Today was the day!
Ever since morning I haven't had time on my own even for a second. From the second my eyes opened I've had the maids on me, from a so-called special bath with some herbs and rose petals then went to some other skin treatments and whatnots.
The ball was from early evening, I thought my mornings would be fine; apparently other than me everyone thought this was necessary.
It was noon by the time they gave me some space. I stood in front of the mirror pulling at the suit I had on, it was a design I made on my own with a few inputs from the tailor. I really liked how it turned out and was feeling proud- it was a layered suit, the top layer a dark blue reached just under my chest while the second layer of white reached my waist. The first layer had some silver embroidery done on the shoulder to a little below the collarbone and on the outer arms and then again at the edges. The second layer had silver buttons on the part that was longer. Paired with a white shirt with a high collar and pant the same as the top layer of the suit. It was finished with a pair of knee-high black boots with silver edgings and the pair of gloves from Lucian. My blonde hair was pushed to the back and long silver earrings on my ears.
The door pushed open and I glared in that direction hoping to scare away the maids, "Don't you glare at your mother now, Sirius." I gave her a sheepish smile and apologized, "Sorry Mother, I thought it was the maids again."
"The poor girls..." she commented, "they worked so hard to make you look handsome and you would glare at them?" she finished as she pushed one strand of hair that came loose.
"I dealt with them trying to dress me up since I woke up, I think they've done enough."
"True" her eyes scanned me for any flaws as she spoke, "You look really good, can I expect a future daughter anytime soon?" I rolled my eyes at her which earned me a slap on the shoulder, "Everyone of age has fiancé already, I don't see why you shouldn't have one." At this point I knew I'd be getting a lecture as why I should find a girl for me, again.
I discreetly glanced around hoping to find a distraction for her and very nearly gave up when my doors when being pushed open again. At this point I'd even follow the devil out, thankfully it turned out to be Ares and Raven. I looked at them pleading them to get me away, Ares snickered when he heard what Mother was going on about and my face turned sour, thankfully my dear sister seemed to have some pity for me, "Mother! Doesn't that suit look absolutely great on him!!" and with that her attention was diverted as they both started talking about how the other nobles and subjects who would be coming would react.
When Ares reached closer I whispered, I'll make sure you suffer the just as much when it's your turn. In turn he just gave me an innocent smile. Then Father arrived not long after, and they all started discussing about who was here and who were yet to arrive.
As they continued to speak about the ball I looked at them- Raven chose to wear a very light pink gown with a corset tie back and and a layered skirt of pink and white, I also noticed the brooch Lucian gave her and a pair of same pink heels. While Ares decided on a classic black suit with a red vest and gloves to match, he wore a black scarf round his neck with a jeweled brooch, I noticed he also used the cufflinks gifted by Lucian.
When it was time for them to go, they all rushed by, Mother kissed my cheek before she left as well linking her hand with Father who gave me a smile before leading her to the ballroom. I would enter a little later and then the event would actually start.
I stood in front of the door leading to the ballroom, I took a deep breath in and thought, "Step one begins now." I glanced at the guard there and signaled him to open the doors, in sync the doors opened and the lights from the ballroom flooded out. Like a practiced action all the guests, servers and every other person turned in my direction. I scanned the entire room before I slowly made my way down, both my parents and siblings were waiting for me at the bottom.
The moment my feet touched the floor, a server came round with a few glasses on tray. I picked one and turned to my Father who nodded at me and then turned to the guests announcing, "Welcome everyone. It brings me great pride to celebrate this Debutante Ball today. To our children who have turned 15 and are now adults this is a day worth celebrating. It brings me great joy to say that my eldest son is among them today. Let us all relax and enjoy this party, tonight all subjects are equal."
The crowd raised their glasses and cheered along, the debutante ball is famous all over the country because everyone is invited, noble or not. For once everyone is equal. As tradition is the first and last dance is for those who are debuting, second is for dancing with a parents and the others with partners of our choice. The music started and I placed my glass down and got in position, by some coincidence the girl opposite me turned out to be Celeste. When our eyes met we both grinned at each other and bowed, I reached out my left hand between us as she placed her right on mine.
Celeste looked beautiful in her teal dress; it had a heart neck and gold edging, the sleeves were long, puffed at the start and cuffed at the wrist with the split that ran the length of it. The skirt had a lighter teal net that was attached to her wrists and lifted as her hands moved, the layer below was filled with golden threads embroidered in it.
A note was strung, signaling the start of the dance and we both took a step back like the others, palms facing each other. Everyone danced in sync with the music as we all turned and stepped in motions we practiced. It was a beautiful sight of dresses and coats fluttering as bodies moved all over the dance floor.
Everything seemed to be going well until one girl bumped into Celeste causing her to lose her balance, I caught Celeste's hand before she could fall and checked on the girl who miss-stepped. She didn't seem like a noble, the moment she saw my face and Celeste her eyes widened in fear, "Your Highness, Lady Celeste, my apologies. I didn't mean to fall onto you. Please forgive me." her partner seemed equally nervous as they waited for us to say something. Celeste smiled and replied, "It's not a problem, it was a mistake no harm done."
I nodded along and added, "Let's forget about this and enjoy the party." the two released a sigh of relief and their tense forms relaxed as they nodded and the four of us joined back into the crowd.
After the dance ended, we separated to find our parents for the next dance; I found Mother with Father as they spoke to some guests. I tapped her on the shoulder and extended a hand to her saying, "Fair Queen, would you allow me a dance with your brilliant self?" My Mother's eyes glistened in amusement as she responded, "How very bold of you, Sir." with a flick of her wrist she opened the fan she carried and covered her mouth with it, I knew she was hiding a smirk behind it, "Do you think you can lead a dance with me?"
"Hardly My Queen!" I replied in mock worship, "But I had to chance my luck."
"Very well then" she turned to my Father, placing a peck on his cheek before giving me her hand. I kissed the back of her hand saying, "You have my eternal gratitude Beloved Queen." my father chuckled as we both headed to the dance floor.