8:00 PM
The royal palace ball was a sight to behold, an epitome of luxury. The flickering candle light illuminated the grand ball room casting a warm glow over the scenery. The hall was filled with a sea of elegantly dressed Lords, Dukes and Ladies. All vying for the attentions of the king, his queen.
At the center of it all stood the royal family, resplendent in their finest attire. The king, tall and regal, wore a velvet robe embroidered with gold thread and a crown adorned with jewels. His queen was equally stunning in a gown of shimmering silk and a tiara of diamonds. The concubines, draped in an intricate silk kimono, exuded an air of mystery and allure that drew many glances.
Meanwhile, the servants bustled about, delicately balancing trays of delicacies and glasses of wine and blood as they circulated through the crowd. Their movements were almost balletic as they weaved between guests and ensured that no one went hungry or thirsty.
King Mark made his way towards the grand ball podium, all eyes in the hall were fixed on him, he exuded an air of regal elegance. In his hand, he held a delicate crystal glass filled with deep red wine, it rich aroma wafting through the air.
The audience hushed as the king approached the podium, his every step measured and deliberate. He smiled benevolently at those around him, his eyes sparkling with warmth and kindness. As he reached the podium he turned to face the expectant crowd and raise his glass in a graceful gesture.
"Ladies and gentleman," he began, his voice ringing out clearly over the murmurs of the crowd. "It is my great pleasure to introduce to you my son and heir, Crown Prince Eric"
At this, the crowd erupted into enthusiastic applause, their cheers echoing through the grand hall. The King smiled indulgently as he stepped back to allow his son to take center stage.
Crown Prince Eric walked down grand staircase, the light from the crystal chandelier caught his brocade coat, making it shimmer like liquid gold, his long black hair cascaded down his back in loose waves, and his piercing blue eyes shone like diamonds in the moonlight. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a chiseled jawline and perfectly sculpted nose. His lips were full and sensuous, his skin was smooth and flawlessly tanned.
Ladies held their breath and clutched their fans, their faces flushed with admiration and awe. Gentlemen straightened their cravats and adjusted their cuffs, trying to match his elegance and style.
All eyes were on him as he made his way to the podium, where his father awaited him, a proud smile on his face.
The crown prince bowed respectfully before him, then turn to address the assembled crowd. His voice was deep and commanding, his words eloquent and persuasive.
As he spoke, the audience listened in rapt attention, mesmerized by his charm and charisma. When he finished, there was a thunderous applause, and he smiled graciously. acknowledging the adulation of his subjects.
King Mark and his son, walked down the podium with confidence to chat with the guests. This was a night to remember, and no one could deny that the crown prince was the most handsome and charming gentleman they had ever seen.
The concubines on the other side could do nothing but eat jars of vinegar out of jealousy, the queen wear a proud smile as her son hugged her "You look beautiful mother" Eric praised her.
"You are doing well, go attend to the crowd, you must be on their good side"Queen Mona Lisa said. He pecked her cheeks and left her side to tend to the crowd. The ladies didn't hesitate to leave their man side to go talk to the Crown prince.
Rhefa stood in the kitchen, watching as the other servants bustled around her, preparing food and drink for the guests at the ball. Her heart sank as she thought of the beautiful gowns and dancing happening just a few rooms away. She had been looking forward to tonight's ball . The threatening voice of Princess Belle rang in her ears like bell. "Do yourself a big favor by not serving any lords or dukes at the ball, stay in the kitchen where you belong, don't chase them away with your ugliness".
She tried not to let it get to her. After all, she was just a servant. But as the sounds of laughter and music drifted into the kitchen, she couldn't help feeling a pang of sadness.
For days, she had been excited at the prospect of serving the guests, but now she was relegated to assisting the head maid in the kitchen. As she chopped vegetables and stirred pots, she couldn't help but feel envious of the other servants who were bustling around, preparing to serve the guests at the ball.
Despite her sadness, Rhefa remained dutiful and worked hard to ensure that the dishes were prepared perfectly.
Aunt Maggie had noticed her dull looks, she has knew her like the back of her hand, she was sure something was wrong.
"Rhefa, what's bothering you, my dear?" asked Aunt Maggie in her motherly tone.
Rhefa sighed in frustration as she stired the pot containing blood for the vampires to drink. "I really want to see how the ball looks like, but Princess Belle warned me not to serve because I am too ugly".
Aunt Maggi smiled at her words "Nonsense!" she move closer to her and whispered "She is scared all the men will simp for your, her beauty can not be compared to yours" she said truthfully.
Rhefa face lit upon hearing Aunt Maggie words "Really". She laughed showing her white perfect set of teeth.
After a moment of thought, Aunt Maggie came up with a brilliant idea.
"My dear. Here, take this tray of fresh bloods and go serve it to the guests. Make sure you do it discreetly and don't let any of the princesses catch a sight of you. You never know, you might just get a chance to see men that would love to court you." Aunt Maggie winked mischievously.
Rhefa smiled at her aunt mischievousness "I am not looking a man, I just want to see how the ball looks like with many influential in the same room" She took the tray and left the kitchen to serve the guests, her heart filled with excitement.