Lady Lily had always been fascinated by the opulence of the Nobles Ballroom Dance. It was the one event of the year that she had been looking forward to, where she could indulge in her love for fashion and dance, while also networking with some of the most powerful people in the country. This year, however, would be different. She had received a special invitation from the Duke and his wife, the Dutches, and knew that this was an opportunity she couldn't miss.
As she entered the venue, she was immediately struck by the grandeur of the ballroom. It was filled with nobility, businessmen, and politicians, all dressed in their finest attire.
Lady Lily couldn't help but feel a little intimidated, but she was determined to make the most of the evening.
She introduced herself to some of the nobility, making sure to mention her business as well as her husbands military accomplishments.
Lady Lily scanned the room, searching for someone to introduce herself to. She spotted a group of nobility standing near the refreshment table, and made her way over to them.
"Good evening," she said, her voice ringing out over the chatter of the crowd. "I'm Lady Lily, and I'm thrilled to be here tonight."
The group turned to face her, eyeing her up and down. Lady Lily felt a moment of self-consciousness, but quickly pushed it aside. She was here to make connections, and she wasn't going to let anyone intimidate her.
"Ah, Lady Lily," said a tall man with a bushy mustache. "I've heard of you. You're quite the businesswoman, aren't you?"
Lady Lily smiled, feeling a sense of pride at the recognition. "Yes, I am. I run my own company, specializing in luxury goods."
The man nodded, looking impressed. "Well, well. It's not often we get a woman with such ambition at these events. You'll have to tell me more about your business sometime."
Lady Lily felt a surge of excitement. This was exactly the kind of connection she had been hoping to make. "I'd be happy to," she said. "Perhaps we could grab a drink later and chat?"
The man smiled, his eyes twinkling. "I'd like that very much."
Lady Lily turned to the others in the group, introducing herself and making sure to mention her accomplishments. They seemed genuinely interested, and Lady Lily felt a sense of satisfaction.
She was wearing a long jade blue dress that sparkled in the light, and it seemed to catch the eye of everyone she met. Lady Lily felt beautiful and confident, knowing that she was making a good impression.
As she made her way through the crowd, Lady Lily noticed a man in the corner of the room. He was tall and muscular, with a stern expression on his face. It was her security guard, Sam. Lady Lily had brought him along to ensure her safety, but she couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed by his presence. She didn't want anyone to think she was weak or vulnerable.
Despite her initial reservations, Lady Lily soon realized that Sam was actually a great asset. He was able to provide her with valuable information about the people she was meeting, and he even helped her navigate some of the more treacherous conversations. Lady Lily was grateful to have him by her side.
As Lady Lily made her way around the ballroom, she noticed that many of the noble men were eyeing her like a delicious fruit. They tried their luck at flirting with her and asking her to dance, but she turned them all down, some politely and some with sarcasm.
One man approached her and gave her a charming smile. "Lady Lily, you look absolutely stunning tonight. Would you care to dance?"
Lily raised an eyebrow, feeling a sense of annoyance. "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I must decline," she said. "My husband is a viscount and a military general, and I wouldn't want to do anything to tarnish his reputation."
The man's smile faltered, and he looked taken aback. "Ah, I see," he said, his tone slightly bitter. "Well, perhaps another time."
Lily nodded, turning away from him and continuing on her way. She couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration. It seemed like all anyone wanted from her was a chance to dance or to flatter her. She was here to make connections, not to be objectified.
As she made her way to the pastry table, she noticed a group of women standing in the corner, whispering and giggling. She couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity. What were they talking about?
She made her way over to them, smiling politely. "Good evening, ladies," she said. "I couldn't help but notice you all over here. What's the topic of conversation?"
The women turned to face her, their expressions guarded. "Oh, just some gossip," said one of them, her tone dismissive.
Lily felt a sense of frustration. She had hoped to make connections with other women at the ball, but it seemed like they were just as closed off as the men. She decided to cut her losses and head back to her table, feeling a sense of disappointment.
As Lily made her way back to her table, she couldn't help but overhear one of the ladies gossiping about her. The woman's voice was loud and unapologetic. "I heard Lady Lily is scandalous," she said. "Barely a lady, if you ask me."
Lily felt a sense of hurt and embarrassment. She had tried so hard to fit in with these people, but it seemed like they would never accept her. She was about to turn and leave when the Duchess approached her table.
"Lady Lily, may I have a word?" said the Duchess, her tone kind.
Lily nodded, feeling a sense of relief. She had always admired the Duchess for her wit and her power. Perhaps she could learn something from her.
The Duchess led her to a quiet corner of the ballroom, away from the prying eyes of the other guests. "I couldn't help but overhear what those women were saying about you," she said. "Please don't let their words get to you. While they may be nobility, their personalities are disgusting and terrible. The only way to deal with them is with wit and power."
Lily took note of the Duchess's words, feeling a sense of gratitude. She had always looked up to the Duchess, and it was nice to know that she had an ally in this crowd of people.
She excused herself from the Duchess and made her way to the bathroom to change. She had Sam bring her black and red dress and high heels with studded diamonds. She put her hair up and came back out of the bathroom, feeling like a new woman.
As she re-entered the ballroom, everyone's eyes were on her once again. She looked magnificent and powerful, an intimidating beauty. She couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Perhaps these people would finally take her seriously.
As Lady Lily re-entered the ballroom, she caught the eye of a Baron named Damien Alavar. He was dressed in a black suit with his hair greased back and a small mustache. Damien approached Lily with a smirk on his face.
"My, my, why aren't you stunning?" he said in a creepy tone. "Are you here to steal all the men away from their women? Because if those are your intentions, I must say your seductive ways are working, my lady."
Lily glared at him, her eyes flashing with anger. She was tired of men like Damien, who thought they could say whatever they wanted to a woman just because they were nobility. "You could add all the men in this room together," she said, her voice low and dangerous, "and it still wouldn't pale in comparison to my husband. You see, some men are given power by lineage or wealth, while others are the embodiment of power. You are not my husband, and you are not man enough for a woman like me, little boy."
With that, Lily turned on her heel and walked away from Damien, feeling a sense of satisfaction. She had put him in his place, and hopefully, he would think twice before speaking to her again.
The Duke and the Duchess called Lady Lily to the center of the ballroom. "First of all, thank you all for coming to our annual ball," said the Duke. "Today, I would like to honor one of our biggest philanthropists, Viscount Lady Lily Abme. She has donated over 20 million to foundations all over the kingdom. Not only that, but her husband lord Gami Abme is out on a military campaign, ensuring our safety. Let us all clap and thank the Abme family for all that they have done and continue to do for our city and our country."
The ballroom erupted in applause, and Lily felt a sense of pride. She had always believed in giving back to her community, and it was an honor to be recognized for her charitable work.
However, the moment was short-lived when one of the low barons who had tried to flirt with Lily and she had turned down decided to interject. "I'm sorry, your grace, but I can't respect a woman that looks like she works in men's bedrooms," he said, mocking her. "I mean, she has no class. There is no way she has any wealth. Her donations have to be fraudulent."
The Duke looked at him with disdain. "I'll have you know, Baron Sandler, that the Abmes are quite possibly the wealthiest family in our city," he said. "Secondly, what type of noble and gentleman so openly disrespects a lady? Please leave. We will talk later on your consequences."
The baron looked taken aback but quickly composed himself and left the ballroom. Lily felt a sense of relief. It was good to know that there were still nobles like the Grand Duke who would stand up for what was right.