Kalix Noah's POV
I knew eyes were on us. I wonder if they liked and were mesmerized by the decorations that my wife made.
"You did, son?" mother asked.
I smiled and nodded. "I am, mother. She's been busy making this ball happen. This is the least I can do for my wife," I remarked.
My mother was happy to hear my explanation. My father coughs. Mother realizes the meaning of it, and so do I. I look at Kassandra.
"You must officially open the ball, my duchess," I mutter softly.
She looks at me with worried eyes. I smiled and turned her around. The guests were all looking at all of us.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to another celebration of the winter ball here in our kingdom. I hope everyone will enjoy everything that we will offer tonight."
"From the hearts of everyone here in the Moon Oceania region, let's all celebrate with smiles and peace," Kassandra added.
Her hands were shaking, but I held them and assured her that she was doing a great job. The king and queen led the round of applause. My mother suddenly held my wife's other hand.
"I am stealing her for the meantime," she says.
She drags my wife away from me and heads to the group of ladies. I think mom will brag about my wife to those women. My father laughs.
"Let her be. She's her first and official daughter-in-law. I hope Kassandra can keep up with your mother's energy," the father says. I sighed and ended up smiling.
"I hope so either, father," I replied. My brothers scoff.
I know they will try to mock me. "Everyone, I don't need stupid and unnecessary remarks. This is the first ball that your brother hosts. Behave," Father warns. I know they won't listen to him. I smiled at my father and spoke.
"You should speak with the other nobles, father. I know my elder brothers won't make any scenes that will ruin their reputation and the royal family," I stated. He sighed.
He gave us warning glances but stayed. Their partners left, and they dragged my younger sister, except for Leticia, who stayed by Lukas's side.
"You really spend a lot here, which is too stupid," big brother Gregory says. I simply smirked.
"Nope. My wife used her money. She's rich herself. She told me to use the money for our people, and spend lavish things will be in her pocket. She's really something," I proudly share. I know they won't believe it, but I care less about it. My dad was surprised by what I said.
"She did that? But you have your own salary, and she can use that. How would you even know?" big brother Lukas says, smirking devilishly.
I simply smirk and speak. "I trust her more than your words of doubt, big brother. Plus, she's not selfish. I bet she will pay for the dress that I bought for her," I whispered.
I look in her direction; she is holding her mother's arms and leaning her head while laughing softly.
"Stop this conversation. Let's all speak with our subordinates instead," royal father says.
I followed my father and decided to listen to him rather than my cowardly brothers, who wanted to brush their superiority in my face.
"Congratulations, your majesty. This ball was more than great! In my eyes, I am familiar with these flowers and decorations. The heart of Moon Oceania was expressed in this ball," Marquis Iroh stated. I smiled and raised my glass.
"Thanks to my wife's effort. She really wants to show off the beauty of this region," I simply answered.
I kept telling everyone that everything they saw at the party was because of Kassandra's efforts.
"You must be prouder of the first child-in-law you have, your highness," he says.
My father smiled. "I think my wife is the proudest of all."
I looked in the direction where my dad was looking. The gentlemen did the same thing. My wife and mother were smiling while talking with the older noble ladies, who were the same age as my mother.
"I can agree with that," a viscount remarked.
We all have chats with different noblemen and officers. We speak for the sake of the people, the kingdom, and politics alike.
It's my father who initiates making them speak about their families. My mother and wife were supposed to tell everyone that it was time for dinner when the door opened.
Everyone was stunned when a couple pushed a beautiful glass sculpture of me and my wife forward. It's not big. I think it's just three feet tall.
"Greetings to everyone!" Easton village mayor greeted.
I walk closer, and my wife meets me halfway. We are now standing in front of them. "What is this, village mayor?"
They both smiled. I didn't notice that their teenage son was also pushing the car. "From Easton, your majesty. We are giving this as a gift to our beloved grand duke and grand duchess. It's our gift for the winter celebration," he says.
My wife smiled at them. "Thank you, but... this is too much, and you guys don't have either. How's everyone anyway?" she asks.
The mayor and his wife told us that everyone was okay now. They also relayed their message of gratitude because of the food we gave them that they cooked for this holiday.
"I'm glad, then. There's a vacant table there. The three of you should stay and join us for dinner. It's almost midnight," I remarked.
They look hesitant. My wife grabbed the wrist of the village mayor. "I also cooked some of the dishes here. Come on," she gleefully stated.
I look at Enrique. They took the glass sculpture and placed it next to the main door. I turn around and look at everyone who is also stunned by that surprise.
"Again, everyone! Let's all celebrate this winter holiday with a smile, laughter, and food. It's time for us to eat!" I announced.
The servants start to move and serve the meals to every person at the table. The royal family has longer table.
My wife makes sure the design fits for each of us. I am also curious how she knew the utensils, napkins, and flowers to place in the middle.
Couples will only face each other. Of course, my father will sit on the chair that imposed her title as the head of the family. I look around and find my wife.
"Where did she go?" I whispered.
I look around to find her and bring her to our designated table. My forehead wrinkles. She's talking to that man! Daniel Argus! They are even laughing while talking to each other?!