Chapter 19
The moment Leonna stepped on the first floor, Violet and her friends approaches her.
"Greeting lady Leonna." Violet, Tricia and Sofia said in union. Both Sofia and Tricia bowed in respect but Violet kept her head high.
Leonna stares at her with a stoic expressionless face, she look at the three girls with firmness in her eyes.
"Let me introduce myself Lady Leonna my name is---"
Before Violet could even finish her introduction Leonna walk pass them. Everyone who saw it gasp in shock.
Violet's face then became red in embarrassment, she clenches her fist and gritted her teeth in anger.
"Did she just ignored me?" Violet asked in disbelief and anger.
"Maybe because you didnt curtsy to her?" Tricia said.
Winston thought Leonna the manner of respect in the kingdom, status is what gives you respect not age. And Leonna knew that there is only one person above her father and that is the Emperor.
"Lady Leonna, its a pleasure to meet you, my name is Chastity monstreal." Chastity, a council's daughter said and bow in respect to Leonna.
Leonna didnt smile nor did she show any emotion but she did acknowledge her. "Lady Chastity. Thank you for coming. I hope your'e enjoying the party."
Chastity was shock to say the least, she thought that Leonna would ignore her just like what she did with Violet. "The party is wonderful my lady, but nothing is more beautiful than you."
"Thank you. If you have any concern please dont hessitate to tell me." Leonna said in grace and pride.
Chastity smiled at Leonna and bow once again. "I will my lady, thank you."
After meeting Chastity Leonna was greeted with many more nobles. They were all surprise at how Leonna carried herself.
Although Leonna didnt understand politics or economics or any business related topics one thing she can do is hold an opinion for herself.
Thats why even though she doesnt understand most of what the nobles are talking about she does have her own opinions and morals that she could share that made a lot of nobles interested in talking with her.
She's still agitated and a bit on edge in terms of speaking to people but Leonna doesn't want others to think that her father is neglecting her by not giving her proper education.
"My lady, I didnt know that you were so knowledgable about our kingdom at such a young age." Count Kevin said to Leonna with amusement.
"I have a very good teacher." Leonna said and count Kevin laughed.
"Of course, the Grand Duke will give you nothing but the best." Count Kevin said.
"My lady how about the Grand Duke? How is he as a father?" The lady of the house of Sisic asked in anticipation, everyone then became quiet, holding their breath.
The single woman who was listening to their conversation peek their ears waiting for an answer.
"My dad is a wonderful dad, he takes very good care of me. He gives me more than I ask, he always do what I want even if he's working, he would always find time for me. He's the best father I could ever ask for." Leonna said happily, the men are all in awe and the ladies were jealous at how the Grand Duke treats Leonna.
"Really? I thought the Grand duke is a strict and vicious man. How can he have a change of personality just for you?"
Everyone turn their attention to the girl who spoke, its Violet. She has this cunning smile on her face.
"How would you know what my dad is like? Have you met him?" Leonna asked.
"No. But I heard-" violet answered. Leonna didnt let her finish her sentence, and cut her off.
"Have you spoken to him?" Leonna asked once again, taking a step closer to Violet. With her domineering red eyes she look at Violet firmly.
"I haven't but I--"
"Have you live with him?" Leonna once again asked, taking a step further towards her until she is on eye to eye level with her.
Violet then looked Leonna straight in the eye, and she began to tremble.
"N-no." Violet stated in shaky voice.
"Then let me ask you again, how would you know what my dad is like?" Leonna asked, this time she smiled at Violet a smile that Leon was famous for.
A dangerous sly smile. A smile of a beast.
"I-I Im-" Violet was trembling and fumbling her words, she took a step back causing her to fall.
Leonna just looked at her. "Violet!" A man shouted from a distant.
"Daddyyyy!" Violet said and ran towards her father.
Leonna then turned her back at them. Everyone who saw the interraction was stunned.
Leonna smiled at everyone that was watching. "Everyone please excuse me." She said.
The moment she walk out of there people began to talk about what happened.
"Wow. Did you saw that?!"
"Did you see how she shut down Lady Violet?"
"She is not to be mess with."
"Tsk. Disrespectful."
"She only acts like a noble, she's still an orphan for all we know she might be a fake Viosta."
Because of this Leonna decided to go the balcony that was behind a large thick red curtain.
This way she would be alone and in peace.
