At the Royal Palace
A large, Magnificent ballroom had been Meticulously set up for what seemed to be a very important and high class event. The chandelier that dangles for the ceiling provided a little sparkle of light from one end of the room to the other, giving the room a feeling of being under a bright starry night, coupled with the scented candles around the room, adding to its already magnificent glow. The room is decorated tastefully with red and gold color which represents wealth, prosperity and good fortune.
The Masquerade ball is certainly a display of wealth, from the silver and gold cutlery to the stunning oil paintings and decorations of the hall. But that wasn't what caught one's eyes! Inside the ballroom were men and women, each wearing expensive clothes, jewelry and other accessories . The women's jewelry, earrings, bracelets and necklace altogether, lit up the room.
Anyone who caught a glimpse inside the room, immediately knew it was the gathering of all the Elites in the Empire from different fractions. This being a masquerade ball, each man and woman wore a mask, covering half of their face, adding more mystery to the already mysterious identity of the person inside.
Walking inside with her hand on a guard, this was the scene that Corvina was presented with, as the guard took his leave after escorting her inside. Her eyes were filled with amazement, no wonder the streets and stores were jam-packed with elite women. She was now extremely grateful that she had asked Floria to help her dress up tonight. Otherwise, she would have felt out of place, not that she didn't already do so.
She snapped out of her awestruck daze, when a young man in black Jacket came up to her, with a wine glass, he took the glass from a servant and gave one to Corvina, before taking one for himself.
"Thank you" She whispered, taking a small sip.
"My Lady seems unfamiliar with this type of parties, may I ask which clan my lady is from" He replied as a smirk formed on his lips.
As if realizing himself, he coughed and apologized
"Oh where are my manners…?" With a bow he introduced himself.
"I'm the young Viscount of the Athenian, Grey Estevan..! May I know my lady's name…?" Looking at him, one could tell that he is a dashing young man in his early twenties with red hair and golden eyes. And the tiger crest at the side of his jacket showing his identity.
Following her gaze, he noticed her eyes on his family crest and thought she doubted him, but he still kept that elegant smile on his face.
Realizing how rude she seemed, for staring at him. She quickly apologized and also bowed, introducing herself.
"I'm Corvina…"
"No Last name…?" His deep voice resounded, as Corvina wondered if she should make one up.
"Corvina…"
"Greetings everyone, from within the Empire and afar. Welcome to this talent ball, where the young ladies of different families will display their gifts and the victor will be rewarded personally by his Majesty the Emperor…! But first let's enjoy the party!" A man who seemed to be a member of the Royal family announced.
As he finished, the hall erupted in a loud applause.
Taking this announcement as a distraction, she hurriedly fled from the young Viscount of earlier as she could not think of a name that belonged to an aristocrat that wasn't at the ball.
Standing at the corner, she looked through the window. Observing all the carriages that kept coming as the lanterns decorated their pathway.
Sigh…!
'I feel so out of place, if only Floria had agreed to come with me' She silently thought to herself, enjoying the solitude and calmness of the place.
Everything changed in just a blink of an eye, the once graceful princess is now at the corner of the room. The once warm and familiar palace, is now a cold and dislocated place. A place she can't enter at will, a place she can't run around anymore.
Thinking of the past, she couldn't help but give a mocking smile.
"May I have this dance?"
A deep masculine sound sounded in her ears, and it sent shivers down her spine, and before she could react. The man had already taken her drink and given it to one of the maids that was attending to the guests.
He took her by her hand and guided her towards the dance floor where a few couples were already dancing.
He took one of her hands, and smoothly placed it on his lower back and held the other rin his hand. He then slipped his hands behind her and pulled her closer to him, leaving no gap between their bodies. Corvina's brain had stopped functioning at this point and she just moved on Instincts.
She was glad that her governess taught her how to dance back when she was younger. because she was interested and practiced to impress her parents. But she never would have thought that she would have to use it on a night like this, and again with a person she didn't even know.
Her heart was beating loudly, she couldn't help but feel tense. She was dancing with him smoothly and following his lead, and she knew she shouldn't be amazed. but, she was even more uncomfortable. He was just so good, the way he moved smoothly, the timing of his every movement, he was extremely elegant, even she could tell that his movement could be formed from constant training from a young age. He was noticeably elegant, adding to it a slight hint of arrogance that was probably drilled into him from birth with the charming smirk on his face. Despite the masks, it didn't hide his good look, however, it made one unable to look away.
Everyone's eyes were on the charming couple at the center of the dance floor not missing a single move as they swirled around in each other's arms.
"You must be Corvina right…?"