Lilac sat quietly watching Mary and another maid bring in beautiful dresses into the room.
One by one , they carefully lined them on the clothes rack, waiting for Lilac to make a decision.
Regarding her request ,The Duke was a little hesitant, but in the end, he still agreed because he really didn't have a choice .
He couldn't afford to lose face in front of the royal family .
Outside in the main hall. Guests filled up every corner of the ballroom. The nobles had their sections , the socialites too, even the commoners of status were in attendance.
The Duke stood outside the hall, anxiously rubbing his hands together when his shadow guard, sir Illis quickly approached him.
" My Lord," he bowed
" How is it ? Is she ready ? " The Duke waved off pleasantries , his eyes sparkling with expectation.
" My Lord , everything is good , and yes , lady lilac is prepared. " Sir Illis reported.
" It's time," the Duke whispered under his breath as a small encouragement to himself before straightening his posture, raising his chin and entering the hall,
The party was in full swing, and upon his arrival, toasts came from all corners of the room congratulating him on the return of his daughter,
" My Lord Duke" a confident woman with a bright smile, walked over with a young man in a navy blue suit. She was baroness cynthia, a popular woman amongst the nobles. She held those balls that were always the talk of the town. She was the kind of person who could destroy someone's reputation just because she was bored.
"Greetings, Duke James." The young man greeted, flashing a bright smile that clearly showcased his dimples.
He was Sir Clinton, son of the Marquis Andrew of sarcai and soon to be marquis as his father Sir Andrew is frail and old
"Ah. Clinton, how do you do? " the Duke asked, looking around, seeming distracted, the baroness taking notice of his disinterest. Quietly brought Clinton away, murmuring pleasantries under her breads to the Duke .
" If this newfound daughter is not worth it , then don't bother to ask her for her first dance , " she said, looking back at the distraught Duke.
" His majesty , The King , Her Majesty , The Queen , and The Members of The Royal family have arrived . "
The Herald at the door shouted . With a booming sound , the doors of the ballroom were opened .
His majesty , King Maximus , entered the hall . His arms locked with his wife , Queen Victoria and behind them, all the five princes of Astrea marched in led by , Alexander the first Prince, Julian , the second Prince , Tristan , the third Prince , Darius , the fourth Prince and finally Callum , the fifth Prince , who was only ten years old .
The whole hall fell to their knees. The King walked up to the prepared seats , slowly taking a seat , and with that , the noisy clamour slowly returned to the hall .
" Your majesty , " the Duke bowed .
" Rise , It's a wonderful celebration ." King Maximus laughed , patting the Duke on his shoulder .
"I heard a lot of things about your daughter . " King Maximus suddenly said.
" I hope they are all good . Your majesty , " the Duke replied .
"Yes , yes , " King Maximus chuckled, then leaned over to whisper to the Queen .
Meanwhile, where the princes sat , Tristan, the Third Prince leaned over and said in a taunting voice , " First bro. Look , Miss Irene is in attendance . "
The First Prince Alexander sat quietly , an overwhelming aura surrounding him , his frosty blue eyes carefully watching Irene , the duchessse's first daughter who was chatting away with a few other noble ladies , his jaws taut .
" She does look like a goddess . Too bad she isn't from the brothel , I would be her first and only customer , " Darius smirked, looking over at Alexander , clearly trying to provoke him .
Tristan and Darius were really always at war with each other . But when it came to provoking Alexander, those two would immediately team up.
" Behave yourselves , " Julian chided . " Don't forget why we are here and Darius, please straighten your posture . " he said , smiling and waving at the ladies below .
The lights suddenly went out , the music stilled, and the large mahogany doors slowly rolled open. " Lady Lilac James Castrop," the Herald announced, and immediately , all eyes went to the doors , everyone waiting to see the great general's long-lost daughter .