She stared at the starry sky and she felt at ease. The dark sky covered with twinkling lights was beautiful and peaceful. She took her shoes off and sat on the top of the rail.
Leonna took a deep breath to compose herself.
"Ahhh...so peaceful." Leonna said smilling at the dark sky.
Minutes pass and Leonna was still enjoying the view, her feet hanging on the edge while she hums at the sound of the wind.
And because of her animalistic instinct, Leonna instantly felt a presence watching her.
She stood up from the rail balancing herself on her two feet, she then glared at the direction she felt a presence "Show yourself!" She said shouted looking at the shadow hiding behind the curtain.
Leonna heard a chuckled from the shadow "My lady, I never thought that you would notice my presence."
"You never even tried to hide it." Leonna said.
Then the presence which Leonna felt came to the light revealing his appearance.
"Who are you?" Leonna asked stoicly.
"My name is Jaljiz, my lady." He introduced himself, Leonna didnt answer him.
Jaljiz stared at the little girl with red hair and eyes standing on the rail barefoot.
Leonna stared at him with fierceness in her eyes.
[He looks like that one Emperor, the snow man of an Emperor. White hair, pale skin, blue eyes its like Im looking at the Emperor who I just met earlier in kid form.] Leonna thought while starring at the guy infront of her.
Her hair flew by the direction of the wind and her eyes glowed in the darkness of the night. Jaljiz who was staring at Leonna couldnt help but feel infatuated towards her.
Jaljiz saw everything that happened earlier with Violet and Leonna, he saw how Leonna haddled the situation and how she expresses her doominating presence towards the purple hair girl, but instead of fearing the Lady, Jaljiz was more drawn to her thats why he followed her.
[I was pretty sure I hid my presence using magic spell, how come she noticed me?] Jaljiz asked himself.
"Leave." Leonna said plainly. But Jaljiz didnt left, instead he walk closer to Leonna which irritated her.
"Didnt you heard what I just said? I said leave."
"Dont wanna." Jaljiz said in an annoying voice, his hands are on the back of his head while whistling.
Leonna's eyes grew bright red, due to her anger and Jaljiz saw this.
"Whats happening to your eyes?" Jaljiz asked in shock and worried looking at Leonna's eyes.
"What? What do you mean?" Leonna said in confusin with her brows furrowed together.
Just as Leonna calm down her eyes went back to its original ruby like form.
"N-nothing."
[I was sure her eyes just glowed.] Jaljiz thought.
Leonna hissed and jump gracefully off the rail and landing on the balcony floor.
"Careful!" Jaljiz yelled full of concern to Leonna.
Leonna on the other hand just ignored his advice and put her shoes on before leaving the balcony.
Jaljiz just shook his head in disbelief. [She's a stubborn one.] He thought.
Leonna went back to the party, she took a look at the second floor. She saw her dad still talking to the Emperors.
"What do I do now?" Leonna mumbled.
"Why not dance with me?"
Leonna turned around to see who asked her and to her annoyance its Jaljiz, smilling at her with his perfect face.
"No." Leonna turned him down faster than James could react.
Instead of being insulted, Jaljiz laugh at Leonna's answer.
[He's crazy, better keep my distance from him.] Leonna thought.
"Prince Jaljiz?"
Both Leonna and Jaljiz looked at the one who spoke.
"It is you, Prince Jaljiz!" Violet said in excitement, walking up to where Leonna and Jaljiz were.
"Prince?" Leonna asked in shock and confusion.
"Oh Lady Leonna, you dont know who he is? Its fine since you're just new to being a noble. He is Prince Jaljiz Castrope, Prince of the Tanzanite kingdom." Violet said full of pride, she thought that it would make Leonna feel bad but it didnt.
Leonna just shrugg her shoulders "Nope. Well then, if you excuse Ms. Whoever you are and Prince Jaljiz, I will be taking my leave."
Leonna then turned to Jaljiz and bow in respect, before leaving. Violet's anger rose at Leonna's action.
[She ignored me again!? Just you wait!] Violet thought.
"Ah wait!" Jaljiz was about to follow Leonna when Violet suddenly grap his hand.
"Prince Jaljiz! Let me introduce myself Im--"
"Do I know you?" Jaljiz said in a cold tone to Violet, she flinch at Jaljiz's sudden cold and firm voice.
"No but I--"
"Then dont touch me and show some respect." Jaljiz said to her while pulling his hand away from her.
