Chapter 109- Debutante (1)
(DUKE WINTER'S P.O.V)
It was around 9:00 pm, when the ballroom began to fill up with numerous noblemen and noblewomen. As guests continued to walk into the ballroom. Many of them caught my attention as they were either in the noble faction or the aristocratic faction.
I could hear some of them muttering amongst themselves as they were expressing their interests in Sage and their curiosity for Rosemary.
"Thank you for the invitation, Duke Winter," one of the noblemen said as he greeted me and we shook hands.
I was making my way to my seat as the music started to play.
There was still a little time until Sage and Rosemary debuted. The first half of the debutante was going to involve the young noblewomen of the supporting families that worked under Prince Morgan, Duke Pordigase and I. They were going to have their first dance with their escorts. While the second half was going to be Sage and Rosemary's debut into society, followed by Sage's succession ceremony and she was going to have her first dance with Moises.
While walking towards Mary and I designated seats. I heard the announcer as he started to call out the young noble lady's name.
"Lady Chloé Katsura and Duke Nashi Synovial", the announcer called out.
I watched as young Duke Nashi escorted Lady Chloé down the stairs and onto the dance floor. Right afterwards, Lady Victoria and her knight were called as they walked down the stairs and onto the dance floor as well.
While watching the young noblewomen dance with their partners. I instantly turned my head towards the door of the ballroom, when the name that was being announced immediately caught my attention.
"Now presenting, Crown Prince Marshall Vanuatu and Princess Sarah Vanuatu."
I watched as that bastard walked into the ballroom. A few seconds later, he walked towards the seating for the royal family, where Morgan and Sylvia, and Kalia were sitting, just a few yards away from Mary and I.
(PRINCE MORGAN'S P.O.V)
While Sylvia and I were enjoying the event, my mood suddenly changed after hearing Marshall's name. I turned my head in his direction and he walked over to the section for the royal family.
I was expecting him to bring along Count Livens, but to my surprise Count Livens hasn't shown up yet.
"You don't have to make such an annoyed expression", Marshall said as he sat a few meters away from Sylvia and I.
I slightly turned my head back into his direction and watched as he smirked.
"Relax, I'm only here to see our dear big brother and his family.",Marshall said, as he was looking towards the dance floor.
I wanted to ball my fist up but suddenly, I felt Sylvia placing her hand on the top of my hand. I felt myself calming down and turned my head towards the dance floor.
"Father will be arriving soon", Marshall said.
(NATHAN'S P.O.V)
It had been over an hour since the debutante started. It was almost time for the girls to make their appearances. While patrolling around the ballroom with one of Masiro's squad members. I could hear the negative remarks some of the noblemen were saying about Sage.
"How could Duke Winter entrust a young girl with such an important position? She should get married and let her husband take over the position" I heard an older man say as I walked past him.
I could hear that many of them weren't in favor of Sage being in charge of the kingdom's main military defenses, since that was the power of the Winter Dukedom.
Suddenly, I heard something that caught my attention.
"If she takes after Queen Malaysia and Prince Moises, she'll make a great General" a noblewoman suddenly said, she was dressed elegantly as she approached the group of noblemen, which caused them to scatter. "This kingdom is filled with such misogynistic assholes," she said, as she took a sip of the glass of wine that she held in her right hand.
I turned my head towards the entrance of the ballroom when I heard the loud trumpet sounds.
"Presenting, His Majesty, King Lincoln Vanuatu and her Majesty, Queen Malaysia Vanuatu".
I watched as King Lincoln and Queen Malaysia walked into the ballroom. A few moments later, they walked towards the section for the royal family and they sat in between Prince Morgan and Prince Marshall.
Suddenly, the trumpets started to blow again and I watched as everyone's heads turned in the direction of the door as Sage's and Rosemary's names were being announced.
(NASHI'S P.O.V)
After dancing with Lady Chloé, we made our way towards our table alongside my father, Sylvester, Countess Katsura and Count Katsura.
"Young Duke, you seemed very distracted the whole time we were on the dance floor.", I heard Lady Chloé say in an upset tone as we sat down in our seats.
"I wasn't distracted", I replied. How annoying, I thought.
Before I could say anything else, one of the noblemen and his wife walked over to our table.
"Congratulations on the engagement between the Synovial Dukedom and Katsura County, thank you for the invitation.", the noblewoman said as she greeted Lady Chloé.
"Thank you", Lady Chloé said as she and the noblewoman began to talk to each other.
I turned my head towards the nobleman after hearing what he said.
"I heard Prince Moises' daughter, Princess Sage is a beauty," he said, " Too bad I'm married",he added with a smirk on his face.
What the hell is he implying, how dare he have Sage's name in his mouth. I grit my teeth and I gripped the glass of wine.
"Duke Synovial", I heard Lady Chloé say and turned in her direction and noticed she was frowning.
Right, I have to protect my dukedom, I mumbled to myself.
Suddenly, the trumpets started to blow and I turned my head in the direction of the door. As the door opened, my heart dropped as Sage walked into the ballroom with Crown Prince Antonio of the Kalpana Kingdom.
"Sage" I mumbled to myself.
(CROWN PRINCE ANTONIO'S P.O.V)
I was standing at the bottom of the staircase looking upwards, as Princess Sage and her sister Princess Rosemary walked down the stairs in their debutante dresses.
At that moment, I wanted to rush up the stairs and carry her into my arms.
"Sage, Rosemary, you both look so beautiful", I heard Prince Moises and Lady Natalie say as they embraced Princess Sage and Princess Rosemary, as they reached the first floor.
"Princess Sage, Princess Rosemary, it's time for you two to make your debut", Hannah said as she walked into the area we were standing in.
I watched as Princess Sage turned towards me. I walked over and lifted up her right hand and kissed it.
"You look gorgeous, Princess", I said, as I lifted my head up.
From her expression, I could tell she wanted to know why I was wearing the same colors as her dress. I leaned against her right ear.
"It's a secret", I whispered.
"How did you.." She was about to say, until I kissed her right cheek, causing her to blush a little as she became speechless.
I chuckled as she shyly turned away.
I lifted my right arm up, "Shall we, Princess", I said.
I watched a small smile form on her face as she placed her left arm in between mine.
We walked through the castle towards the area of the ballroom. As we walked in front of the door, I leaned towards Princess Sage's ear again.
"Princess Sage", I whispered. "Although, you haven't given me an answer yet. Forgive me, for my lack of patience.", I added.
"What do you.." She was suddenly interrupted as the trumpets started to blow and the announcer started to call her and Princess Rosemary's name.
As the door opened, "Presenting Princess Rosemary Winter and Young Duchess of the Winter Dukedom and Crown Princess of the Kalpana Kingdom, Princess Sage Winter". The announcer said and I watched as Princess Sage quickly turned her head towards me with a shocked expression.
"Now then", I said, as I began to escort her down the stairs "Let's see who has the guts to disrespect my Crown Princess, while I am here."