Inside, the grand ballroom dazzled with opulence. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the sea of elegantly dressed nobles, their voices blending into a harmonious symphony of chatter. The scent of blooming jasmine wafted through the air, mingling with the delicious aromas from the banquet tables laden with delicacies.
As they entered, Cynthia was immediately swept into the current of revelry. As she and her father made their way deeper into the grand hall, guests greeted them warmly. She responded with polite nods and practiced smiles, her golden eyes scanning the room for familiar faces amidst the crowd of nobles.
"Ah, Lady Cynthia! You look positively radiant!" a voice called out. Cynthia turned to find Lady Alice Cunningham approaching. Alice, a tall woman with strawberry-blonde hair styled in loose waves, wore a stunning emerald-green gown that shimmered in the ballroom's soft lighting. The gown had a fitted bodice with delicate lace trimming along the neckline and long, sheer sleeves that exuded grace.
"Thank you, Lady Cunningham," Cynthia replied warmly, her dark wavy hair catching the light. Her black gown, simple yet elegant, hugged her figure, the flowing fabric adorned with intricate silver patterns. Her black gem pendant hung on a silver chain around her neck, adding to her mysterious beauty.
Excusing herself from her father and the group of noblemen he was conversing with, Cynthia linked arms with Alice as they moved deeper into the ballroom. The two approached a table of five, where the Vance twins and Lady Haley were seated, their faces bright with conversation over glasses of wine.
"Look who I found," Alice said, her excitement drawing the attention of the group.
Lady Viola Haley, a petite woman with raven-black hair swept into an elaborate updo, smiled warmly. She wore a soft lilac gown with fluttering sleeves and a jeweled belt cinched at her waist. "Lady Rochester, it's lovely to see you. Please, join us," she said, motioning toward an empty seat.
Cynthia and Alice took their places at the table. One of the Vance twins, Charlotte, a vivacious woman with fiery auburn hair and keen brown eyes, was the first to speak. She wore a deep burgundy gown, the neckline decorated with pearls that gave her an air of regal poise. "Lady Rochester, it is so rare to see you out and about due to your reclusive nature. I'm so happy you could attend the ball," she said in a joyful tone.
Cynthia smiled gently. "I'm making more of an effort to engage in public outings now, as part of my heir apparent training," she explained.
"Oh, I see! Well, I suppose we'll be sending you more invitations to our tea parties from now on," Charlotte replied with a playful smile.
Before the conversation could continue, the other Vance twin, Tianna, a sharp-featured woman with the same auburn hair cut shorter than her sister's, spoke up, her tone annoyed. "Oh, how absolutely wonderful. Viola, your fiancé is being an absolute philandering idiot again. Honestly, I don't know why your father agreed to this union when everyone knows about that moron's history," she said, glaring across the room.
Cynthia followed her gaze and saw Viola's fiancé, Kenneth, a tall yet slender man with lightly dark hair slicked back, laughing with a noblewoman who had long, platinum hair and wore a stunningly fitted blue dress.
Viola sighed and traced her finger around the rim of her wine glass. "Calm down, Tianna. When we're married, I'll manage," she said quietly, her voice almost detached.
Alice glanced toward Kenneth and rolled her eyes. "I don't know if I should be impressed or feel sorry for the poor fool. Everyone knows you don't flirt with the Marchioness Moores' daughter unless you have a death wish," she said condescendingly, while Charlotte and Tianna nodded in agreement.
Charlotte then turned to Viola, her expression a mixture of disbelief and concern. "But, Viola, whatever do you mean? It almost sounds as if you're not displeased with marrying that imbecile," she said, incredulous.
Viola sighed and met her friend's gaze. "Well, Father would never have agreed if it wasn't for my approval," she said calmly, causing shocked expressions to ripple across the table, except for Alice, who remained unfazed.
"Alice, the look on your face tells me you knew," Tianna said, sounding appalled.
Alice, dressed in her rich green gown, sighed and nodded. "I was just as surprised as you all when Viola told me a few days ago," she admitted.
Cynthia, her golden eyes thoughtful, leaned forward. "Viola, is there a particular reason why you want to marry Kenneth?" she asked, voicing what everyone else was thinking.
Viola hesitated, then gave a wistful smile. "As naive and foolish as it may sound, it's my genuine thought… I've liked Kenneth since we were children, back when he wasn't like this."
Charlotte, baffled, shook her head. "Viola, pull yourself together. It's understandable that you liked Kenneth back then, but he's a far cry from who he used to be," she said firmly, trying to break through her friend's nostalgia.