"Tsk. Such a pest." Jaljiz said before leaving to look for Leonna.
Violet couldnt contain her anger anymore. She was supposed to steal the show! She was suppose to be the star! That good for nothing orphan is nothing compared to her!
Leonna on the other hand found herself on the buffet, instantly her eyes sparkled at the sight of many sweets.
She scanned the long table of sweet until she lock her eyes on a plate of cookies.
She was about to take one when a hand from behind her suddenly grab the whole plate!
[The hell?! Wheres the cookies?!] Leonna instantly turned around to see who dared to steal the whole damn plate.
To her surprised its Prince Jaljiz, "Prince Jaljiz. I thought you were with that purple girl?" Leonna asked.
Jaljiz just grinned at her, making Leonna flinch in shock.
"My my, jealous at such a young age? Dont worry I prefer red hair girl." Jaljiz said and wink at Leonna.
Leonna frowned at him for a second "Jealous? Why?" Leonna asked innocently.
Jaljiz then cough a few times "Never mind. You didnt get it."
Leonna was even more confuse at Jaljiz's answer, but she quickly disregard the topic when she saw the plate of cookies.
"Give me back the cookies." Leonna ordered, her voice was firm and clear, just like how Leon would order someone.
"Hmmmm.....why should I?" Jaljiz tease.
"Why shouldn't you?" Leonna retorted back with her own witty remarks.
"If you dance with me maybe--"
"No." James once again got a firm no from Leonna.
His shoulder almost fell from the ground in disbelief. "Thats the second time you've turned me down in one night."
"Then dont ask again and there wont be a third time."
Leonna tried to reach the plate of cookies from Jaljiz but Prince Jaljiz quickly extended his arms upward holding the plate of cookies.
Because Jaljiz is taller than Leonna, Leonna couldnt reach the plate.
"You wont be able to eat that all! Just let me have one!" Leonna said in irritation, showing her real tender age.
"One dance, One cookie."
A moment of silence for Leonna's heart.....
"Well???" Jaljiz ask with a smirk on his face, waiting for Leonna's answer.
Leonna looked at the plate of cookies on Jaljiz's hand.
[I really want that cookie... ] Leonna thought.
"Just one dance?"
"Just one."
Leonna sigh in defeat. "Fine." She answered sluggishly.
"Well what do you know, looks like third times a charm after all." Jaljiz said with a victorious smirk on his face.
Jaljiz then put the plate of cookies on the further end of the table where Leonna's height couldnt reach.
Seeing this Leonna pouted. Jaljiz chuckled at her reaction.
He then bow in a ninety degree position one hand on this stomach on in an 'L' position and the other in his back, he then grab Leonna's hand, kissing the top of it.
"Ew." Leonna mumbled, Jaljiz was taken back at what Leonna said.
"Pfft!" James tried his best to conceal his laughter but failed miserably.
"You're the first one to be disgusted by my kiss my lady, truly astounding." Jaljiz said.
"Thanks?" Leonna answered unsurely.
They made their way to the Center of the ball room, all attention was with them.
Everyone was shock and surprised by what they were seeing, the Prince of Tanzanite kingdom and the Daughter of the Grand Duke dancing together!
"I'm not a pretty good dancer. Winston only thought me one time." Leonna said averting her gaze from Jaljiz.
"Don't worry I wont let you fall." James said smillingly.
With that they dance to the rythm of the music, not even realizing that they were the only one dancing, while the others watch them.
Jaljiz was the one carrying the dance since Leonna cant really dance, but even so Jaljiz was happy enough that Leonna agreed to dance with him.
"Why are you so persistent?" Out of the blue Leonna asked the guy she was dancing with.
James smiled at her "hmmm. I don't know. What is it in you that makes me so persistent?"
"What?" Leonna asked, she didnt understand what James meant.
"Nothing. How old are you?" Now its James who ask an out of the blue question.
"Seven." Leonna answered. Jaljiz groan at Leonna's answer.
"Still too young for marr---" Jaljiz stop mid-sentence, then smiled at Leonna.
Leonna tilted her head as id waiting for Jaljiz to finish his sentence.
Jaljiz stared at Leonna's innocent face and immediately he blushed.
"How about you? How old are you?"
"I'm fifteen." Jaljiz answered in a smile.
Violet who was watching from the crowd clenches her fist and gritted her teeth in jealousy.
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[End of Chapter]
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