"Announcing the Duke of Beaufort, Duke Melenheim, and his daughter, Lady Melenheim!"
As the presenter announced our presence, the massive door to the hall opened, and there appeared the bright hall of the Astera palace. It is huge and is beaming with light, life, and music. As we walked to the entrance, the people who were busy chatting below raised their gaze at us at the mini balcony from the door.
Many had gasped when they landed their gaze on me. I can hear gossiping and their piercing gazes. It might have been because of the gown. The ladies in the hall are wearing ball gowns with closed necks or elegant v-neck gowns with normal cuts. And I am the only one wearing an off-shoulder with a very open back. But I stood still, head high.
Once I and my father settled ourselves up on the balcony, the crowd totally stopped doing their things, even the music. All of them paid attention, although faint noises of chatting could still be heard.
"Today marks the joyous day of my daughter's coming of age, and I am honored to have everyone's presence here as we celebrate this banquet," my father greeted in full pride and joy. He turned and faces me, urging me also to say something.
"I, Aerin Melenheim, greet all of tonight's esteemed guests! I am in awe to have you here as I celebrate my coming of age, and I am looking forward to meeting you all in high society." I smiled as I scanned my eyes at all of the guests.
"May the light and glee of this festivity graze your souls!" father finished. Then I heard the acknowledgment of the crowd as they clapped and raised their drinks.
From up here, I can feel everyone's exuding air, giving me a sense of a heated and varying atmosphere.
Others were in awe to see me, some were there just to witness how I have become, ladies who only attended to meet possible suitors, and a few were there out of courtesy to the duke. But most especially, the majority of them are here to gossip about the Lady of Melenheim. I'm elated, I cannot wait to hear what tea would be spilled about me resurfacing to society as a grown woman today. Would they say I'm a shameful and vulgar woman? Or an icon offering them a new trend?
I have lots of thoughts to ponder. I cut them off a bit as I and father descended the stairs, I held his arm tightly. Am I nervous? Quite. My feelings could be rated as twenty-five percent nervous, thirty percent calculating, and forty-five percent ecstatic.
The party then officially began as we started the first dance.
How many of the stories have I read started off with their coming of age ceremony by dancing with their fathers? I believe there were a lot. If not, most would be with their older brothers-- if they have one. But the most common one is dancing with their beloved ones.
After the dance, we walked to our seats and waited for the people to come to greet us. I thought no one would ever come and greet us personally, but it was nothing to worry about. Being in a family of a duke, many had presented themselves in front of us.
We were circled by nobles who were greeting me happy birthday, informing me about their family-- asking if I still remember them, or their sons and daughters who are my age, and giving to me their gifts. Since my reputation isn't that good, I have already expected that they were just doing it out of courtesy or to curry favor with the duke. Still, I am thankful. Not all could receive such attention and gifts. Besides, this is my birthday!
Moments later, a loud voice was again heard from the entrance. It was the king and the crown prince. Everybody stood up and gave them an admiring look, that includes me. Three hours had passed, however, the shame of earlier's encounter had again shot me. My whole face is heating up. With that, I purposely did not look at the prince to not meet his gaze. Still, I plastered a professional smile, focusing on the king as they glided down the stairs and toward us.
As we have already faced the royals in the middle of the hall, my father greeted them first. I don't know what they talked about after that, I'm not paying attention.
"It is an honor to have you here, your royal highnesses the king and crown prince." It is my turn to greet them now. Still not looking at the prince. I know that he is staring because I can see him in my peripheral view.
Controlling my reaction is already burdensome for me, so it is best to just ignore him.
I don't know if it's only me, but whenever I did something embarrassing, I have this tendency of avoiding someone with whom I feel embarrassed to the point of even getting annoyed-- getting annoyed at myself and most especially at that someone.
[I will not be punished for ignoring a royal right?] Whatever! I could just say that I'm not feeling well and that I'm only focusing on the king. Something like, [Oh, so you're there? I haven't noticed. My mind has been hazy.]
I waited patiently for this courtesy greeting to end so I could go back to my seat and eat delicious food. However, my heart sank.
"May I ask the lady for a dance?" he said in a gentle yet firm voice.
I harshly turned to look at him. No! You cant! That's a foul! It sounded more of a command than a request to me.
Since I cannot really decline a crown prince of the kingdom, my expression then changed as I forced my lip to a closed smile, my eyes closed too so as not to see his face. Then, I offered my hand as an affirmation. If it's a dance, then let's dance. Let's get this over with so I could resign.
Once he held my hand, he then kissed the back of it. Then he guided me to the middle of the dance hall.
"This is one of the moments when I wish I couldn't dance..." so I could step on your foot many times.
"You were saying?"
I gasped! "What? Did I say something, your highness the crown prince?" I feigned innocence. I may have blurted it out aloud. Stupid mouth.
He smiled then shook his head. Once we reached the middle spot, we then faced each other. That was when I fully stopped depriving myself of this beautiful sight. I cannot go on ignoring him anyway since we have already come to this, so let's just reward our eyes with the blessing the Gods have given us.
Saying that he is handsome is just an understatement. He is a deity. He is perfect in every form. And I just noticed, that his eyes were deep crystal blue.
You know what? Ever since I have come into this world, I have been showered with beauty. Even the servants of this world also looked pleasant. I cannot complain.
My train of thoughts was cut when I felt he draw me near him, his other hand to my back, and the other holding my hand. I blinked as I realized how close we are to each other. I tried stepping back but he drew me even closer. My eyes widened.
"Cute," he said, trying to suppress his laugh.
My eyes widened more. I think if my eyes could burst, they already did. Is he treating me like some kind of a laughing stock?