"Viola, what exactly is your grand plan to keep Kenneth in line?" Cynthia asked, glancing over at Kenneth and Marchioness Moore's daughter, who were engaged in a suspiciously close conversation.
"Well, for starters, he's undeniably handsome, so he'll give me beautiful children. And, let's not forget, he's been chasing after me for the last two years," Viola said, almost as if trying to convince herself.
Charlotte scoffed. "Kenneth? Sweetheart, Kenneth flirts with anything in a skirt and a decent-sized chest. I'm surprised he hasn't tried charming the palace maids."
Viola's expression dimmed. "Since the marriage was confirmed, though, he hasn't looked my way once."
The table went quiet for a brief moment, everyone processing the revelation.
"So that's his game," Tianna said with a sharp edge to her voice. "He's already got you locked down, Viola. Now, it's just a matter of waiting until he's bored and moves on to the next wide-eyed damsel."
"Honestly, Viola," she continued with barely concealed exasperation, "I don't see how you don't hate that man by now. If it's good looks you're after, why not consider Baron Saxon's son or, better yet, Duke Graham's?"
Charlotte smirked and added, "Of course, not that it matters, since everyone knows Young Duke Graham only has eyes for Lady Cynthia." She cast a knowing look in Cynthia's direction, but Cynthia calmly sipped her wine, her expression unreadable, as if the comment hadn't even registered.
"We're discussing Viola's situation, which is more pressing at the moment, Charlotte," Cynthia said smoothly, diverting the attention away.
"Mhm, no issues at all, Cynthia," Charlotte replied with a mischievous grin, clearly enjoying her teasing.
Viola, oblivious to the exchange, continued, "I don't plan on doing anything about Kenneth, to be honest. As long as I don't catch anything from him, which, trust me, I made sure he was tested before I agreed to anything, I'm fine."
Alice scoffed. "Well, of course, the bastard's clean. His father is the chief alchemist of the Brittannor Branch of the Alchemist Association. It'd be scandalous if it were otherwise."
Alice's gaze softened a bit as she added, "But you know, Viola, I still don't approve of you tying yourself to someone like him. You deserve better."
Viola offered a small, resigned smile. "Mhm, I know you don't approve. But this is my choice."
Before the conversation could continue, a voice echoed through the ballroom. "Presenting Her Majesty the Empress and Crown Princess Anne!"
Instantly, all the nobles turned their attention to the entrance as the grand announcement filled the air.
After the announcement, the atmosphere in the ballroom shifted dramatically. The crowd fell silent in anticipation, and all eyes turned toward the entrance. The Empress, adorned in her elegant gown, entered the room with an air of regality that commanded respect and admiration. Crown Princess Anne walked beside her, equally stunning in a gown that complemented her mother's attire, perhaps in a softer hue or with delicate embellishments, showcasing her youthful grace.
As they approached the center of the ballroom, a hushed murmur spread among the guests, their conversations shifting to discussions of royal appearances and the significance of this occasion celebrating a millennium of the Brittannor Empire.
The Empress paused to survey the crowd, her gaze sweeping over the assembly of nobles and dignitaries.
With a warm smile, she began to speak, her voice resonating through the hall. "Thank you for gathering here today to celebrate this momentous occasion with us. Your loyalty and dedication to our empire have made these thousand years possible, and together, we will continue to build a future of prosperity and unity."
As she spoke, Cynthia felt a mix of emotions. Being in the presence of the Empress reminded her of her own responsibilities and the expectations placed upon her as the heir apparent. She glanced at her friends, noting their expressions of awe and admiration.
Suddenly, her gaze caught on Kenneth, who lingered at the edge of the crowd. His eyes were locked onto her, and a flicker of confusion danced within her. Why was he looking at her so intently, especially when he was engaged to Viola? The thought lingered in her mind, but before she could dwell on it, the Empress concluded her speech. Applause filled the room, drawing her attention back to the moment.
As the crowd resumed its lively chatter, Charlotte leaned in and whispered playfully, "Alice, your fiancé is heading this way." She gestured toward the approaching figures, and when they all turned to look, they saw Young Duke Wilhelm Pendragon alongside Young Duke Darren Graham making their way through the throngs of nobles.
Young Duke Pendragon was striking, his silver eyes glinting like steel under the ballroom's soft glow, framed by neatly combed black hair. His air of confidence was matched by an easy smile that revealed his eagerness as he stepped toward Alice. Beside him, Young Duke Graham cut a contrasting figure, his blond hair tousled slightly, and his warm brown eyes flickered with a mix of shyness and charm.
