章節 168: Princess Treatment Season 221 - Episode 796: "The Royal Fundoshi Ball"
The grand ballroom of the Erelith Palace glittered under the light of a thousand crystal chandeliers. Lush velvet drapes, embroidered with golden threads depicting ancient royal emblems, framed the arched windows, while the floor was a shimmering expanse of polished marble. The scent of rare jasmine blossoms mingled with the soft hum of violins, creating an atmosphere of magic and elegance.
Tonight, the royal family had spared no expense to celebrate the resounding success of the Erelith Fashion Show. The event had catapulted their kingdom to the forefront of avant-garde trends, and the pièce de résistance of the night was the Fundoshi Ball—a bold homage to cultural heritage.
Princess Rosalind stood near the center of the room, her fundoshi crafted from sheer, pearl-white silk, embroidered with silver filigree. It trailed like a waterfall from her waist, accentuating her ethereal beauty. Her auburn hair, arranged in a cascade of intricate braids, shimmered in the candlelight.
"Rosalind," said her cousin, Princess Elara, sidling up with a glass of champagne. "Every eligible bachelor here is practically tripping over their fundoshi just to get a moment with you."
Rosalind laughed, her emerald-green eyes sparkling. "I think you mean they're tripping over their nerves. But I'd rather enjoy the music than entertain vapid flattery tonight."
Across the room, Prince Matthias adjusted the golden sash over his navy-blue fundoshi. He had always carried himself with an air of rugged elegance, but tonight, his presence seemed even more magnetic. He exuded a quiet confidence that drew eyes to him like a moth to a flame. His dark hair fell in soft waves over his forehead, and his piercing grey eyes scanned the room—until they landed on Rosalind.
"Who's the lucky one, Your Highness?" teased his younger brother, Prince Cassian, nudging him in the ribs.
Matthias smirked. "I haven't decided yet." But even as he said it, his feet were already carrying him toward Rosalind.
The two locked eyes just as Matthias reached her. He bowed slightly, a playful glint in his eyes. "Princess Rosalind," he said, his voice smooth and warm. "Would you honor me with a dance?"
Rosalind curtsied, her cheeks warming under his gaze. "I suppose I could spare a moment, Prince Matthias."
The orchestra swelled as they stepped onto the marble dance floor. He led her effortlessly, their movements perfectly in sync as though they had danced together a hundred times before. The room seemed to blur around them, their shared laughter and stolen glances weaving a private world amidst the crowd.
"You've been holding out on us," Matthias said, his tone teasing as they spun. "How is it that you're both a stunning princess and an excellent dancer?"
Rosalind raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "It's all in the royal training. And you? You don't strike me as someone who spends much time in ballrooms."
"Maybe not, but I'm a fast learner." His grin was boyish, but the look in his eyes was anything but.
As the night deepened, their dance became less about formality and more about connection. By the time the orchestra played its final note, they were standing inches apart, the unspoken tension between them crackling like fire.
"I think I've found the reason I came tonight," Matthias murmured, his voice low and filled with meaning.
"And what reason is that?" Rosalind asked, though her heart already knew the answer.
"You."
The air around them seemed to freeze for a moment before Rosalind laughed softly, breaking the spell but not the bond. "Well then, Prince Matthias, I hope you don't regret your decision."
"Never," he said firmly, his smile deepening.
As the celebration continued around them, it was clear to everyone in attendance that something extraordinary had begun. The Royal Fundoshi Ball was destined to be remembered—not just for its opulence, but for the love that had quietly bloomed under its glittering chandeliers.
To be continued...
The ballroom was alive with color and elegance as laughter and music filled the air. A sea of royals glided across the polished marble floor, each adorned in their finest fundoshi—a bold and vibrant celebration of their heritage. The event wasn't merely a ball; it was a statement, a testament to the kingdom's ability to merge tradition with innovation.
Princess Rosalind had never been one for grand affairs. She often preferred the quiet of the royal gardens or the solace of a library, but tonight felt different. The energy of the room, the pride in their culture, and the attention of a certain prince made her feel truly seen for the first time.
"You're glowing tonight, Rosalind," said her eldest brother, Prince Aldric, as he approached her with a knowing smirk. "Careful, or you might outshine the chandeliers."
"Don't be ridiculous, Aldric," Rosalind replied, though a faint blush dusted her cheeks. "I'm just trying to enjoy the evening."
