Chapter Text
Dearest Gentle Reader,
The castle is positively buzzing. His Majesty has declared that a full social season is to proceed — some say an extravagant plot to secure alliances while the kingdom eyes the borders with growing unease.
Regardless of the reason, this author considers this new social season to be a most welcome change of pace. One Princess Catalina has arrived with her family from the neighboring Galino Kingdom, already turning heads with her beauty and vivacious charm. Perhaps the King is hoping the Season will bring about a most fortuitous union between our two realms?
As is to be expected, Crown Prince Osora and Princess Celia remain the most eligible prizes of the Season. And rumor has it that the Prince’s old friend — the towering Captain Arias Arguitrez — is to return from his trials at the border. Sources say he had quite a bit of fun when he wasn’t busy leading the patrol. Though he might be an orphan soldier with no title, this author is betting money that he will turn many heads. Dare I say his recent rise in rank has made him a fathomable candidate in the marriage mart this season? Perhaps a lucky lady (or several) can tame this giant rake of a man — only time will tell.
This author, naturally, will be watching with great interest.
Yours in eternal curiosity,
Lady Whistledown
Osora tugged irritably at the open collar of his tunic. White with gold accents. He’d always hated white but Celia had insisted he wear it for the season debut.
“Stop fidgeting,” she said, flicking his shoulder as they walked the corridor toward the ballroom. “You’ve been acting like this season was planned as some sort of personal affront to you.”
“Every season is a personal affront to me,” Osora grumbled. “All we do is dance around and fake pleasantries, all the while dad treats us as future bargaining chips. I’d rather be sent to the border.”
Celia laughed, her own outfit daring as ever. Calaveras crimson with a plunging neckline and ornate gold trim. “Quit complaining. On the bright side, I pulled together an excellent outfit for you, as per usual. Just be grateful you aren’t wearing that hideous training gear of yours for once.”
Celia shuddered, as though horrified at the very thought. Osora began to protest that his usual clothing was perfectly acceptable but Celia just shushed him and rolled her eyes.
“Don’t even, it’s hideous. But never mind that, I don’t expect you to understand fashion. Why don’t you just smile, dance, and try not to scare anyone off for the night?”
“Yeah, yeah.” He rolled his eyes at her. “You know I always manage.”
Celia gasped as though she’d just had an epiphany. “One other excellent idea! You could actually entertain one of those ladies who are always preening for your attention! Get some action for a change.” She hummed happily.
“You know better than anyone that I cannot simply go and ‘get some action’.” Osora eyed her suspiciously. “What are you so excited about anyway? It’s not like you’re planning to settle down anytime soon.”
“Of course not,” Celia said, eyes sparkling. “But this is my chance to get my hands on some very attractive and willing bachelors before they get wifed up for life. Game is game.”
Osora made a face. “Ew. Gross, Celia.”
She just cackled.
The ballroom was a swirl of color, candlelight, and music. As they entered, the noblemen in the vicinity acknowledged them with shallow nods and bows.
They were immediately spotted by some royal girl from a neighboring kingdom, who’d just excused herself from a conversation with what appeared to be a potential suitor. Her movements were hurried and abrupt as if she could not bear to talk to the man for a moment longer. Trailing after her was…a tiger? Who glanced threateningly at the man as she scurried off.
As she approached, she seemed more familiar with him than Osora expected. Her smile was warm and genuine as she curtsied. Shit. He wracked his brain, trying to recall whether they had met before.
Celia nudged him in the ribs and whispered sharply in his ear, “Princess Catalina. Be nice.”
“Your Highness,” she said, voice soft but steady. “It’s wonderful to finally meet you. The castle is beautiful… the chandeliers especially.” She laughed lightly at herself, a little shy but not painfully awkward.
Osora offered a polite smile and nod. She was sweet. Very pretty. But he felt only mild disinterest, the same polite detachment he’d been carrying all evening.
They exchanged friendly, surface-level pleasantries while nobles subtly watched. He tried to let Celia do most of the talking. Catalina was kind, a little bubbly at times. She seemed far more excited to meet him than he’d anticipated.
Later in the evening, as the crowd thickened and the music grew livelier, Osora caught snippets of excited whispers from a cluster of mamas and debutantes nearby.
“—just returned from the border—”
“—Captain Arias Arguitrez, yes—”
“—looking even more handsome than before, I swear—”
Osora’s head turned almost instinctively. He’d known Arias was due back any day now, but the confirmation still sent a small spark of genuine excitement through him. After months apart, it would be good to have his oldest friend back. That is, someone who actually knew him, who didn’t expect a constant princely performance.
Then he saw him.
Arias had just stepped through the main archway, moving with that easy, powerful stride Osora knew so well.
The familiar sight hit Osora with the easy weight of years. This was Arias. The same idiot he’d grown up sparring with until they were both bruised and laughing, the same idiot who snuck out of the castle with him when they were teenagers, the same idiot who fought side-by-side with him when Sergos had attacked. For a moment, it was pure, comfortable recognition. The old ease.
He looked every bit the soldier fresh from the border: powerfully built with golden eyes scanning the room with quiet alertness. He wore the crimson and black tunics commonly seen in Calaveras court. Osora couldn’t help but admire how the fabric clung to his muscular arms and chest. He felt pride swell in his chest. Yes, that was it, pride.
Their eyes met across the room.
For a heartbeat, it felt like it always did. Then something shifted underneath the familiarity. A strange, unexpected charge. They were older now. The air between them felt… different. Not bad. Just new. Osora looked away first, unsettled by how aware he suddenly was of the shift.
Arias’s mouth curved into a small, familiar half-smirk. He gave a subtle nod, as though to say I see you, idiot. And then he began making his way through the crowd toward his assigned post a respectful distance behind Osora and Catalina, as the King had requested.
His uncle, standing near the King, muttered his usual disapproval. The King brushed it off with a wave, clearly valuing the captain’s proven skill and loyalty.
Near the end of the night, the King pulled Osora aside into a quieter alcove.
Osora had whiplash from how suddenly it happened.
“Princess Catalina is an excellent match,” he said firmly. “I expect you to court her seriously this Season. An engagement by the end would be ideal.”
Osora’s stomach dropped. He furrowed his brow in confusion. “Dad what—”
Before he could argue, the King stepped back into the ballroom and announced loudly to the gathered crowd:
“It is my great pleasure to declare Princess Catalina Galino the Diamond of this Season!”
Applause erupted. Catalina looked surprised and a little overwhelmed, offering a shy wave and deep curtsy. The King shot Osora a pointed look from across the room.
The Season had officially begun.