[Three years ago]
It was of an immense size. Looking up at the building in front of me, its height was like something only from the fiction books in my library. Hand in hand with my father, I floated my way into the vast ballroom. Everyone dressed to impress as they mingled with the higher members of society and drank ever so gracefully from their wine glasses. "Rubbing elbows with the fat cats", as the saying goes. Mother spent all of yesterday evening designing my dress for the debutante ball. My face veiled and my hands bound in the finest lace that our duchy could lay their hands on and the smoothest silk imported from the east made up my gown. The jewels around my neck and hanging from my ears were topaz, ruby, diamond even.
Father left my hand as he went to go and merge with the growing crowds, leaving me standing at the entrance of the hall. Looking around, everyone seemed to be occupied with their own conversations, and there didn't seem to be anything quite interesting going on. I sauntered my way over to the refreshments table and picked up a tall glass of chardonnay. It smelled wonderfully of vanilla and after taking a sip, the sweet flavour of apple rushed down my throat. I swished the pale yellow liquid around my glass and watched as a small amount of froth gathered on the top. Then suddenly, a silhouette shadowed over me.
"Drinking alone hardly seems acceptable for a fair lady such as yourself." The silhouette chuckled softly. I looked up. A young man dressed in an extravagant three-piece suit stood before me. His hair dark in colour, and his eyes deep and meaningful. His skin had a faint pallor to it and his lips were pink in tone..
"You seem to be fond of what you see?" He spoke again. I turned away out of embarrassment, covering my face with my hand. I was staring for a bit too long. Why? "N-no sir. I'm hurt you'd even suggest such a thing!" I countered. He bowed. "I'm sorry my lady, I jest. If I may ask, what is your name?" I felt sorry for this man, bowing down to me before he knew even my name. "Stand first." We locked eyes once again.
"I'm sure you've heard of the Pryor Duchy?" He gasped and his eyes widened. "Elissa Pryor?" He pointed out and bowed again. "No, rise. I find there is no need for people to bow down to others." I patted his back and he rose once more. "I apologise for not having recognised you in the first place- you have your mother's eyes." I felt a bit too flattered at that moment. "Your looks aren't too bad either. Tell me your name?" I asked dauntingly. "Roderick Durand, my lady." I giggled as he pecked my hand softly. "Flirtatious much?" "I do what I can, fair Elissa." He grinned
"Ah, you've already become acquainted with young Roderick?" Father approached me and Sir Durand at the refreshments table. I nodded and looked at him. "Have you finished mingling with the others, Father?" He nodded softly. "Yes my dear, everyone has also brought their young heirs to come and meet satisfactory suitors. Have you met anyone of interest to you?" I looked back at Roderick Durand, then at my father again. "No father, not yet."
Sir Durand looked astonished and hurt at the same time. "I beg your pardon fair Elissa, but am I not suitable enough for you?" "I'm sorry Sir Durand, but talking to someone for less than five minutes is less than what I'd call ideal when getting to know someone worthy of being married to." I replied tautly. This was true. Although his company was rather enjoyable, I didn't deem it fit to pronounce marriage after but a few minutes of talking. Although he was quite easy on the eyes...
[Present day]
"Shut your mouth, for heaven's sake Elissa! Have you no shame? I'm tired of these excuses!" A glass vase comes flying past my ear and smashes on the wall next to me. One of the shards cut my cheek. "What am I supposed to do?! All you do is go out and drink to your heart's content! What have I done so wrong except for being your loving and supporting lady?" I counter back. Ah.. I'm seriously not up for an argument today.. "That audacity of yours!" Another drunken comment escapes his mouth. "All I've ever done is cater for you for the past three years!" My vision and balance.. is failing me... "Stop talking.. you fool." I manage to slur out. "Elissa? Are you alright? Heavens above- you're shaking! I shall call the medic immediately." He says worriedly. And he talks about audacity? "What do you care? I'm going!" I turn towards the door and stumble, hitting my head on the corner of the table. "Ah- it hurts-" He runs towards me and picks me up. "Elissa? Elissa stay with me here!" He's running to the medical room. My eyes are covered with blood from my head.. best just close them.