Tanisi, entered the ballroom, drawing everyone's attention to the entrance. A collective clap echoed throughout the room. Tanisi had been away for a year, staying with their aunt to learn how to become a 'proper' lady. However instead of elegant, sophisticated air that was expected, Tanisi seemed to radiate with her usual childish charm and energy. Tanisi had not changed at all.
As she walked towards her family, a big grin spreading across her face. The Governor was smiling with pride, his eyes flashing with laughter. No matter how much they tried to change Tanisi, they always failed. As she finally reached them, she threw her arms around her father, giggling as he swung her around. "My dearest daughter," he said, kissing her forehead. "It is good to have you back."
"It is good to be back!" Tanisi exclaimed, grinning widely as she released her father and looked at her sisters. "Nia!" she squealed, running over to hug her tightly. "You are looking beautiful as always!"
The women exchanged hugs and greetings, their laughter filling the air. "Well, look who finally decided to grace us with her presence!" Adanna teased as she hugged her sister, Tanisi. "I was starting to wonder if you had forgotten about us."
"Someone had to learn how to be a proper lady, did they not?" she whispered into Adanna's ear, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Besides, Aunt Amara can be a bit...strict."
Adanna snorted with laughter, while Nia simply giggled. Just then, Ife, walked beside them. "I see Aunt Amara's tutelage has not quite taken hold," she said, a twinkle in her eye.
Tanisi rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, here we go again," she muttered, a mock frown crossing her face. "On the contrary, I genuinely enjoy Aunt Amara's company."
"Just because you could not handle a year of etiquette lessons does not mean everyone hates them, Ife." Adanna quipped, throwing a playful glare at her sister.
Ife's smirk widened. "Unlike some of us, I value my independence," she said, winking at Adanna. "But by all means, enlighten us. How delightful is this... proper lady business?"
Before Tanisi could reply, the announcer voice echoed through the ballroom again. "Presenting General Kazi and Prince Azrael!"
All heads turned towards the entrance, anticipation buzzing in the air. Adanna's playful smirk vanished, replaced by a warm smile as she saw her sister Kazi walk in arm-in-arm with Azrael. Kazi, dressed in green, looked beautiful, even though Kazi was not the biggest fan of gowns.
Tanisi squealed with delight, breaking free from her sisters' clutches and rushing towards the approaching couple.
"Kazi! Azrael!" she cried, throwing herself into Kazi's arms. Kazi, laughed as she hugged her sister. "Tanisi!" she exclaimed, holding her tightly. "I have missed you so much!"
"Azrael how are you?" Adanna asked, her eyes sparkling as she stepped forward to greet the prince.
"I am quite well, Adanna," Azrael replied.
"I hope Kazi's fiery spirit has not gotten you into too much trouble," Adanna teased, her eyes sparkling with affection.
Azrael laughed, "Somewhat, but it is an adventure I would not trade it for anything." He looked at Kazi with admiration, who smiled back at him, her cheeks flushing slightly.
Kazi turned to her sisters, "Well, Ife," Kazi began, a smirk playing on her lips, "I assume you have been reading the whole ball?"
"Is it truly Ife, if she does not read the whole ball?" Asha teased from the side, her eyes twinkling with amusement. Ife rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
"I do not know why you find reading so...interesting, Ife," Kazi said, her tone teasing. "
"And I do not know why you find holding a sword so...entertaining," Ife retorted, a playful glint in her eye.
Laughter and conversation continued to fill the ballroom as more guests arrived, mingling and catching up with old friends. Tanisi, still buzzing from her reunion with Kazi and Azrael, talked with Nia and Adanna, telling them stories about her time with Aunt Elara. Ife, interjected with dry humor, causing Kazi to playfully roll her eyes.
Suddenly, their father cleared his throat, the sound cutting through the crowd. A silence fell over the room as all eyes turned towards him. Their father raised his glass, a touch of sadness in his voice.
"My dearest family, friends, and esteemed guests," he began. "We gather tonight not only to celebrate the unity of our kingdom, but also to honor the memory of a woman who touched each of our lives in profound ways. My beloved wife, your cherished mother, Lady Aminata."
Governor Nari continued, his voice low and warm. "Aminata's favourite colour, as many of you know, was green. It symbolized for her the fresh beginnings of spring, the hope for a prosperous future, and the enduring strength of life. So tonight, we wear green and white, not only for the vibrant energy it brings but also to represent the balance and harmony she embodied."
The crowd murmured, some nodding in agreement as they thought of the late Lady Aminata. "To Aminata." Everyone raised their glasses, clinking them together before taking a sip.
As the music started, a gentle waltz filled the air, signalling the beginning of the first dance. Adanna watched with a pang of longing as women around her were being asked by suitors to dance.
Adanna looked around the room, her heart racing with anticipation. She subtly sucked in her stomach, trying to appear slimmer in her gown. She forced a smile, tilting her head slightly, hoping it would make her face appear more seductive. But no one seemed to notice. Men walked past her, their gazes fixed on other women, their partners, or even their drinks. She felt a stab of disappointment deep in her chest.
A frustrated sigh escaped her lips. Maybe tonight just wasn't her night. As she turned to the refreshments table, a shadow fell over her. She turned around to face a man, not much taller than herself, he had a beard neatly trimmed and piercing brown eyes and was wearing moderately nice clothing.
Adanna recognised this man; he was Sergeant William Hawke. He was not very high in terms of social status, and he did not have the best reputation amongst the women in the kingdom. He had been known to drink too much and to make inappropriate advances towards the ladies at social gatherings. And considering the fact he was 38 years old and had been widowed for two years now, it was unlikely that many women would be interested in him. But Adanna felt a sudden rush of hope when he approached her.
"Lady Adanna," he began, offering a curt bow, "would you be honoured to dance with me?"