Aldric chuckled and gestured toward the dance floor, where Prince Matthias was waiting, his gaze fixed on Rosalind with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. "Well, it seems you've caught someone's eye. Don't keep him waiting too long."
Rosalind took a deep breath and approached Matthias, her heart pounding in rhythm with the music. He offered his hand, and she accepted, their fingers intertwining effortlessly as he led her onto the floor.
The orchestra struck up a lively waltz, and the room seemed to blur as Matthias spun Rosalind into the dance. She couldn't help but smile as they moved together, his steps confident yet gentle, as if he feared breaking the spell between them.
"You've been the center of attention all night," Matthias remarked, his voice warm with admiration. "How does it feel to be the star of the ball?"
Rosalind tilted her head, a teasing smile on her lips. "I could ask you the same question. Everyone's been talking about the dashing Prince Matthias in his sapphire fundoshi."
"Is that so?" Matthias's grin widened. "I suppose it's a good thing I decided to wear it, then. But truthfully, I only had one person I wanted to impress tonight."
Rosalind's breath caught, her heart racing as his meaning sank in. Before she could respond, the music shifted to a softer, slower tune. Matthias pulled her closer, his hand resting lightly on her waist as they swayed to the melody.
"I've heard stories about you," he said after a moment, his tone quieter now. "How you always put others before yourself, how fiercely you protect those you love. But I never expected you to be so…"
"So what?" Rosalind prompted, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Extraordinary," Matthias said, his gaze locking with hers.
For a moment, the rest of the world faded away. Rosalind felt as though they were the only two people in the room, their connection tangible and undeniable.
As the song ended, applause erupted around them, breaking the spell but not the bond they had formed. Matthias leaned closer, his voice low and filled with promise. "Would you join me in the gardens? I'd like to steal a moment away from the crowd."
Rosalind hesitated, glancing around the room. She caught Aldric's approving nod and the subtle smiles of her cousins, who seemed to be rooting for her.
"Lead the way, Your Highness," she said, her lips curving into a playful smile.
They slipped out of the ballroom and into the moonlit gardens, where the scent of blooming roses mingled with the cool night air. For the first time that evening, there was no audience, no expectations—only the two of them.
"You're full of surprises, Matthias," Rosalind said as they strolled along the cobblestone path.
He stopped and turned to her, his expression serious yet tender. "And you, Rosalind, are everything I never knew I was searching for."
The sincerity in his voice made her heart flutter. She met his gaze, and in that moment, she knew her life was about to change in ways she could never have imagined.
To be continued...
The moon hung high over the palace, its silver glow spilling through the grand arched windows of the ballroom. The royal family had outdone themselves—the walls gleamed with gold accents, tables were draped in crimson and ivory silk, and the air was fragrant with the scent of imported blooms. Every corner of the room was a testament to the kingdom's unity and pride.
The royal family, dressed impeccably in custom-made fundoshi adorned with intricate embroidery and precious gems, moved through the room with poise. The princes and princesses dazzled, each radiating a unique charm. Guests whispered in awe, marveling at the seamless blend of tradition and modernity.
Princess Rosalind had been in high spirits throughout the evening, though her initial nerves had faded into excitement. Her own fundoshi, an ensemble of soft rose-gold fabric embroidered with delicate vines, caught the light with every graceful step she took.
The moment Matthias approached her earlier in the evening, Rosalind had known the night would be unforgettable.
The Dance Floor
Prince Matthias held Rosalind's hand as they danced, his confident movements guiding her effortlessly across the floor. The music swirled around them, a sweet melody that seemed to belong only to them.
"Do you think they'll talk about this night in the history books?" Rosalind asked, her voice light but tinged with curiosity.
Matthias tilted his head, a playful smile forming on his lips. "Perhaps. Though I hope they focus on the celebration and not how many toes I might accidentally step on tonight."
Rosalind laughed, her emerald eyes sparkling. "You've done fine so far, Your Highness. No casualties yet."
"Yet," Matthias echoed, his grin widening. But then his expression softened, and he added, "In truth, Rosalind, I think tonight will be remembered for much more than the ball or the fashion. It feels like… the beginning of something."
She caught the meaning in his words, her heart skipping a beat. For a moment, they simply gazed at each other, the rest of the ballroom fading into a blur of light and sound.
