My conscious self found herself back into my bedchamber before I could make any sense at all. However eccentric can a parenting like this be? One moment, the exchange is as pleasant to that of a caress on the cheek and then the next moment, the person in front of you starts shouting as if there life depends on it.
"ENOUGH!"
The voice shook me from deep within. Twenty-five years to this life and yet I fail to understand the thinking of my kin. What kind of relationship was this, where respect was given only one sided? They could insult and disrespect me like there was no tomorrow and I can't even defend myself. But at the end of the day, they're the monarchs. The royalty. No one could dare question them or their behavior. What further irritated me was how Willius had no regard for anyone at all. He could be the Crown Prince, or the future King of Asnovitch for all I cared but he lacked one thing as a person. Honor for others. None apart from the king was respected by his words. Even the Sister that once adore him in his tender age held no compassion for him anymore.
Thinking of Willius and his rash behavior towards everyone made me compare myself to him. We shared the same blood after all. That made me remember how I snapped at Clara viciously in the morning.
I looked at her, she was tending to my hair. "I wanted apologise about how my tone..." I stuttered a bit. "How my tone was in the morning."
She looked at me and smiled. "It is alright, Your Highness. I can never take ill mean of your words at all." I returned her smile.
"So?" She asked. "Do I get to know what the plan is atleast now?"
I returned my sight to the looking glass again. "He will not be aiding us anymore." I breathed. "And I think we should drop this madness as well. It's high time."
"Are you sure, Your Highness?" She said with concern.
"Yes. The King has shown me my place in this family. I'm supposed to be bejeweled into marriage and children. Even if he's thrice my age." I said, trying to hold the rising feeling in my throat still.
"Princess. This is-" Even she had her words stutter at this point. "This is highly unfair. You should reason it with the King or- or-"
"I do not have a say in it at all. However-" I blinked away a tear. "There are ladies who consider marriage their life's goal. I suppose it's not as bad. Alright, dress me up for the Duke of Dunwell. I have to catch his eye at today's ball."
———
Our steps halted infront of the grand entrance of the hall before us. This is where a ball, held by one of the esteemed members of the Ton is present. It was as magnificient as it could get. For it had being held by the Dunwell's themselves. The Duke and the Duchess had to shout out their fortune and prosperity in some way. Oh, I think i should not be speaking ill of my own family. Considering the fact that the Duke would be husband and the Duchess, my mother.
But for the moment at present, the Queen had a smile bigger than her face really. She so seemingly forgot our exchange from the hours of morning. I continue to fail to understand her mind's thinking.
"Alright." She started as she looked at me before entering. "We have to put what ever passed between us this morning behind and atleast pretend that we are happy and overjoyed to attend this Ball. I need you to understand that all that I'm doing is to help you. Have I made it clear?"
I pursed my lips as displeasure took dominance on my face. In normal consequences, I would have a sarcastic comment already adressed to her but I hadn't forgeotten my resolution that I took in the afternoon with all that emotion.
"Your words make sense." I said with a convincing voice. "I will be grateful of your aid henceforth."
The ballroom was a vision of elegance, bathed in the soft glow of candlelight that simmered from the grand chandeliers overhead. Glided mirrors lined the walls, doubling the light and giving the illusionof endless pace. The scent of fresh roses mingled with perfum and warm was, creating an air of quiet luxury.
Music drifted from a small orchestra tucked into a galeery above, the notes of a waltz or country dance rising and falling like a gentle breeze. Ladies floated across the floor in gowns of silk and tulle, their hair arranged in perfect curls, thier fans fluttering with subtle charm. Gentlemen in crisp coats and carefully tied cravats moved with practiced grace, offering their arms and bows with a touch of pride.
Along the edges of the room, chaperones kept watch while silver trays passed among the guests, offering champagne and sweet delicacies. Laughter mingled with soft conversation, some of it light and cheerful, some more hushed and full of meaning.
It was more than just social gathering- it was a stage for romance, ambition, and quiet intrgue. For many, the night held hope- of a dance that lingered, a glance that meant something more, or a future waiting to be claimed.
