Chapter 209 The Ball
Coban’s POV
The ballroom was a vision. Maroons and golds draped every corner, from the floor-length curtains to the table runners and even the cushions on the chairs.
Chandeliers hung like jeweled crowns, throwing golden light that danced across polished floors, sparkling wine glasses, and the gleaming faces of the guests.
Music from the orchestra filled the space with a lilting waltz, but it was quickly overtaken by laughter, excited chatter, and the squeals of children racing about.
Atlas and Cassian, golden sparks trailing from their tiny hands, zigzagged through the crowd, balloons in tow. Kael followed as best he could, crawling and squealing, determined not to be left out. The three babies caused a delightful chaos, drawing smiles from every corner and prompting a few whispered comments about the sheer energy of the children.
Trixie glided through the crowd, elegant in her maroon dress that hugged her figure so perfectly. Her eyes scanning familiar faces as we walked through. Caden and I stayed close, subtly making sure the twins stayed on their intended path without becoming human tornadoes among the elegantly dressed guests.
Then came the wine. A waiter passed, carrying a tray of glimmering glasses. Trixie, Sabrina, and Tina each reached for one and then froze. Their hands lifted simultaneously in refusal. Their eyes met, and suppressed giggles broke out as the realization clicked into place.
Kevan’s expression changed first. He squinted, a slow grin creeping across his face. “Oh no, not again,” he muttered under his breath.
Mark followed the line of sight and caught on immediately. “Wait! Hold up. Are you serious?”
Kevan leaned in toward Mark. “Yep. All three of them,” he whispered.
I blinked, a slow smile tugging at my lips. My first thought was, finally, she’s happy. But my gaze snapped to Caden. His jaw went rigid, his hand tightening slightly at his side. The corner of his mouth quirked upward, betraying a mix of pride, disbelief, and protective instinct.
I shook my head, amused. “Well, there it is.”Caden let out a low whistle, muttering under his breath, “So that’s why she’s been glowing lately.” Then, louder, “And here I thought she just wanted to eat everything in the palace kitchen."
Gasps rippled through the small group surrounding them. Darien, Lucian, a few of the palace guards, shock was etched across their faces. Then, almost in unison, Trixie, Sabrina, and Tina announced, giggling, “We’re pregnant.”
The room went silent for a heartbeat before bursting into whispers, laughter, and amazed exclamations. Kevan’s jaw practically hit the floor. Mark shook his head in disbelief, muttering, “Well, that explains the refusal.”
Caden’s jaw tightened beside me. I could see the faint twitch of amusement in his eyes, though he tried to maintain his composure.
The twins, oblivious to adult protocol, immediately gravitated toward Blake, who had remained near the edges of the ballroom. Cassian squealed in delight, Atlas waved his tiny hands, and Kael crawled eagerly after them, all three leaving a trail of sparkling energy in their wake.
Blake crouched slightly, meeting their golden-eyed gazes at eye level.
“Well, hello there,” he said warmly. “So this is the famous chaos I’ve been warned about?”
Cassian squealed again, tossing a small spark into the air, and Atlas reached to catch it, spinning with delight. Kael joined in, squealing excitedly as he crawled toward the dancing balloons. Blake laughed, ducking slightly to avoid a stray floating spark.
“Careful, little warriors. Don’t burn down the ballroom before the dancing even starts,” he teased.
Trixie’s smile softened as she watched her boys interact with him. “I see you’ve already made friends,” she whispered.
Kevan leaned toward Mark, grinning. “Watch him charm the royal twins before the wine even touches his lips.”
Mark snorted quietly. “Yeah,he’s a natural. The boys are already wrapped around his finger.”
Darien and Lucian remained near the podium, though Darien’s lips twitched in amusement at the tiny spark-fueled chaos. Lucian stayed stoic as ever, but even he allowed the faintest smile as Blake gently lifted Cassian and Atlas to pat their arms.
The orchestra shifted into a livelier tune, and couples took to the floor, gliding and twirling across the polished dance floor. The twins chased balloons, chased each other, and giggled, sending golden sparkles dancing through the air. Guests applauded, delighted by the impromptu show, their laughter mingling with the music.
Trixie’s hand brushed mine briefly as she passed. Her smile was small but genuine, a quiet acknowledgment that despite everything, the tournament, the looming threat of Clarence, the chaos that the palace could still hold a night of warmth and celebration.
Kevan nudged Mark again, whispering, “I give it thirty minutes before someone spills their drink trying to get a picture with the twins.”
Mark chuckled quietly. “Better just stand back and watch. This is a full-on spectacle.”
And amidst it all, I allowed myself a rare smile. The children were happy. Trixie was glowing. Our friends, allies, and warriors were celebrating, and for one night, the palace was alive not with strategy or conflict, but with warmth, mischief, and joy.