A Garden Interlude
As the ball began to wind down, Matthias leaned close, his voice low and intimate. "Come with me. The gardens are quiet, and I've been wanting to talk to you away from all this."
Rosalind hesitated briefly, glancing at the crowd. But something in Matthias's eyes—steady, sincere—drew her in. "Lead the way," she said with a soft smile.
They slipped out of the ballroom through a side door, stepping into the cool embrace of the palace gardens. Lanterns hung from trees, their soft light illuminating the paths lined with lavender and roses.
"I didn't think you were one for grand affairs," Matthias said as they walked side by side.
"I'm not, usually," Rosalind admitted. "But tonight… it feels different."
"Different how?"
She paused, turning to face him. "Like it's not just a celebration. Like something important is happening."
Matthias stepped closer, his gaze intent. "I've felt it too," he said. "Rosalind, meeting you tonight feels like fate. I don't know what lies ahead, but I know I don't want it without you in it."
Her breath caught, her chest tightening with emotions she hadn't expected. She searched his face, finding only honesty and warmth.
"Matthias," she began, her voice trembling slightly, "this is all so sudden—"
"I know," he interrupted gently. "But sometimes, when you know, you just know. And Rosalind, I know."
His words hung in the air, and for a moment, everything seemed to stop—the rustle of leaves, the distant murmur of the ball, even the rhythm of her own heart.
Finally, she smiled, her own feelings bubbling to the surface. "Then perhaps, Matthias, this is the start of something we're both meant to explore."
He returned her smile, his hand reaching for hers. As their fingers intertwined, the night seemed to shimmer with newfound magic.
Back inside, the ball continued, but whispers had already started to circulate. The sight of Prince Matthias and Princess Rosalind disappearing together into the gardens had not gone unnoticed. The guests speculated, weaving tales of love and destiny, and by the end of the evening, one thing was clear—this ball was no ordinary celebration.
It was the night a love story began.
To be continued...
The chandeliers in the Erelith Palace ballroom sparkled with a light that seemed to rival the stars outside. Guests from noble families and foreign courts mingled, their laughter and chatter weaving a tapestry of sound against the backdrop of a string orchestra. Tonight was more than just a celebration of the kingdom's successful fashion show—it was a testament to tradition, culture, and the elegance of royal heritage.
Every prince and princess in attendance wore their fundoshi with regal pride, their ensembles unique yet unified in honoring the kingdom's legacy. Each garment told a story. Rich silks, vibrant patterns, and intricate beadwork shimmered as the royals glided across the floor.
But none captured the crowd's attention quite like Prince Matthias and Princess Rosalind.
The Dance of Fate
As the orchestra began to play a lilting melody, Matthias extended his hand toward Rosalind. His sapphire fundoshi, edged with gold and paired with a tailored sash, complemented his strong frame and commanding presence.
"Will you grant me this dance, Princess?" he asked, his voice low and steady.
Rosalind hesitated for only a moment before placing her hand in his. "It would be my pleasure, Prince Matthias."
She wore a fundoshi of the softest lavender, embroidered with delicate silver cherry blossoms that caught the light as she moved. Her auburn hair was swept into an elegant updo, with a few soft curls framing her face. As they stepped onto the floor, all eyes followed them.
Their movements were fluid, effortless—two people perfectly in sync. The music seemed to swell around them, the melody rising and falling like the waves of an unspoken connection.
"You've surprised me tonight, Matthias," Rosalind said as they turned together.
"Surprised you? How so?"
She smiled, her green eyes sparkling. "You're not quite the stoic warrior prince I imagined. There's charm behind that serious exterior."
He chuckled softly. "And you, Rosalind, are far more enchanting than the stories suggest. I think I could dance like this all night if it means staying by your side."
The sincerity in his voice caught her off guard, and for a moment, she forgot where they were. The crowd around them seemed to fade, leaving only the two of them and the rhythm of the music.
The Whispered Confessions
As the final notes of the waltz faded, Matthias didn't release her hand. Instead, he led her toward the edge of the ballroom, where tall doors opened into the palace gardens.
"Shall we escape the crowd for a while?" he asked, his voice soft but insistent.
Rosalind nodded, her heart fluttering as he guided her outside. The gardens were bathed in moonlight, the air cool and fragrant with the scent of jasmine and roses.
"I've attended dozens of these events," Matthias admitted as they strolled along a cobblestone path, "but tonight feels different."
