In the day of banquet all the maids and servants getting busier. The one left was Rosetta and some palace maid to prepare for Iris. When they saw Iris's dress for the evening event, they gasped. They never looked something like that before.
Iris woke up to the sound of the maids chattering. She felt like it has been a long time since she got the best rest. The maids quickly started to give her the perfumed bath. They washed and dry the hair. They didn't stop commented about how beautiful and soft it is. Rosetta became the Princess spokesperson, while Iris was giggled and chuckled hearing their chat.
Her upper half of her hair was braided intricately along with the hair accessories that came with the dress. The other half of the hair was let down, they want the hair fall graciously. They put a matching pretty ear cuff, a necklace, a pair of upper arm cuff, and a pair of gauntlets. They put on some simple make up which make her more shining.
They put the dress on. The dress will swipe the floor beautifully. The last was the shoe and anklet. All was in simple and matching colour.
"Is this not too much?"
"Ah, Princess, this will be too simple if you see the other noble ladies. In my opinion sometimes they look like a walking jewellery store. But you…" A maid stopped commenting. She lost her words.
"Princess was simple but mesmerizing. Everybody must look at you. You will be introduced to other nobles tonight. You're the only who stays until the end, Your Highness…" Rosetta was chocked by her own tears, "Finally, we will have a duchess."
"Oh, I am jealous. I wish The Empress will visit Callavan often, so I can meet you again Princess." Said another maid.
"Now, for the last, last look, Your Highness, please spin."
She spun.
The maid was left speechless.
Sir Thomas knocked to escort her to the banquet along with the knights and Felix. When the maid opened it, they were stopped for a while and stared in amazement.
Sir Thomas offered his hand and she accepted it.
The banquet was starting to get crowded. The rumours about a Princess that stand 13 days of engagement with cold cruel Duke was heard all over Lleuelyn. Many nobles attend just for the sake of drama and amusement. Some of them even started to bet about tomorrow announcement. Will they make it? Some of them was ready to take opportunity for themselves or their son to snatch the Princess if the Duke throw her away. They will be the Empire hero, to keep the pact between Musou Kingdom and The Lleuelyn Empire. Other far off rumours also spreading. That, Iowyrthe of Callavan just toyed with her and wanted to kill her, as they heard rumours of her sickness during the stays.
Many nobles chattering, when she entered the hall.
"Young Countess Eugenie Yuriel Baltasar of Ezkhav has entered the room."
The hall went silent. They saw a beautiful young lady entered in a fully embedded gemstone purple dress. Her blonde hair was done beautifully with a crown. The dress was pretty and look exquisite. It is nowhere near the word simple. The necklace and the earring set have a big pure dark purple topaz on it. Very rare in Lleuelyn. It was really sure took your eyes attention. All in the room was indeed paid their attention. Except one. The one that the young countess took initiative to get closer to.
"Peace be upon the Duke of Callavan."
"Countess." Everyone near them dismissed themselves included June and Judah.
"You still as cold as you used to be."
"Indeed."
"How was my look?" She spun.
"Exactly suit you. Splendid but too much."
"I always like your charm like this, Your Highness."
Some nobles murmured about them, how both of them sometimes toying with the ladies that formerly engaged to the Duke. They both looked good, but give them uneasy feeling. They were having a cold aura but with different vibe. Strangely look the same but so unmatched with each other.
The Royal Family then entered the room. They greeted the nobles. The Royal Couple has strong and firm aura. They were truly leading and giving their heart for their Empire. They were humble, but never hesitate to punish one who opposed their beliefs. Vincenzo, the Crown Prince was raised beautifully. They truly prepared him to be the next leader of the Empire. Although still young, many adored him.
"Long live the Sun and the Moon of the Lleuelyn Empire."
"Peace be upon our Empire," The Emperor started his speech, "I bet you already know why I invited you here. I want to introduce the one who will strengthen our Empire. Please welcome her."
"Princess Iris Camellia de Musou has entered the room."
The hall grew silent one more. Long black hair with deep black eyes gaze was captivate their eyes first. The smile charmed them next. The dress was relatively simple. When they about to speak about how simple it was, she took the first step down the stairs. Every step she took was make it more and more wonderful. The dress was shimmering under the lights. The end of the dress was switching between deep blue sapphire and green emerald. The jewels hidden in her hair was shining the same. It was like little fairies playing hide and seek between her beautiful black hair. All part of her look that night made her like the most beautiful peacock with dazzling feathers.
Shyness made her look down in reflex. Iowyrthe stepped right in front of her. He held her chin up gently.
"Look at me, Princess." He looked radiantly brave, but his heart about to burst when he saw her. It was the second time he looked her in that dress. However, tonight she was different. She was different every second he saw her.
Some of the nobles started gasping. Some start murmuring. Some your ladies started envying. They have various reaction seeing the star of that night banquet. The attention was shifted from Eugenie to the Princess. Eugenie clenched her fist.
"May I have the first dance?" Iowyrthe didn't give any other noble man a chance to even introduce themselves to the Princess.
The music started with piano. It was slowed at the beginning. Then the strings started playing in. They started with greeting for each other. The faced each other, then a waltz rhyme started. That's when they started dancing. It was soft and grand and full of magical feelings. Their hands were glued to each other. Then the music entered the spinning part. She spun. That's when sparkling dust were flying around her. Like small butterflies dancing around her. Iowyrthe and all that was in the room was in awe. All other couples were stopped naturally, left just both of them. By the end of the music he lifted her up and spin. He lowered her into his embrace. Their eyes meet for 13 seconds long. Iris fell in love. At that same moment, he really wanted to kiss her, but end up running and left her.
Other people cheered. The people started to come near her and made a crowd. She was with many people. However, her heart felt heavy. It was her last time with Iowyrthe officially. She was unwanted. She was abandoned. A distant feeling that somehow, she was familiar with.