Chapter 92: The First Dance Chapter 92: The First Dance “No,” Queen Chioma cut him off swiftly, shaking her head.

“It’s already too late.” Nnnena “…” King Ikechukwu “…” Obinna “…” Abuchi “…” Ebere “…” Chidera “…” Queen Chioma’s answer was a little too quick.

Everyone at the table knew it wasn’t true.

The best tailors in the kingdom could sew a whole collection in less than a week if needed.

So why the rush to dismiss the idea?

Nnenna hid a small smirk.

A whole week.

Which fashion designer or tailor couldn’t make a decent dress with that much time?

And yet, silence.

No one spoke up.

Nnenna’s lips twitched in amusement.

Interesting.

But before she could say anything, Queen Chioma gracefully took control of the situation.

“My King,” she said smoothly, turning to her husband.

“I will handle the matter.

There is no need for concern.” As if it was something so trivial that it didn’t even require discussion.

The King nodded, satisfied.

He knew his wife.

She might not put much effort into Nnenna’s dress, but she wasn’t foolish enough to disgrace him or the kingdom.

That was why he married her, after all.

Even though he had been in love with someone else.

She would make sure Nnenna had something suitable to wear.

He reassured himself of that.

“Now,” he continued, clearing his throat.

“The etiquette teachers will take up much of your time.

However, there are other instructors as well.” A ripple of interest moved through the room.

“The ball will last for several days, and there will be various royal events.” His voice deepened, commanding attention.

“There will be horse riding, archery, a royal hunt, and many other activities.” Nnenna’s fingers curled slightly.

Now this… was getting interesting.

“The housekeeper and I have been planning for over a few days,” the King continued.

“So everything should be ready in time.” Nnenna glanced at Ebere, whose face lit up with excitement.

A ball was one thing, but competitions?

That was a chance to show off.

And if Nnenna knew her dear sister well enough, she was already thinking of ways to humiliate her.

But Nnenna?

She simply smiled.

Bring it on..

The king turned to his first daughter.

“Ebere, you are the celebrant, so you will lead the opening dance.

Make sure you have a suitable partner in mind.

He must be a noble from a powerful kingdom, preferably one higher in status than ours.

If you can’t find someone of that caliber, dance with one of your family members, preferably Somto or me.

You must not dance with just anybody,” he instructed firmly.

Obinna “..?” Abuchi “.?!” Chidera “…” His gaze then moved past Ebere, sweeping over the hall until his eyes briefly crossed Nnenna’s.

A flicker of realization crossed his face, he had forgotten about her again “Oh,” he muttered awkwardly.

“Nnenna, you are also a celebrant… but we usually have only one person on the dance floor during the opening dance to ensure all eyes are on them.

So, you’ll have to forfeit the dance.” His voice was softer this time, as if he knew he was being unfair.

But what choice did he have?

He needed to advertise Ebere, the daughter who could secure powerful alliances for the kingdom.

As for Nnenna… he still wasn’t sure where her true loyalties lay.

What if he allowed her to gain opportunities, and she caused trouble for him in the future?

His mind drifted back to the past, to the doubts and fears that had taken root long ago.

He couldn’t afford to take any risks.

Nnenna let out a quiet chuckle, unsurprised by his decision.

She turned her head away, refusing to respond.

Ebere, on the other hand, beamed with a gloating smile, eager to rub salt in the wound.

But before she could speak, her mother discreetly reached out and squeezed her arm in warning.

The queen had noticed the brief flicker of guilt in the king’s eyes.

If Ebere pushed too far and escalated the matter, he might reconsider and allow both of them to dance, something she would never let happen.

Her daughter deserved the spotlight alone.

The king, oblivious to the silent exchange, cleared his throat.

“The housekeeper will communicate the rest of the details to you.

But this isn’t your first ball,” he said, looking at his children.

“You all know the drill.

I’m sure you don’t need much briefing.

The program planner will inform you of the schedule, so review it and be prepared.” Then, his gaze landed squarely on Nnenna.

“Especially you, Nnenna.

This is your first official ball.

You will be introduced to the world, so make sure you are ready.

Don’t embarrass me.” His voice carried an unmistakable warning.

“This is an opportunity I’m giving you because you are my daughter.

Use it well, find allies, secure a good partner for the future.” He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in before adding with pointed emphasis, “And remember who took care of you and gave you this opportunity.” Nnenna glanced at him, then nodded slightly, momentarily setting aside her original intention to ignore him.

He was right about one thing, this was a valuable opportunity.

If she played her cards right, this ball could be her ticket to breaking free from this kingdom.

If she formed the right alliances, she would no longer be seen as an unnecessary attachment to the royal family.

After all, people with connections held power, and power meant freedom.

She had been preparing for this even while in the hospital, and now, more than ever, she realized that part of that preparation should include ranking up good points.

Who knew when they might come in handy?

With that thought in mind, she decided to head out and see what she could do for others.

The more good points she earned, the better positioned she would be when the time came.

No one knew her true plans.

They all assumed that, no matter how much she acted differently, at the end of the day, she was still just trying to please them.

CREATORS’ THOUGHTS JedidiahBeaufoy Your gift is the motivation for my creation.

Give me more motivation!

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