"Different how?" Rosalind asked, though she suspected she already knew.
He paused, turning to face her. His grey eyes searched hers, their intensity unwavering. "Because I've never met anyone like you before. You're kind, intelligent, and stunningly beautiful. And tonight, I realized I don't want this to end."
Rosalind's breath caught. She had always thought of Matthias as distant, focused more on duty than personal connections. But here he was, standing before her with an openness that made her heart ache.
"Matthias…" she began, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I know this is sudden," he interrupted gently, "but I can't ignore what I'm feeling. Tell me—do you feel it too?"
Rosalind hesitated, her mind racing. But as she looked into his eyes, she realized the answer was clear.
"Yes," she admitted, a smile breaking across her face. "I feel it too."
Relief and joy lit up Matthias's expression. He took her hand again, lifting it to his lips. "Then let's not waste this moment."
Back in the Ballroom
Unbeknownst to the pair, their absence had not gone unnoticed. The other royals whispered among themselves, speculating about the growing connection between Matthias and Rosalind.
Prince Aldric, Rosalind's older brother, leaned against a pillar with a sly grin. "Looks like Matthias finally found someone to tame that brooding nature of his."
Princess Elara, Rosalind's cousin, laughed softly. "It's about time. Rosalind deserves someone who sees her for who she truly is."
As the night wore on, the royal family celebrated not only the success of the fashion show but also the possibility of a new love story blossoming within their ranks.
To Be Continued…
The garden was silent except for the soft rustle of leaves in the evening breeze. Rosalind and Matthias stood close, their breaths mingling in the cool air. The palace loomed behind them, golden light spilling from its arched windows, but here in the garden, it felt as though they had left the world behind.
"I never thought this night would turn out like this," Rosalind said softly, her fingers still entwined with Matthias's.
"And how did you imagine it?" Matthias asked, his lips curving into a gentle smile.
She tilted her head, her auburn curls catching the moonlight. "Honestly? I thought I'd be making small talk with dignitaries all night and sneaking off to the library the first chance I got."
Matthias chuckled, the deep timbre of his laugh warming the cool night. "I can't blame you. Most of these events are dull enough to make a warrior prefer the battlefield."
They shared a laugh before silence settled over them again, not awkward but laden with unspoken words.
"Rosalind," Matthias began, his voice lower now, "this might sound foolish, but I feel like I've been waiting for this moment for a long time."
Rosalind's chest tightened, her pulse quickening. "It doesn't sound foolish," she said, her voice steady. "Because I feel the same way."
For a moment, neither of them moved. Then Matthias reached up, brushing a stray curl from her face, his touch gentle yet sure. Rosalind's breath hitched as his hand lingered, his thumb brushing her cheek.
"I never thought I'd meet someone who could make me forget duty, if only for a night," he said.
"Duty doesn't have to mean forgetting yourself," Rosalind replied. "Sometimes, finding what you want for yourself makes you stronger."
His eyes softened, and he leaned closer, their faces just inches apart. "You make me stronger, Rosalind."
Before she could respond, he closed the gap, his lips brushing hers in a kiss that was tender yet filled with promise. Time seemed to stop, the world narrowing to just the two of them.
The Return to the Ballroom
When they finally returned to the ball, hand in hand, the room seemed to hush for a moment. Heads turned, whispers rippling through the crowd. Prince Matthias and Princess Rosalind didn't notice—or perhaps they didn't care.
They rejoined the festivities, but the atmosphere had shifted. Those who saw them couldn't help but notice the glow surrounding them, the subtle glances and shared smiles that spoke of a bond forged that night.
Princess Elara leaned over to Aldric, her voice barely above a murmur. "Looks like our Rosalind found her match."
Aldric smiled, his gaze fond as it rested on his sister. "About time."
As the ball reached its end, the orchestra played a final, sweeping melody, and the guests began to depart. But for Matthias and Rosalind, the night was far from over.
As they stood by the palace doors, watching the stars above, Matthias turned to her. "Tonight was the beginning of something, Rosalind. I don't know what the future holds, but I want to face it with you."
Rosalind smiled, her heart full. "Then let's take it one step at a time. Together."
And as the first rays of dawn touched the horizon, the Royal Fundoshi Ball became a memory—a night of celebration, tradition, and the spark of a love destined to change the kingdom forever.
To Be Continued...
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票