Chapter 56: Wrong Groom

Bel's father stood at the entrance of the great hall, flanked by a handful of his knights, all dressed in their ceremonial attire—white cloaks with golden streaks embroidered over them. They were in full armor, their helmets removed. 

Her father, too, was dressed for the occasion in his royal robes, made of thick velvet. The glamorous golden crown on his head commanded attention. Bel noticed he wasn't holding his scepter, likely indicating it was not needed for the occasion.

Her mother wore a smaller version of the King's crown, and Hazel's was concealed under her veil, as was Bel's.

As they approached, the knights stamped their feet and unsheathed their swords, holding them vertically in front of their bowed heads. Bel stopped before her father, who beamed with joy. His chest seemed to swell, and she could tell it was taking him everything not to pull them into a bear hug.