Goddess's Yuri harem: Chosing the Empress is hard-Chapter 93: The invitation- Part 3

Evelyn hummed in response but didn’t say anything. She had already thought the same thing. However, she doubted Auriel would be so easily swayed by politics.

The goddess had an air of detachment, as if she were watching everything from a higher plane, uninterested in the trivial struggles of mortals.

"Which is why, we must make sure her welcome is grand. A ball in her honor would be perfect."

Lola continued, her smile deepening.

Evelyn’s expression immediately soured.

"A ball?"

She repeated, disbelief evident in her tone.

"Yes, a ball. A magnificent one, filled with music, fine wine, and the most important figures in the empire. We will show the goddess the finest hospitality and make it clear that she belongs with us."

Lola confirmed, nodding.

Evelyn rubbed her temples, already sensing the headache this idea would bring.

"That is a terrible idea. The goddess does not strike me as the type to enjoy such things. In fact, I am fairly certain she would be annoyed."

She muttered.

"Oh, nonsense," Lola waved off her concerns with ease. "Everyone loves a ball. It is tradition to welcome honored guests with a celebration, and as a divine being, the goddess deserves nothing less than the grandest welcome we can offer."

Evelyn clenched her jaw. She knew arguing with Lola was often pointless—the woman was far too stubborn once she had set her mind on something.

And yet, everything inside Evelyn screamed that this was the wrong move.

Auriel was not just some noblewoman who could be won over with flattery. She was a goddess, and more importantly, she was cautious. The moment she sensed ulterior motives behind the ball, she would see it as a ploy.

"This is a mistake," Evelyn said carefully. "If we try too hard, she will see right through us. If we truly want to gain her favor, we need to approach this differently."

Lola, however, was already moving past her objections.

"I will handle everything," the older woman assured her, patting Evelyn’s cheek fondly. "You needn’t worry about a thing. Just leave the preparations to me."

Evelyn sighed, knowing she was already losing this battle.

Despite her reservations, despite her gut feeling that this was not the way to win Auriel’s favor, she found herself nodding.

"Fine. But do not blame me if this backfires."

She relented.

Lola simply smiled, her eyes gleaming with quiet confidence.

"Trust me, my dear. Everything will go exactly as it should."

Evelyn wasn’t so sure.

As her nanny left to begin preparations, she sank onto her bed, staring up at the intricately painted ceiling.

The palace that had once felt like her entire world now felt like a gilded cage. Every move she made was scrutinized, every decision weighed against her worth as a future ruler.

And now, she was bringing a goddess into this den of serpents.

She could only hope Auriel knew what she was walking into.

______

The news of the ball spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of the temple before Auriel even had time to process it.

She had barely finished her morning meditation when Priestess Lilith rushed into the chamber, holding a parchment with an elaborate golden seal.

"A ball?"

Auriel repeated, her tone flat.

Priestess Lilith nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line.

"The imperial palace has officially announced it. It is to be held in your honor, Goddess."

Auriel let out a tired sigh, rubbing her temples.

She was in no mood for a ball.

Political games, flattery, and endless chatter—none of it interested her. She had far more pressing matters to deal with than attending a grand event meant to impress her.

"This is unnecessary. We should send a message declining the invitation"

She muttered.

Priestess Lilith hesitated before replying,

"Are you certain, Goddess? It might be wise to—"

Before she could finish, the temple doors swung open.

Auriel turned, and there she was—Princess Evelyn, standing at the entrance with her head held high, dressed in elegant but simple noble attire.

Behind her, two attendants carried a decorative box, undoubtedly containing the official invitation.

Auriel had expected the princess to send a formal messenger or even a royal decree, but no—Evelyn had come in person.

She was determined to ensure Auriel attended.

"Goddess Auriel, I have come to personally deliver this."

Evelyn greeted, stepping forward.

One of the attendants stepped up and presented the ornate invitation, its surface adorned with gold embroidery and delicate floral patterns.

Auriel reluctantly took it, glancing down at the carefully written words. It was a formal invitation to the imperial palace, extending the highest level of hospitality in her honor.

"I appreciate the gesture, but—"

"Please do not refuse."

Evelyn interrupted, her voice firm.

Auriel blinked at the sudden plea.

Evelyn’s eyes were unwavering, determined yet respectful. She was not begging, but she was making it clear that this ball was important—to her, to the empire, and perhaps to something greater.

"I understand you may not enjoy these kinds of events, but this is more than just a social gathering. It is a message. Your presence alone will show unity, stability, and hope to the people." freeweɓnovel-cøm

Evelyn continued, choosing her words carefully.

Auriel knew that.

She knew the political weight her attendance carried, how it could influence the balance of power.

But that did not mean she wanted to go.

Still, looking at Evelyn’s resolute face, she felt something she had not expected—hesitation.

It was rare for a mortal to stand before her with such certainty, to challenge her decision without overstepping. There was no desperation in Evelyn’s tone, only conviction.

Auriel sighed again, realizing she had little choice in the matter.

"Very well. I will attend."

She finally said, lowering the invitation.

Evelyn’s shoulders relaxed ever so slightly, a hint of satisfaction flickering in her eyes.

"Thank you, Goddess. I will ensure everything is properly arranged."

She said, bowing slightly before stepping back.

With that, she turned on her heel and left, her attendants following closely behind.

As the temple doors closed behind her, Auriel exhaled, looking down at the invitation once more.

Priestess Lilith smirked slightly.

"It seems she did not give you a chance to refuse."

Auriel shot her a dry look in return but did not answer.

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