The Royal Capital was abuzz with the arrival of a new guest. Lady Arabella, the beautiful daughter of Duke Ravenscroft, had come to the palace for a visit. Her presence was the talk of the court, and whispers of her charm and beauty spread like wildfire. 
Elise had been enjoying a rare moment of peace in her private garden when a servant arrived with a message. 
"Your Majesty, Lady Arabella has arrived and will be joining the royal dinner this evening," the servant announced.
Elise’s smile faltered slightly. She had heard of Lady Arabella's arrival but had not yet met her. The anticipation of the upcoming dinner brought with it a mix of excitement and apprehension.
As evening approached, the grand dining hall was prepared for the special occasion. The long table was adorned with the finest silverware and crystal, and the room was illuminated by hundreds of candles, casting a warm glow over the guests.
Elise arrived at the dining hall, her expression composed but her mind racing. She took her place at the head of the table, her eyes scanning the room. When Lady Arabella entered, she turned heads with her striking beauty. Her gown, a rich emerald green, complemented her long, flowing hair and accentuated her graceful demeanor. 
Aldric, who was standing near the entrance, greeted Lady Arabella with a warm smile. "Welcome, Lady Arabella. It’s a pleasure to have you here."
Arabella curtsied gracefully. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I’m honored to be in your presence."
Elise observed the interaction with a tight smile. The ease with which Lady Arabella and Aldric conversed was not lost on her. The way Arabella's eyes lingered on Aldric made her stomach twist with a pang of jealousy.
The dinner began, and conversations flowed around the table. Lady Arabella sat beside Aldric, her presence commanding attention. She spoke with an air of confidence, her laughter like music to the ears of those around her.
Elise found herself struggling to keep her focus on the conversation. Arabella’s charm was undeniable, but it was the way she seemed to draw Aldric’s attention that unsettled Elise. 
At one point, Arabella leaned closer to Aldric, her hand brushing against his as she reached for a dish. Elise’s eyes narrowed as she watched the interaction. 
"You must tell me, Aldric," Arabella said with a teasing smile, "what is the secret to ruling such a magnificent kingdom? I am eager to learn."
Aldric chuckled, clearly enjoying the conversation. "There’s no secret, Lady Arabella. It’s a matter of dedication and a bit of luck."
Elise felt a twinge of irritation at the familiar tone Arabella used with Aldric. She cleared her throat, drawing attention back to herself. "Lady Arabella, have you had a chance to explore the gardens? They’ve recently been renovated and are quite lovely."
Arabella’s gaze shifted to Elise, her smile unwavering. "Not yet, Your Majesty. I would love to see them, though. Perhaps you could show me tomorrow?"
Elise forced a polite smile. "I would be delighted."
As the evening progressed, Elise struggled to maintain her composure. Lady Arabella’s attempts to engage Aldric in conversation were becoming increasingly apparent. She laughed at his jokes, touched his arm lightly, and made frequent eye contact.
After the dinner, Elise and Aldric retired to the drawing room. Elise was quiet, her thoughts consumed by the evening’s events. Aldric, noticing her subdued mood, took her hand gently.
"Is everything all right, Elise? You’ve been unusually quiet tonight."
Elise forced a smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. "I’m fine. I’m just... tired, I suppose."
Aldric studied her for a moment, concern evident on his face. "You seem troubled. Did something happen during the dinner?"
Elise hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "It’s just... Lady Arabella. She seems to be very... taken with you."
Aldric’s expression softened with understanding. "I see. I apologize if my attentiveness to her made you uncomfortable. It wasn’t my intention."
Elise looked away, her heart aching. "I know. It’s just that... seeing her with you brought out feelings I didn’t expect."
Aldric gently lifted her chin, his eyes filled with sincerity. "Elise, you have nothing to worry about. My feelings for you haven’t changed. Arabella’s presence is merely a distraction. What we have is far more important."
Elise’s eyes softened at his words, but the lingering jealousy remained. "I just want to be sure that you’re not... interested in her."
Aldric smiled, his expression reassuring. "I’m not. Lady Arabella is a charming guest, but my heart belongs to you, and no one else."
Elise’s heart warmed at his words. "Thank you, Aldric. I needed to hear that."
As they embraced, the warmth of his affection began to chase away the shadows of doubt. The night air was cool and refreshing, a soothing balm to Elise’s troubled thoughts. 
Later that evening, as they prepared for bed, Elise’s thoughts remained troubled. The image of Lady Arabella’s flirtatious behavior lingered in her mind. She tried to push it aside, but the unease persisted.
Aldric, sensing her lingering discomfort, pulled her into a gentle embrace. "Elise, I know it’s difficult to see someone vying for attention, but please trust me when I say that you are the one I love."
Elise rested her head on his shoulder, feeling the comfort of his presence. "I do trust you, Aldric. It’s just hard to shake the feeling of jealousy. I want to be the one you cherish above all else."
Aldric’s hand gently stroked her hair. "You are, Elise. Always. Lady Arabella may be beautiful and charming, but she doesn’t hold a candle to what we share."
Elise looked up at him, her eyes filled with emotion. "Thank you. Your reassurance means everything to me."
As they settled into bed, the night’s challenges seemed to recede. Elise clung to Aldric, drawing strength from his presence. The path ahead was uncertain, but with Aldric by her side, she felt more confident in facing whatever came their way.
The following morning, Elise was determined to maintain her composure. The upcoming day promised to be another opportunity for her to demonstrate her strength and grace. Despite the lingering feelings of jealousy, she knew that her love for Aldric and their shared commitment would help her navigate the complexities of their lives together.
As Lady Arabella continued her visit, Elise resolved to meet her with dignity and composure, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead with unwavering resolve and a heart full of love.