The beauty did manage lift up my spirits by a bit: I had to agree that the Duchess had done a fantastic job. Then again, I wasn't a very great source to ask about the expertise of arranging events.
Looking around at the decor of the massive hall, Victor's figure caught my focus who was standing on the other end of the room. It was clear that he wanted to approach and talk but I wanted none of his personality. My averted eyes and ignorance sent a message of no contact at all.
The Queen basically dragged me towards somehwere because I had stopped in my tracks. Her ladies-in-waiting tagged us from behind. My eyes reached the group of marriage minded Mamas that were standing in the extreme corner with glasses of burgundy in their hands, looking over at the crowd of young men and women conversing or dancing , clearly very proud of their effort.
And there she was the Duchess of Dunwell. Standing with a few women talking to her, as if they formed a cocoon around seeking for her attention. For she was the Mother of the most eligible bachelor of the season. They had so much to offer. A big estate, multiple properties, a few acres of land around the country and most importantly, the prettiest face of all the Gentlemen. What more could a young lady want?
But it seemed all of this wealth was not enough for them. Arranging for a courtship with the Princess of the nation clearly shouted that their voracity knew no bounds. For when me and the Queen came near her, she forgot every individual besides her and gave a low curtsy to the Queen.
"Your Royal Majesty" She started. "How fortunate I am that you accepted my invitation."
"Indeed. You have outdone many with such a ball, Your grace. This is wonderful."
"Not more than any that you hold, Your Majesty." She replied with a smile that reached to her ears.
The Queen turned to me. "My daughter, Princess Amber."
"Your grace." I bowed low. "Might I say, you gown catches every eye in the room. You look wondrous tonight." I said.
"Your Highness, you flatter me. Although, I have to say that your appearance today is lacking."
Her words took me back a little. "Apologies?" I asked.
"All you need is a Gentlemen by your side. By the mention of it, might I introduce my son? The Duke of Dunwell."
The moment she finished speaking. The supposed Duke had appeared by her side. He was very handsome, I had to oblige.
I bowed low at the prospect of my probable to-be-husband. As he set his eyes on me and smiled, the other women backed off into the background.
"My mother talked very highly of your beauty, Amber. I would say her words failed to achieve the reality. You are much beautiful."
I was shocked greatly at the choice of his words. Amber? Did he just call me by my first name? Excuse me, did formality just leave his dictionary? I might be a woman and undeserving of regard in his eyes but I was the Princess, wasn't I?
"Your grace. It's wonderful to make your acquaintance." I said to him with heavy words.
Before I knew it my dance card had his designation written on it and I was heading to the dance floor, my hands entangled into his.
While dancing to an exquisite country song, I was interviewed with multiple questions. Questions that were actually quite inappropriate for the present time.
"So tell me Amber, how many children do you want?" He asked.
I could barely hold myself back from narrowing my eyes due to irritation. Was this a question that a Gentleman asks in the first minutes of introduction? I could no longer imagine living a life with this type of a man. He certainly held no regard for women.
As much as his demeanor annoyed and encouraged me to get away from him, I had to say something offensive. You see, I was raised with the principle of 'Give what you got'.
He returned with a glass of lemonade that he had gone to fetch for me. The country song was about to end in a few seconds, so I steered the conversation into my hands. "I am not so thirsty, Your grace. Could we take to the floor and complete the dance?"
"Absolutely." He replied.
Upon reaching the dance floor, I looked a up at him with the stance that shouted my status. And my upcoming words would show him his.
"To continue our conversation, Patrick. How much of a number do you have in mind for children?"
He was beyond shocked at the mention of his first name. "Did you just call me by my given name?"
"Indeed, I did. Oh, I thought were hopping into first names quickly." I smiled. "You fail to acknowledge my status, why should I do yours?"
"I'm-" But I spoke over his words. "And when you inquire me about wanting children....you speak as though I have already accepted your non-existing proposal. I assure you, I have not and never will."
And saying so, I left his hand abruptly and stalked off the dance floor, much to the horror of the Queen and the Duchess who continued to watch us from the sidelines.
I had just gotten myself into neck deep trouble.
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