"In the eyes of the elite"
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The grand hall of the Clyne Estate was filled with light and color, chandeliers casting glittering reflections across marble floors. Nobles dressed in their finest silks and jewels mingled, their voices a symphony of polite laughter and hushed gossip. Tonight was a historic moment—the rise of Noe Clyne as the new head of his house and his induction into the Council of Seven.
The only thing I could feel was sick to my stomach. Looking around I just couldn't put my thoughts together I had spent the past two night going over that dumb book and I can't seem to figure Theo out and right now These events are the last thing I want to be at, it's like a mockery of me for not inheriting the title first as the oldest. Well I just have to get through the night just breathe now you can do it. Holding my wine glass and gazing of into the distance to see everyone interact all the chatter mumbling together. Hearing snippets of their conversation I could make out it was mostly about social issues and other gossip I couldn't stand to hear. Looking up at the ceiling all the lights blurred together.
"Mr Clyne, you don't seem to be doing well what's wrong this is your party?"
A snickering voice came from behind me, it was ragen garnel the head for the garnel house and someone a former lover of mine. Wearing a knights uniform I didn't expect anything less from her, She looked at me up and down while waiting for my response.
"I'm fine, I'm just a bit tired with all this weeks events." I say taking a sip of wine. I needed something to numb the pain of this conversation. "And I told you to stop calling me by my last name, it's weird coming from you of all people" I mumbling at the end.
"Yea yea you know I'm just messing with you." she said patting me on the back rolling my eyes I push her hand away .
"Don't just stand in the corner the whole time you did the same at our graduation lighten up a bit." She said with a big smile on her face before grabbing my arm and dragging me a long to what seemed like a group of people.
The group consisted of 3 people, very familiar faces. Of course they were all together I guess they stayed buddy buddy even after high school.
"Ah, Noe it's nice to see you again" a timid voice broke through as I tugged my arm away from Ragen. It's was Mari a member of the Quinn house. Out of these 4 she was the one I disliked the least. As she said her greeting I looked behind her to see the other two bickering not that I cared. "Yes it good to see you too." Thinking of an excuse to leave I looked around just for the two bickering moments ago to spot me.
"Ah-! Noe it's been forever you totally went off the grid after graduation." Aidan rushed over to me, he was the most care free of us all and became the head of the Taylor house when we were all still in high school. He ruffled my hair making it look messy I swatted his hand away these people have always so touchy. Soon Julian followed behind pulling Aidan away from me, he looked up greeting me politely.
"Hello it's been awhile Noe." He said extending his had. I slowly shook his hand. Julian was the head of the Davis house he was pretty calm compared to the other 3 despite coming from a lively household.
"Yes it has nice to see you again." I pull my hand away looking at the 4 people in front of me my heart ached a bit seeing them it felt—
"Noe what are you doing standing here it's almost time for your speech!" A voice called out from behind making me freeze for a split second. I turn around.
"Apologies mother I was talking to—"
"We don't have time for this let's go."
She said dragging me by my arm towards the front of the room as I stood there I took a deep breath. This was it the final part of this 'celebration' and the start of his stupid plan not that Theo made this speech he just gave me some rough topics and told me write something 'boring' I'd say. I couldn't help but feel a pang of regret, I didn't want to be the one up here nor did I want to start this plan it feels rushed the timing, the goal, the process everything is slightly off maybe I'm too normal to understand this plan but it feels Like I'm not seeing something—
Shaking my head to focus I look up prepared to say my speech.
Ladies and gentlemen, honoured guests,
Tonight, we stand on the edge of a new chapter—not just for the Clyne household but, I believe, for this kingdom.
'I'd like to start off with a thank you for excepting me and showing me all this kindness though I take this position while morning that will not stop me from trying my absolute best for the people here and beyond.
Tradition is the thread that binds us, yet even the strongest thread frays with time. It is our duty to ensure the fabric of this kingdom does not unravel, not by clinging to what once was but by weaving something stronger—something better.
I do not take this role lightly. The path forward is not an easy one, but it is a necessary one. To those who stand with me tonight, I extend a promise: the Clyne name will not simply follow; it'll take action along with the rest of the households to follow in the footsteps to a greater future.
Thank you.'
And with my speech done I was now stuck on this stage forced to perform this revolutionary show. As my speech finished everyone clapped there eyes still glued to me as if waiting to see if I'd do or say anything else, I took my leave off the stage as people continued there chatter mostly about gossip or my speech. I headed for the exit as the hall slowly emptied. It'd be rude for me to leave so soon but I needed to get some rest for many things. Especially the meeting with y- the emperor.