. However, even after knowing that he had absolute chances of winning, Louis announced that he was going to the States and he doesn't have interest in becoming a Prince.

Though the people were sad, they aren't opposed to Ethan becoming a Prince either.

He was a good ruler too..

But, now with their favorite Prince back, all are happy and this has increased the expectations on the future Queen.

Everyone is now excited to find out who would be the Prince Edward's bride.

The Ladies of the Seven Noble houses have also started arriving at the palace one by one, all ready to compete and of course, to seduce Louis too.

Though they can't meet him in private as it's restricted, they can pique his interest by showing off their skill and flatter him. They can't climb on to his bed but at least they can make him get fascinated by their look.

Who would not love a beautiful, and sexy wife?

Meanwhile, the first person to come was Lady Katherine from House of Lykaios.

She is Queen Elora's niece and also one of the potential competitors. Her house is the second most powerful after Olivia's House, House of Aetós.

They are always competitive towards each other.

As the palace is too huge, it also has a separate section where all the competitors stay during their competition time. Seven floors, one floor for each suitor of the respective houses.

"Sir Martin, where is Prince Edward right now? It's been quite long since we had a conversation." Katherine asked the Cultural Minister who is in charge of taking care of the Ladies.

She has just arrived on her floor and the first thing she did is to enquire about the prince. That shows how desperate they are!!

Just like how her House of Lykaios implies, she is like a fox. Cunning by her heart but kind by her appearances. If anyone wants to play a brain game, she could be their potential opponent.

"Lady Katherine, it's against the rules to have a private talk unless the Prince approves himself." Sir Martin politely said. Already feeling his headache coming.

These ladies might look so majestic and endearing, but they could also be called petty and easily offended people. It's not that easy to handle these spoiled princesses.

"But, the competition hasn't even started yet, Sir Martin. I am not asking for hours! I just want to congratulate the Prince." she said. The prime reason she came here quickly is to get some alone time with the Prince, so how can she let a mere Cultural Minister deny her request!

"Lady Katherine, Prince Edward is resting right now. He isn't quite in the mood to have a conversation with anyone, so I suggest you not test your luck. However, it's still wondering to me why you haven't visited the King first, when he is sick." Queen Elora, who has just come, asked, raising her eyebrow.

She has been seeing her son from the day he returned. He has just gone to see his father and attended the court meetings.

After that, he barely came out of his floor.

She has seen how lifeless he has become. He is very worried right now because his girlfriend just disappeared and no one could find her.

How much ever Charlotte and Harry searched for her, they didn't succeed in finding her.

And, that was eating him alive. He is so worried about his girlfriend that he was not sleeping properly and had barely touched his food.

Even last night he got himself very drunk and for the first time she saw tears in his eyes.

Just a single beep from his phone is making him startled that he is quickly opening it, in the hopes of getting some information about his girlfriend's whereabouts.. but only to get disappointed.

He would at least call his girlfriend twice an hour and for every ten minutes he would message Charlotte asking her about Brina. But everytime, he is losing his hopes more and more.

He is mentally not that stabled and it would become a problem if someone sees him like that.

He is after all the future King!

No one should see him in his lowest times as they might cash it to their advantage.

So, all she could do now is pray that his girlfriend will be found before this Sunday and manage to arrive before the masquerade ball starts.

If she could not make it before the ball, she would not be qualified to participate.

"Your Highness." Katherine slightly bowed and kissed Elora's hand. It is the custom!

Though Elora is none other than Katherine's own aunt, they are forbidden to show any bias. So, they have to be polite with each other and act formally.

Elora acknowledged her niece and hummed in response.

"You can go and visit the King first. And in the meantime, ask your assistant to get you a clear schedule of the events from the office." Elora said.

It is after all the masquerade theme and it has not happened in any of these recent decades.

So, the suitors have to be prepared to face the shocks.