Chereads / Wars of the Heart / Chapter 28 - 26. Brushing Shoulders with High Society

Chapter 28 - 26. Brushing Shoulders with High Society

Brushing Shoulders with High Society

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The Estate of Duke Walterus,

The Town of Crimsonton,

Kingdom of Velicia,

About an hour before Noon,

The Eighth Day of the Month of November,

Thirty Third Year of the Reign of King Jesse Crestings

Amelia waited in the courtyard of Duke Walterus' residential Estate for a great long time. She knew that she had due permission to abide there until the payment for the dress Miss Charlene was wearing was settled.

Whilst she was about, there was a great long discussion in that very building, between the Prince, the Duke and Head Knight Erion. The generals of war were there escorting their royal heir.

After what felt like a drawn amount of time, the knights that had been assembled were summoned to be confronted by Prince Rayzenn in the hall of the Estate. Amelia withdrew to the shadow of the oak tree by the side of the residential building and spent her time chatting with some passing handmaidens and the boys of the stable.

When the afternoon had arrived, there was a flutter and she hastened towards the front lawn to see the knights standing in rows on either sides of the pathway leading towards the Royal Carriage.

A hush filled the air when the Crown Prince stepped out of the manor, with brisk yet gentle disposition and strode down towards his mount, chiefs following on either sides. His butler was present at the carriage, holding the door.

Amelia's eyes, however, were stolen to stare at the Head Knight, Erion, who marched down to bid the Prince farewell. There was a mildly strained expression on his face, like he was calm, yet bothered deep down.

The damsel of brown, curly hair wished she could be of comfort to him, or of some support. There was both thrills of excitement and pangs of anxiety when she realised that she could become part of his associates that very day, when she would be introduced to the Book Club.

All of the people dispersed from the Walterus Estate, leaving only the members of Miss Charlene's Reading Association still present there. The lowly Luna-dynn damsel hesitated, but Daren encouraged her whilst leading her over to the second floor where the hall holding the meeting of the association with high tea was.

Amelia was nervous, fidgeting with the folds of her long skirt whilst her friend spoke to Roden, the knight she had met under the oak tree earlier that day. "The Heartrims will be joining us today as well", the olive haired knight said, as he strode into the hall where the meeting was about to be held.

The damsel of long brown hair followed the man, flushed and uncomfortable at the attention she was receiving. There were several nobles seated there in conference, watching her walk over and take a seat by the side of the room.

Then, when they turned to their own private conversations, Amelia looked about to see all those that were gathered there.

The chamber was beautiful with a soft lavender shade painted over the walls and sheer curtains of tulle draped over the place. There were study tables and chairs arranged over the heart of the room for the members of the club to make themselves comfortable. Shelves and shelves of books mastered a great portion of two walls. One end of the room had a large opening that proceeded into a large balcony, wherefrom warm sunrays traversed into the reading chamber. A gentle breeze would blow over the inmates once a while.

It seemed to be a place solely dedicated to the Reading Association.

Miss Charlene was at the head of the gathering, reading a book while everyone settled in. Her long, smooth, silky golden hair was left to dribble down in front of her shoulders and down to her lap. She was still dressed in the beautiful wine coloured garment that the Hildeth Boutique had woven for her measurement, looking alluring.

A dark tall man who was seated beside her, Amelia could recognise as Sir Sean, the son of the baron. His eyes were constantly scuttling to the lady near him, but more often to the congregation, like he was in charge of having them all seated so the meeting could begin.

There were about four to five men and women seated about, and chattering, all seeming regal like they hailed from high society.

Knight Roden was at the edge of the gathering, but he was loud enough to be heard across everyone's conversation. And finally, Head Knight Erion was beside him, quietly observing everyone, but speaking nothing.

Occasionally, he would nod or smile to what Roden seemed to be saying, and then return to his own court of thoughts. He didn't particularly seem to be watching Miss Charlene, the damsel noticed.

However, Amelia hadn't realised that she was staring at him until he looked directly at her and locked gazes.

A bolt of electricity shot through her body as her eyes widened and she could not tear her sight away from him for that single compelling moment. She could feel a hot blush spread over her nose and cheeks and neck, but did not know how to contain it.

The man gave her a calm smile and a slow nod. The maiden of long brown hair returned the gesture, before looking down at her lap, where her fists were tightly gripping the fabric of her skirt.

Just then, Sean called the gathering to order.

"Alright now, let us begin!"

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