In the hallowed halls of the Rävkan duchy, where morning dew clung to the petals of roses and the air hummed with whispered secrets, Lady Aelara's life unfolded. The world saw her as the sole heir, her days filled with genteel pursuits—tea in the pavilion, delicate brushstrokes on canvas, and the graceful dance of courtly manners. But beneath the facade lay a different truth.
Aelara was a creature of the night. When the sun dipped below the horizon, she shed her silk gloves and slipped into the shadows. Moonlight bathed her as she wandered the palace gardens, her laughter mingling with the rustle of leaves. Her days were not spent in idle leisure; instead, she sparred with fellow knights, the clash of steel echoing through the training grounds.
And then, fate wove its cruel tapestry. In the opulent ballroom, where chandeliers dripped crystal tears and the scent of roses masked hidden desires, Aelara collided with her childhood rival—the enigmatic Grand Duke of Edenburh. Her cheeks aflame, she blurted his name, "Ehliot," and reached for him, hoping for recognition. But his eyes, icy and unreadable, pierced her soul. "Who are you?" he demanded, sending shivers down her spine. Fate, it seemed, reveled in both making and breaking her.
"Miss, we are not well acquainted. I suggest you show some respect when addressing me and refrain from using my name so casually," he said, his voice stern and cold, echoing through the ballroom and catching everyone's attention. The room buzzed with murmurs.
Not wanting her to be humiliated, the Duke grabbed her wrist and led her to the balcony. "This should calm the ruckus," he muttered to himself, leaving her confused and embarrassed.
"He doesn't recognize me, huh?" she thought, poking her head. "What was I expecting? It's been nine years since we last saw each other," she said to herself, looking out at the moon with a sad sigh. "No, I won't let him spoil my mood today," she resolved, lifting her spirits. "I only came to the ball because Father asked me to." With newfound determination, she whispered to herself, "Tonight, just drink and have fun."
Reinvigorated, she stepped back inside, confidence radiating from her.
"Well, if it isn't Lady Aelara Rävkan," a voice called out. A young lady in a lavish pink gown, with golden locks and striking red eyes, approached Aelara. "Golden locks, red bloody eyes… oh, and you are…?" Aelara's voice dripped with mockery, echoing through the grand hall.
The ballroom was a spectacle of opulence, with crystal chandeliers casting a warm, golden glow over the marble floors. Guests in elaborate gowns and tailored suits mingled, their laughter and chatter creating a symphony of aristocratic elegance. The air was thick with the scent of roses and expensive perfumes, mingling with the faint aroma of the evening's feast.
"Miss, if there isn't anything you need, I'll be going then," Aelara stated, her tone curt as she turned to leave, her heels clicking sharply against the polished floor.
"Lady Aelara Rävkan," the young lady called out, her voice cutting through the ambient noise like a blade . She spun Aelara around to face her, a predatory gleam in her eyes. With a deliberate motion, she tipped her glass, spilling rich, red wine onto Aelara's pristine white gown. The liquid spread like a stain of blood, stark against the fabric.
She offered a sly smile, murmured an insincere apology, and turned away, her minions trailing behind her like shadows.You think you can get away with that?" she whispered to herself. With a flick of her index finger, the young lady with golden locks collided with a maid serving wine. The red liquid splashed all over her, drawing the attention of the nobles, who began to gossip amongst themselves. Aelara chuckled softly. "No must know I possess divine powers," she mused, chuckling again. "I must keep it hidden, to avoid being taken to the temple in the north. Lady Tjäna Reïmousah, you think you can mess with me?" she laughed inwardly.
Suddenly, she felt a piercing gaze behind her. Turning around, she saw the Grand Duke staring at her, his eyes filled with curiosity and wariness. "Hmph, you said you don't remember me, and now you're staring," she muttered, before dashing out of the ballroom and into the garden. She leaned against a marble statue, trying to steady her breath.Suddenly, a rustling sound broke the silence. Aelara tensed, her hand instinctively reaching for the small dagger hidden in her gown. From the shadows emerged a figure, cloaked in darkness. "Who's there?" she demanded, her voice steady and cold. The figure stepped forward, revealing a familiar face. It was Lady Tjäna Reïmousah, her expression a mix of anger and curiosity. "I know what you did," she hissed, her eyes narrowing. Tjäna's voice trembled with fury, her eyes blazing as she spat out, "You think you can disgrace me in public and get away with it?"
Aelara, unfazed and calm, raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about? You were the one who clumsily bumped into the maid. You tarnished your own reputation, so why acuse me?," she said, her tone laced with a hint of amusement.
Ehliot stood on the balcony, a smirk playing on his lips as he watched the heated exchange below. He seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the spectacle of their little catfight, his eyes gleaming with interest.