THE BALL
781 Words
Lilac sat quietly, watching as Mary and another maid carried beautiful dresses into the room.
One by one, they carefully arranged the gowns on the clothing rack, waiting for Lilac to make her choice.
Regarding her request, the duke had been hesitant at first. However, in the end, he agreed.
He truly had no other choice.
He could not afford to lose face in front of the royal family.
---
Meanwhile, in the main hall, guests filled every corner of the ballroom.
The nobles occupied their designated sections, the influential socialites gathered in their groups, and even commoners of high status had been invited to witness the grand occasion.
Outside the ballroom, the duke stood anxiously, rubbing his hands together.
His shadow guard, Sir Illis, quickly approached him.
"My lord."
He bowed respectfully.
"How is it? Is she ready?"
The duke waved away formalities, his eyes filled with anticipation.
"My lord, everything is prepared. Lady Lilac is ready," Sir Illis reported.
"It's time."
The duke whispered the words under his breath as if encouraging himself.
He straightened his posture, lifted his chin, and entered the ballroom.
---
The celebration was already in full swing.
As soon as the duke entered, greetings and congratulatory toasts came from every direction, praising him for the return of his long-lost daughter.
"My lord Duke."
A confident woman with a bright smile approached him, accompanied by a young man dressed in a navy blue suit.
She was Baroness Cynthia, a well-known figure among the nobles.
Her extravagant balls were always the subject of discussion throughout high society. She possessed the kind of influence that could ruin someone's reputation simply because she found them entertaining to target.
"Greetings, Duke James."
The young man beside her greeted with a charming smile, his dimples clearly visible.
He was Sir Clinton, the son of Marquis Andrew of Sarcai and the future marquis, as his aging and frail father was no longer capable of managing the family affairs.
"Ah, Clinton. How do you do?"
The duke replied politely, though his distracted gaze continued searching the room.
Baroness Cynthia immediately noticed his lack of attention.
With a knowing smile, she gently guided Clinton away while offering a few polite words to the duke.
"If this newly found daughter of the Duke is not worth the trouble," she said quietly, glancing back at the troubled duke, "then do not bother asking her for the first dance."
Before the duke could respond, a loud announcement echoed through the hall.
"His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen, and the members of the royal family Of Naria have arrived."
The herald's voice rang throughout the ballroom.
With a thunderous sound, the grand doors opened.
King Maximus entered first, his arm linked with Queen Victoria's.
Behind them marched the five princes of NARIA.
Leading them was Alexander, the First Prince.
Following him were 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 entire hall immediately fell silent.
Everyone dropped to their knees.
The king walked toward the prepared seats and slowly took his place.
Only then did the lively atmosphere begin to return.
"Your Majesty."
The duke bowed deeply.
"Rise," King Maximus said with a laugh, patting the duke's shoulder. "It is a wonderful celebration."
"I have heard many things about your daughter."
The duke stiffened slightly.
"I hope they are all good things, Your Majesty."
"Yes, yes," the king chuckled.
He then leaned toward the queen and whispered something quietly.
---
Meanwhile, among the princes, Tristan, the Third Prince, leaned closer to Alexander with a teasing smile.
"First brother, look. Miss Irene is here."
Alexander remained silent.
An overwhelming aura surrounded him as his frosty blue eyes rested on Irene, the duchess's eldest daughter, who was happily conversing with several noble ladies.
His jaw tightened slightly.
"She really does look like a goddess," Darius remarked with a smirk.
"Too bad she isn't from a brothel. Otherwise, I would gladly be her first and only customer."
He looked toward Alexander, clearly attempting to provoke him.
Tristan and Darius were always at odds with each other.
However, whenever it came to provoking Alexander, the two immediately became allies.
"Behave yourselves," Julian scolded.
"Do not forget why we are here. And Darius, please straighten your posture."
He smiled politely while waving toward the noble ladies below.
Suddenly, the lights went out.
The music stopped.
The entire ballroom fell into silence.
The large mahogany doors slowly opened.
"Lady Lilac James Castrop."
The herald's voice echoed throughout the hall.
Immediately, every gaze turned toward the entrance.
Everyone waited to see the legendary general's long-lost daughter.
- Writer
