"It's a pleasure to meet you Naomi Rue Rosales"
"My my you are a remarkable beauty Lady Naomi"
"Lady Naomi seems like you got your beauty from your mother"
Countless of nobles greeted themselves. Some of them were aiming for me and some were for father.
Many even tried to provoke by mentioning mother..and now it was the time for the father daughter dance.
"So can I have the first dance daughter?"
"With pleasure"
The music started and we were in the right middle of the hall. Everyone's eyes on us one wrong move and it will be over.
"Don't worry it all will be okay" father said with a resurring smile.
Our movements rythemed with the music. The music became slow , sign that the song was coming to an end.
The other father daughter pair ended their dance with a bow. So I did.
And now it was the time for the couple dance. Some young ladies blushed as some young men asked them for a dance. Many ladies rejected those young men and many entered the dance floor.
There were three parts for dance First- Father daughter pair or old couple, Second- Married couple, unmarried maidens or newlyds,
Third- At the end the young ladies and men danced. And now it was the time for the second dance.
I moved back from the centre and looked if there was any group for me to join.
"My my lady Naomi join us" a lady chirped beside me.
"uh- oh-?"
"Oh silly me forgive my rudeness I am Dancia Allison I am glad to finnally meet you!" Dancia had beautiful red hair with bright orange eyes.
"Me too I am Marlene" A ginger poped from behind.
"Nice to meet you two I am Naomi Rue Rosales" I gave them a sight bow.
"Your eyes are so pretty ! Are those grey or green?"
Dancia asked.
"Grey probably look there is only green at the bottom of her eyes Marlene replied.
"Hmm you are right.. Anyways Lady Naomi who is your patner?"
"I don't have one"
"No worries I was also nervous at my debut that I didn't have any patner and when the time came I eventually got a patner to dance" Marlene resurred me.
"Really you never told me about it I was also nervous at my debut" Dancia asked Marlene.
"You never asked" Marlene replied witha poker face like she was used to this kind of questions.
"Well then I am going to the balcony for fresh air."
"Okay ! See you later lady Naomi"
* * *
Naomi stood on the grand balcony, her delicate hands resting on the marble balustrade. The night was still, save for the soft whisper of the breeze. She had heard tales of the sea from travelers and read about it in her books, but nothing had prepared her for the sight that unfolded before her eyes.The vast expanse of the ocean stretched out endlessly. Moonlight danced upon the waves, creating a pathway of shimmering silver that led to the horizon. The moon itself hung low in the sky, a glowing sentinel, casting a gentle, ethereal light over the scene.
"It's so beautiful here" the wind caressed softly making the atmosphere more tender.
"H-hey"
Naomi turned around and saw a white haired boy standing. He was holding a handkerchief in his right hand.
"D-did you drop this ?"
"Ah- No I don't carry my handkerchiefs"
"Oh excuse me then"
". . ."
"I-i was wondering if you would like to dance with me and t-the last dance will start soon"
"Oh I would love to" Naomi beamed with joy and the boy slightly put down his head so she couldn't see his red ears.
"Then shall we go...?"
"Oh forgive my rudeness lady Naomi I am Alistair De Lucretius, son of Archduke Matias De Lucretius. I couldn't greet you personally due to my late arrival please excuse me for that. Then now shall we go?"
* * *
In the opulent ballroom of the palace, adorned with glistening crystal chandeliers, the air was alive with the sound of laughter and music. Amidst the swirl of nobles, two young heirs, found themselves reluctantly thrust into the spotlight. The boy, son of Matias De Lucretius, stood nervously by the edge of the dance floor, while the girl, daughter of Duke Emris Rue Rosales twirled effortlessly in the arms of her dance partner.
As the music swelled, a moment of serendipity brought the two together on the polished marble floor. With uncertain steps, they embarked on a dance, their youthful innocence evident in every stumble and shy smile. The boy, unknowingly, found himself drawn to her presence, his heart fluttering with a newfound admiration. Meanwhile, the girl, lost in the enchantment of the ball, danced with an effortless elegance, unaware of the silent stirrings of affection brewing within her companion.
In the hall lined with portraits of ancestors long past, noble ladies clad in ornate gowns of silk and satin observed the young pair's dance with keen interest. As the children of two powerful dukes took to the floor, whispers rippled through the assembly like a gentle breeze through the palace gardens.
With sharp eyes and critical gazes, the ladies assessed every movement, every glance exchanged between the young dancers. Some leaned in conspiratorially, their fans fluttering as they exchanged speculative murmurs, while others observed with stoic poise, masking their thoughts behind carefully practiced smiles.
