Charlotte moved closer, her eyes fixated on the large coat Aurora draped had over her shoulders and upon reaching her, she removed the coat in a swift move but was instantly surprised by what she saw.
"Did you think I'll put on something else my lady?" Aurora arched a brow and the latter cleared her throat. "What can I say? You're very rebellious these days."
"You made me rebellious." Aurora spoke with a serious tone.
Charlotte knew well that she and Aurora had a ton of differences but right now was not the time to dive into that. "Let's go, shall we?" She spoke ignorinh Aurora's statement and began to make her way towards the front door, her velvet gown elegantly sweeping the floor from behind as she did so.
Aurora gazed at her mother's back as it slowly disappeared into the night, her palms clenched by her sides. 'We'll see if you can still maintain that stoic expression of yours after what I'll do tonight.'
"My lady, your coat." Tessendra spoke for behind, stretching forward her hand which had Aurora's coat in them. Even though the latter was freezing cold, she completely ignored Tessendra and walked out of the house.
Tessendra slowly lowered her head, her hands tightening around the coat and her eyes clogging up with tears. "If only you knew why my lady."
•••
The entire ride was rather very quiet, neither Aurora nor Lady Charlotte made any effort to talk to one another, instead both gazed out of the window on each sides, ignoring their existences and just watching the bustling streets.
Very soon, the carriage came to a halt and Aurora was immediately stunned by the sight infront of her. This was Calantha Manor.. one of the most magnificent building different sorts of parties all over Ashwood have been hosted in, very expensive parties in particular.
..Her parents won't waste any time spending on lavish parties, yet they refuse to pay for her studies, something that may actually be helpful.
"Shall we? Or do you want me to sweep you off your feet?" Lady Charlotte was already outside and by the latter's side of the carriage. Aurora didn't respond and instead tapped twice against the door and the footman from behind got down and gently opened it up for her.
With a small thud, she got down to her feet and faced her mother. "There'll be no need for that, I'm down already."
Lady Charlotte sighed. "Many important people will be here, governors and governesses, so please be at your best behaviour and keep aside any differences of ours. In society's eyes we're a happy family and a happy family we shall be, understood?"
Aurora smiled but it didn't reach her eyes. "You are the dutchess of Ashwood, both you and father were personally appointed by the King to rule over this territory, so why then are you afraid?"
"I am not afraid of anyone, I just want our reputation to be at its peak. Now, like I said earlier about behaviour, I hope that was understood?"
"Yes my lady."
Lady Charlotte arched her brow. "Here you'll call me mother, at home you may call me whatever you like, is that clear?"
Aurora nodded and Lady Charlotte finally walked into the manor, finally giving the latter some space to breathe, like how'd she put it.
After some moments, Aurora took in a deep breath before stepping onto the grand entrance of the prestigious Calantha Manor, as she entered, Aurora's eyes slightly widened in surprise, the interior seemed to be more stunning than the exterior, with a large diamond studded chandelier dangling elegantly from the ceiling.
Aurora's heels clicked against the marble floor as she made her way through the crowds, her red gown drawing admiring glances. She was nonetheless still furious that her mother had planned her debut without her consent but kept silent.
Despite her turmoil, Aurora's poise and grace commanded attention. She was a vision in red, her emerald eyes flashing like gemstones in the light. As she moved deeper into the manor, the whispers and stares followed her, admiring the nature of true beauty.
"You seem rather to serious, don't you think Lady Wynter?"
Aurora halted in her steps upon hearing a voice from behind, she turned around and was met with a handsome man clothed in neat clothes, his brown hair neatly swooped behind leaving a strand dangling from his head, Aurora creased her brows. "Why do you say so?"
The man smiled. "Today is your debute yet you seem like you've been dragged here against your will."
Aurora sighed but didn't bother elongating the conversation. She knew people in this kingdom were nosey, if she were to explain everything to this man, nonetheless his neat appearance, she's sure the news will spread like wild fire by tomorrow. "Have a good day my lord." She feigned a smile and was about to walk away but was suddenly stopped by the man.
"I didn't get your name my lady."
Aurora arched a brow. "Are you trying to flirt with me my lord or do you just have a poor memory? You do remember you just called me Lady Wynter some minutes ago?"
The man smirked. "I must say, you're quite feisty for a lady. I thought most ladies hardly talked to avoid getting themselves into trouble with a man, especially one of whom status you know nothing about."
Aurora creased her brows in annoyance and faced him fully. "You're saying because I'm a woman I cannot look you in the eye and speak because you're probably some wealthy man? Do realise you're currently standing before the daughter to the dutch of Ashwood?"
The man's smirk grew but he didn't say a word and just fixated his gaze on her beautiful emerald eyes. "I'm just saying you are interesting my lady."
"You–"
"Attention ladies and gentlemens!"
Charlotte's voice suddenly boomed throughout the large hall cutting Aurora mid way. "Before we move on to tonight's ceremony, I'm very honoured to have present here the King and Queen of our beautiful kingdom Everia!"
The entire hall immediately erupted with shouts and applause as the King and Queen of Everia made their way onto the space reserved especially for them.
"I would also be very much honoured to call forth the crown prince of Everia, Prince Arnold!"
The man beside Aurora suddenly turned and flashed her an awkward smile. "I didn't know my identity would be exposed so soon. I guess we'll talk later this evening my lady." He placed a soft kiss on the back of her palm before walking towards Charlotte, leaving Aurora rooted to a spot, her hand w
hich had just been kissed still hung mid-air.
"He is the.. crown prince?"