Chapter 69. Greater Concern

A wide smile stayed on Ferdinand’s face as he welcomed Xoe down the stairs, taking her from Simon’s hand. She tried to keep a steady smile while scanning through the crowd to find Ace among those standing around. He became a needle in a haystack, and finding him seemed impossible. She soon had to turn her attention from the crowd over to her father, who now led her towards the corner of the room where Queen Beaula stood in a simple red robe speaking to Lord Issac Othman, the father of Niall.

“Princess, it is so nice to see you back in your kingdom in one piece,” the old man said, and a smile came onto his wrinkled face.

Xoe returned his smile with her bright ones and turned to her father, whom she wished to speak to even before the feast, but never got the chance.

“King Father, I wish to speak to you.” She began with a serious tone.

“Can it not wait until after the feast? You have a lot of friends and family here to celebrate your return,” he told her, pointi