"Good evening, ladies," Wilhelm greeted them with a polite bow. "I trust the night is treating you well?"
"We're doing fabulously this evening, Wilhelm," Tianna responded with a grin. "You're here to whisk Alice away for a dance, I presume?"
Wilhelm's smile widened, his gaze fixed on Alice. "Indeed, I am. May I have this dance, my dear Alice?"
"It would be my pleasure," Alice replied warmly, accepting his outstretched hand. Together, they moved gracefully toward the dance floor, leaving the others watching.
As Wilhelm and Alice disappeared into the sea of dancers, Young Duke Graham turned to Cynthia, offering his hand with a soft, hopeful smile. "Cynthia, may I have this dance?"
Cynthia met his gaze, noting the nervous excitement flickering behind his confident exterior. "Yes, I would be happy to," she replied, placing her hand in his. Together, they made their way to the center of the ballroom, the murmurs of onlookers fading as the music enveloped them.
As they began to sway in time with the melody, Darren hesitated before speaking, his voice low and sincere. "You know, I was worried you might reject my request."
Cynthia raised an eyebrow, glancing at him curiously. "Why would you think that, Young Duke?"
Darren chuckled softly, his expression sheepish yet earnest. "I know Warlocks... well, it's difficult for them to develop genuine attraction unless they're obsessed with something from the first moment they lay eyes on it. Liking you, well, I realize it might be more of an inconvenience than a compliment."
Before Cynthia could respond, Darren quickly added, "Please, call me Darren. I'd like that very much."
"Darren," Cynthia said, the name rolling easily off her tongue, "you seem to know quite a bit about Warlocks."
"Well," Darren admitted, "when I learned Ambassador Rochester was your father, I figured there was a strong chance you would follow that path. So, I did my research."
Cynthia smiled faintly. "You're right. It is difficult for me to handle strong interest, but I wouldn't say I find it annoying."
A glimmer of hope appeared in Darren's eyes. "Does that mean... I have your permission to pursue you more actively, Cynthia?"
Cynthia's lips curved into a playful smile. "You can try."
Darren beamed at her response, his steps lighter as they continued to move in sync with the music.
As the music faded, Cynthia and Darren bowed slightly to one another, offering polite thanks for the dance. Cynthia made her way to a nearby table, standing off to the side as she scanned the crowd for any sign of her father. Upon spotting him, she began to stroll over, but her path was intercepted by Crown Princess Anne.
"Cynthia, how are you enjoying the evening?" Princess Anne asked, her voice warm and friendly.
"It has been quite a leisurely experience," Cynthia replied, offering a smile. "I must say, Princess Anne, you look absolutely stunning in that dress."
"Why, thank you, Cynthia, dear. You also look simply amazing in your gown," the Princess responded with a gracious smile. Then, her tone grew curious as she added, "But it seems you were heading toward the Marquess just now. Are you already feeling weary of the ball?"
"Actually, tomorrow is my wand ceremony, and I would like to be well-rested. I plan to wake up early and be alert for the day ahead," Cynthia explained.
"Oh yes, I almost forgot! You'll be traveling to Lumenoth for the ceremony," Princess Anne said, her face lighting up with realization. "I wish you the best of luck, and while you're there, if you happen to see my bumbling older brother, do pass along my greetings." She smiled as she bid Cynthia a good evening.
After a polite farewell to the Crown Princess, Cynthia continued on her way and finally reached her father, who was engaged in conversation with Duke Graham and Duke Pendragon. She greeted them all politely before turning to her father.
"Father, I think I'd like to head home now, to make sure I'm well-prepared for tomorrow," she said softly.
Duke Graham raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What's happening tomorrow that requires you to leave the ball so early?" he asked.
"It's her wand ceremony tomorrow," her father, the Marquess, replied with a proud smile.
"Ah, of course! I nearly forgot it was tomorrow. Best of luck, my dear," Duke Graham said warmly.
"And I wish your father luck as well," Duke Pendragon added with a chuckle, "since he won't be able to attend. He's got that meeting with Her Majesty tomorrow."
The Marquess waved the jest away with a chuckle of his own. "I'll manage just fine. But since Cynthia is ready to leave, I'll take my leave now as well. I'll see you both tomorrow at the meeting."
With final goodbyes, the Marquess and Cynthia exited the ballroom and stepped out into the cool evening air. Their carriage awaited them, the coachman standing by.
"We're ready to head back," the Marquess directed.
"Understood, My Lord," the coachman replied, opening the door for them.
After settling into the plush seats of the carriage, they began their journey back to the estate, the gentle rocking of the vehicle lulling the night into a peaceful close.