The night of the grand ball had finally arrived, and the Pattons were ready to make their entrance. Olivia, accompanied by her mother, Mrs. Patton, descended the staircase, turning heads with their elegance and poise. Olivia's gown shimmered in the light, her hair styled perfectly, and her smile radiant.
As they entered the grand hall, they were greeted by the host, Lord Harrington, who formally introduced them to some lords, Lady Lydia Nagar from House Elderpharny, she was announced and she fashioned in shock but later settled it was her sister in-law, agape in Lady Nagar's eyes sparkled with interest as she greeted Mrs. Patton and Olivia. Mrs Patton well looked on in disgust, most disgusted by taking on her name. She must have known she'd be here.
It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Patton, Lady Nagar said, her voice warmed in sarcasm.
And your daughter, Olivia, is a vision of loveliness, more radiant than you once was or has hardship taken toil on your youth.. "Mrs Patton"
Olivia curtsied, her smile never wavering. Thank you, Lady Nagar. It's an honor to meet you, must ask what relationship you have with my mother formerly to speak so informally. Olivia ever so polite held aggrieved to how her mother was spoken to.
Lady Patton who fell solemn could only look on in pride for her daughter's defence.
After Lady Nagar left Olivia spoke to her mother silently.
Do not think I didn't notice the Harry since we came to the capital, you have allot of spilling to do mother, something you didn't tell us about your childhood, only takes of your love for father.
Drae, however, had other plans. After several formalities, she excused herself, feeling like a sore thumb among the nobility. She didn't know how to navigate the complex web of etiquette and protocol, and she felt overwhelmed.
As she slipped away from the ball, Drae spotted a figure across the room. She believed it was the cat-eyed knight something she had decided to point him out as when she had met him earlier, but he was wearing a mask, and his silver hair was tied back in a stylish straight length.
She thought their eyes met several times, but she shrugged it off as nonsense, given the distance between them.
The grand hall was packed, with nobles and lords seated on different paths, as if showing a power dynamic chain an invisible hierarchy.
The princess arrived two hours later, accompanied by her mother and other ladies, but the king and princes were nowhere to be seen.
Meanwhile, Olivia was in her element, charming several lords with her wit and beauty. Matt was enjoying himself, exploring the hall and talking to the castle's staff. Mr. Patton was engaged in conversation with some business associates, but he kept a watchful eye on his family.
As the night wore on, Olivia's popularity grew. She was approached by several suitors, and she handled herself with poise and confidence. Mrs. Patton beamed with pride, knowing that her daughter was making a good impression.
Drae, on the other hand, felt out of place. She didn't know how to dance, and she didn't know anyone. She wandered around the hall, trying to find something to do.
But as she turned a corner, she saw him again - the cat-eyed knight. This time, he was standing closer, and she could see the glint in his eye. She felt a shiver run down her spine as he caught her gaze.
For a moment, they just stared at each other, the music and laughter fading into the background. Drae felt like she was melting into his gaze, her heart pounding in her chest.
Then, suddenly, he nodded, and turned away, disappearing into the crowd. Drae was left standing there, feeling like she had been punched in the gut.
As she made her way back to the ball, Olivia caught her eye.
Drae, where have you been?" Olivia asked, her voice concerned.
You look like you've seen a ghost.
Drae shook her head, trying to compose herself.
Did you go climbing some pillars, why are curly ends protruding from your bun. Olivia stretched her hands arranging Drae's hair back in other.
I just needed some fresh air, she said, forcing a smile.
But Olivia wasn't fooled. She knew that something was bothering her sister, and she was determined to find out what it was.
Ok then, don't go finding Lord's troubles or climbing their backs and Drae you look gorgeous, your beautiful big brown eyes are wonderous, your dress compliments your shade, you're very beautiful, I must admit I am jealous Olivia said in a jest.
Drae almost fell for it but looking at the glint in her sister's eyes she rolled her eyes, Olivia had some many personalities but jealousy for a fair lady was out of it.
But I didn't lie D when I said you are gorgeous .
Thanksss.. and soon another noble took Olivia in conversation.
As the night wore on, Olivia continued to shine, charming the nobility with her wit and beauty. Mrs. Patton watched with pride, knowing that her daughter was making a good impression.
And Drae? She was lost in her own world, her mind consumed by the cat eyed man. She didn't know what to make of him, or why she felt so drawn to him, a weird encounter.
But one thing was certain she would not cook herself in this hall no matter what it took she must leave .
