The False Engagement
Description
DescriptionSomeone impersonated Caelum Cadere and formally proposed marriage to Lady Celeste Gildon's parents the night before the Grand Ball. The Gildon family believed the proposal genuine and announced the engagement throughout court by morning, creating a political trap for the young lord. The Prince identifies Lady Ruben as the likely orchestrator—she benefits both from the engagement (tying Caelum to her allied house) and from its eventual dissolution (discrediting him as unreliable). Celeste pressures Caelum to maintain the fiction to protect both their reputations, while Daria and others assume he's backing out of a legitimate commitment. The scheme threatens to define Caelum's entire courting season and demonstrates how easily reputation can be weaponized at court.
Timeline
The Engagement Trap
Celeste reveals the false engagement to Caelum during their boat conversation, believing he genuinely proposed. Caelum realizes he's been trapped by someone impersonating him.
Alliances on the Water
Elijah Ferdenstone mentions hearing about the engagement, showing how widely the rumors have spread. Caelum firmly denies it, establishing his official stance.
Sharp Tongues on Still Waters
Daria aggressively questions Caelum about the engagement, accusing him of backing out after potentially bedding Celeste. The false engagement damages his relationships with potential allies.
The Prince's Oar
The Prince immediately believes Caelum's denial and identifies Lady Ruben as the likely orchestrator, revealing the political calculation behind the scheme.