As the dance unfolded, the young pair's every misstep and hesitant gesture did not escape the scrutiny of the assembled noblewomen. Behind their polite smiles and genteel manners lay a silent assessment of the children of two esteemed houses, their potential alliances, and the intricate web of politics that bound the realm together.
As the dance ended the sound of murmurs decreased and the young pair exchanged their last glance.
"You two looked so beautiful while dancing Lady Naomi. Everyone were just looking at you and lord Lucretius" Dancia beamed at Naomi.
"You guys danced well too! "
"But we were not in the centre of attention like you" Dancia whined and Naomi just gave her a awkward smile.
"Where is Marlene?"
"She returned as soon as the dance ended"
"I see-"
"L-lady Naomi I am sorry to interrupt your conversation but the duke asked for your presence" a maid secretly came behind Naomi and inform her.
"Well then I shall get going lady Allison I will be glad to meet you again"
"Yes ! And next time we meet you should call me by my name lady Naomi"
"As you wish lady Allison" Naomi giggled lightly and then the conversation was ended by Dancia's graceful bow.
* * *
"Where is father ?"
"The Duke requested the lady to sit and wait in this room"
"You can leave now" Naomi told the maid as she looked around the grand room.
The maid then bowed deeply and left the room.
The room was quite big with a small, round table draped with a fine lace cloth in the middle.
Naomi heard loud voices from the right of the room. She recognised that one of the voice belonged to her father. She got curious and left the grand room she was sitting in peeked inside the room from where the voices were coming. There she saw her father and a man sitting across her father.
The man was wearing fine clothes and was sitting in his seat with a quiet elegant posture. He had blone hair and green eyes which were the signs of royalty. It was clear to Naomi that this man was no other than the emperor.
"Your Majesty, I am deeply honored by your interest in my daughter. However, she is just a child, and the prospect of parting with her is one that grieves me immensely." The duke said tensely.
"I understand your sentiments, Duke. The bond between a father and his daughter is sacred. Yet, consider the immense honor this position would bestow upon her. She would reside within the imperial palace, amidst splendor and luxury."
" Majesty, while I do not doubt the grandeur of the palace or the prestige of such a position, I fear for her happiness and well-being. She is young and innocent, unaccustomed to the complexities and intrigues of the court."
" Your concern is noted, Duke. But rest assured, Naomi will be well cared for. Her every need will be met, and she will be shielded from the darker aspects of court life."
" Even so, Your Majesty, Naomi's heart may not lie in such a role. She has dreams and aspirations that extend beyond the palace walls." The duke sighed deeply but it seemed like it was no use in front of the emperor.
Naomi couldn't understand what were they talking about but she had gotten a feeling that it will not end up well.
" Duke, you must understand the gravity of my request. Refusing me is not a simple matter. It carries implications, both political and personal. However, I am a reasonable ruler and wish to see your family prosper." The emperor also didn't want to lose to the duke.
" Your Majesty, I have always served you loyally and have never faltered in my duties. I ask for your understanding in this matter. My daughter's future is of paramount importance to me." The duke said densely.
" And it is of importance to me as well, Duke. Which is why I am prepared to offer you something in return. Not only will your position as Duke be secured, but I will also bestow upon you wealth beyond your current means. Your estates will flourish, and your influence will grow." The emperor leaned forward in the hope of success.
The duke paused for a second the duke knew that this type of opportunity is only gotten a few times in life but he also can't gift his daughter as a concubine to the emperor just for wealth and fame.
"Your Majesty, such generosity is overwhelming. Yet, the decision weighs heavily upon my heart. Naomi is my flesh and blood..."
Naomi just silently watches their conversation.
"Duke, this alliance strengthens both our houses. Your daughter's elevation to the palace ensures the future stability and prosperity of your lineage. Think of the legacy you will leave behind." The emperor said softly.
The duke accepted his defeat after a long pause as he knew he can't let go this type of opportunity.
"If I consent, Your Majesty, it is with the hope that you will treat Naomi with the utmost kindness and respect. She deserves nothing less."
" You have my word, Duke. Naomi will be cherished and honored in my court. Your loyalty and sacrifice will not go unrecognized."
" Very well, Your Majesty. I accept your offer, for the sake of my family and our future. May the gods watch over Naomi and guide her path."
" Fa-father how could you.. " Naomi whispered to herself.
"You have made a wise decision, Duke. Our realms will be stronger for it. Rest assured, your loyalty will be rewarded, and Naomi will find her place within the palace." The emperor beamed at his victory.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I trust" with this the duke ended their conversation with a deep bow of respect.
As soon as their conversation ended Naomi ran from the place in the hope of comfort