But the night is full of the unknown.
Drae couldn't take the ball anymore. The music, the laughter, the endless formalities - it all felt suffocating. She needed some fresh air, some space to clear her head. So, she made her escape, slipping out of the grand hall and into the castle's passageways as soon as she noticed one of the maids leave from a door by the darker lone side of the room, seems like that's the door the servants use to prevent unnecessary attention and quicker manuevering.
The passage was dark and eerie, the only light coming from the lit fountains that lined the walls. The water sparkled and danced, casting a mesmerizing glow over the stone floor. Drae felt a sense of peace wash over her as she walked, the sound of the water soothing her frazzled nerves. She raised her dress as her new shoes killed her, she attempted to remove it but remembered her mother's scolding. She strouted in freedom as the breeze played with the loose strands of her hair, a delightful sight it was.
As she strolled through the passage, she admired the beauty of the castle. The architecture was stunning, the intricate carvings and ornate details a testament to the skill of the craftsmen who had built it. Drae felt a sense of awe wash over her, her eyes drinking in the beauty of her surroundings.
But as she walked, she began to feel a sense of unease. She had been walking for a while, and she wasn't sure where she was. The passage seemed to stretch on forever, the darkness and silence making her feel isolated and alone but she preferred the serenity to choking environment.
Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her. She spun around, her heart racing, but there was no one there. She quickened her pace, afraid to turn back towards the hall her senses on high alert, as she remembered the tales from her neighbourhood.
That's when she saw him the cat-eyed man. He was standing in the shadows, his eyes gleaming in the dim light. Drae felt a shiver run down her spine as he stepped forward, his movements fluid and graceful, she nagged her self, instead of fleeing from a proposed danger she walked towards it, atlass this is how she dies.
Good evening, my lady, I didn't think you missed me this much to run directly to my arms he said, his voice low and smooth.
Seeing the look on her face, she stopped and smiled walking a few steps forward to her.
I only jest, see you're enjoying the castle's beauty.
Drae nodded, trying to play it cool.
Yes, it's stunning, she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
The man smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
I agree,he said.
Though I think you're even more stunning, such pretty eyes you have.
Drae felt a flush rise to her cheeks as he stepped closer, his eyes locked on hers. She knew she should be wary, but there was something about him that drew her in.
Just as she was about to respond he leaned forward caressing her face, looking at him he towered over her like a mountain and his eyes were mesmerising and she noticed now that he was without his mask and she could bet on her life he wasn't human, he looked to great to be human, and unblemished beauty, she rose her hands and caressed his face, he had plump lips, she couldn't make out the features on his face as the pillars cast shadows to his face, drown like the siren of the sea a voice called out from behind her and she snapped out of it, jerking to the side
Drae, what are you doing out here?
It was Olivia, her voice firm but concerned. Drae turned to see her sister standing in the passageway, her eyes narrowed.
"Olivia", Drae said, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment.
I was just...admiring the castle.
Olivia's eyes flicked to the silver haired man, and Drae could see the warning in her gaze, she didn't know who he was but seemed respected but it was very abominable to find a lady and man unchapareoned alone. She believed her sister was naive to aspect of men and as though she held her venom anger could be seen settled on her brows, he was disrespect to her sister and what where they doing so close to each other.
I think it's time we got back to the ball, Olivia said, her voice firm excuse us my lord , age curtsied about to pull her sister.
May I get the lady's name and Olivia anger skyrocketed, he was about to play her sister and he didn't even ask her name, she grew even more disgusted even with all the murmurs in the hall about her sister inappropriate manners he didn't atleast engage her name.
We are the Pattons Lord. You can formally known her name when your request a visit for her and for the first time he looked over Olivia and he thought either this family were probed audacious or they had little inkling to what lays in soil of their country and of course who he was, he was never announced and even as he stood atop the plaform alone in the hall they might just seen him a lone lord and it was such an engrossing lore he was interested in this name request.
My apologies ladies, I believe you must be in a hurry back to the ball.
Drae nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment. She knew Olivia was right, but she couldn't help feeling drawn to the mysterious stranger.
As they turned to leave, the cat eyed man bowed low.
It was a pleasure meeting you, my lady, he said, his eyes locked on Drae's.
I hope our paths cross again soon.
Drae felt a shiver run down her spine as she met his gaze, her heart racing with excitement. She knew she was in trouble, but she couldn't help feeling drawn to the handsome temptation.