It took me a long while to fall asleep again, and just as I began to drift into a deep rest, Maria and the other maids burst into my chamber, swarming about in great haste.
"Wake up, my lady, we have much to do," Maria said, drawing open the curtains.
"Maria… please, just ten minutes more," I murmured, pulling the covers over my head.
"Come now, we are already an hour behind," she said, tugging the blanket away. I groaned in protest.
"What hour is it?" I asked, squinting against the bright morning sun.
"It is eight," Maria replied.
"Eight? There are still twelve hours until the ball—" I began, but then I remembered the tea party and how long it had taken to prepare. This was a grand ball; it would be far worse.
"Very well," I sighed. "What must we do first?"
"It is best that you eat now, my lady," Maria said. "Later, you shall have no time, and we would not have you feeling unwell before the ball. We have brought you a light breakfast."
It consisted of a boiled egg, a slice of toast, and some grapes. I held back my tears and ate after washing my face. It was most unfortunate to have lost sleep on such a day.
They began by applying a strange paste to my face—different from the one used for the tea party—while I soaked in a bath filled with oils and herbs.
Luna gently massaged my shoulders, and before I knew it, I had fallen asleep.
I woke with a start as they began removing the paste.
"Did you not sleep well, my lady?" Luna asked.
"No… to my misfortune," I replied.
They scrubbed my skin, washed my hair, and trimmed the ends to keep it neat. I believe they applied rosemary oil afterward. My nails were also carefully tended.
They were far more excited—far more frantic—than they had been for the tea party.
At last, we were finished. They allowed me a short rest, during which I slept again, though I remained drowsy throughout.
When I looked at myself at last, I was taken aback.
I looked… beautiful.
The gown fit me perfectly—deep indigo, like the night sky, with faint shimmer upon the skirt.
My skin appeared pale beside it, and my hair was styled into a simple low bun.
A modest sapphire necklace rested upon my chest, chosen, no doubt, for my youth.
From the same set, they placed a delicate comb adorned with small sapphires in my hair.
Henry came to escort me, and when he saw me, he stood in quiet astonishment.
"Do I look beautiful, Henry?" I asked, turning lightly.
"Yes… you do," he answered, still in a daze.
I took his hand, and we went downstairs together. The duke was waiting by the entrance, and when his eyes fell upon me, they gleamed.
"Aria, my dear, you look stunning. This colour suits you very well," he said, taking me from Henry and leading me to the carriage. He seated me beside him.
The palace was but half an hour away.
Though it was night, the grounds shone with light. Lanterns lined the gardens, illuminating countless flowers, and a lake could be seen glimmering at the side.
I imagined it must be even more beautiful by day.
We entered the palace, attendants guiding us toward the grand hall.
The interior was magnificent—white and gold throughout. The corridor leading to the hall was adorned with portraits of the royal family, from the first king to the present, each with their queen. The frames were of fine wood, gilded richly.
At last, we reached great white-and-gold doors. Though open, heavy red curtains concealed the entrance.
Two men stood guard. One stepped forward and announced:
"Duke Christopher Castille, Sir Henry Castille, and Lady Aria Castille."
The curtains parted.
As we entered, I was struck with awe.
The hall was vast, with high ceilings and grand golden chandeliers. White marble floors gleamed beneath our feet, and tall columns, adorned with gold, lined the space.
Behind the throne hung the royal banner—the Eastlake symbol: a golden sword encircled by red flowers.
Soft music played from musicians in the corner. Tables were arranged along the sides, leaving a wide space in the center for dancing.
All eyes turned toward us as we ascended the steps.
Nobles hurried forward to greet the duke, their flattery thinly veiled.
"Is this your daughter, my lord?" asked a round-bellied man, his hair carefully arranged to conceal his baldness.
"Yes," the duke replied with pride. "This is my youngest child, Aria Castille. Go on, my dear, greet Baron Led."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Led," I said, curtsying.
"She is both beautiful and well-mannered," the baron said with a laugh.
More and more people came, eager to see the duke's newly adopted daughter. At the same time, ladies gathered around Henry, introducing their daughters and vying for his attention.
The crowd began to suffocate me.
Henry noticed and excused himself.
"I beg your pardon, ladies, but my first dance shall be with my sister."
He led me to the dance floor.
As we began, I said lightly, "All the young ladies are watching you, Henry. They must wish to take my place."
He said nothing, so I continued, "Have you not found anyone to your liking? You are certainly of an age to marry."
"Women are troublesome," he replied.
I raised a brow. "You do recall that I am a woman, do you not? Are you calling me troublesome?"
He looked flustered. "No—that is not what I meant. You are my sister, and—"
I laughed. "Henry, I am teasing you."
He blushed faintly, then smiled. "You see? Women are troublesome."
"Oh, indeed? Men are no better," I replied, and we both laughed.
When the dance ended, Henry said he would fetch us something to drink.
As I stood waiting, I felt uneasy beneath the stares of several men, who seemed to debate whether they dared approach me.
Just then, Caroline came rushing toward me, nearly squealing with delight.
"Aria! I am so happy to see you again—you look beautiful!"
She was like a ray of sunshine, ever bright and cheerful.
"Hello, Caroline. I am glad to see you as well. You look lovely," I said.
She wore a pale pink gown with golden embroidery, her hair left down in soft curls.
Johannes followed, complaining, "Caroline, must you run about so much? Stay still for once— Oh! Lady Aria, it is a pleasure. You look absolutely stunning."
Caroline slapped his hand as he tried to take mine.
"Do not begin flirting with my friends—it is dreadful!"
"I am not flirting," he protested. "When one sees beauty, one must admire it. Is that not so, Lady Aria?"
These siblings were most amusing. I could not help but laugh.
"You have company, Aria," Henry said, returning with a glass of wine for himself and apple juice for me.
"Ah, Henry! It has been too long," Johannes said.
"Yes, good evening, Johannes. Lady Caroline."
"We studied at the same academy," Johannes explained. "Though I have not seen him in quite some time. Luke and Sam are here as well."
Before Henry could respond, Caroline seized my hand.
"Come, Aria. Let us leave the gentlemen and join the others. All the girls are here."
I glanced at Henry with an apologetic smile.
"I shall see you later, Henry."
"Enjoy yourself, Aria," he said warmly.
Just then, another announcement rang through the hall:
"The Northern Chancellor, James Alden, and his grandson, Sir Aaron Alden."