Tales of love weave the most heart-fluttering stories of their love that went and travelled tongue to tongue of the valor of Lord Argentine and his love for the then-young maiden of Silva household . Word has it that the two of them met at an academy - The Royal Academy of Scholars , where the prestigious houses and most talented students , devout themselves in early years .
It produced most of the Empire's skilled craftsmen , honoured judges , lawful advocates , and off even to the devout Battle Generals. Lord Argentine - was a mere commoner who got into that academy with recommendation of Silva household's head - Lord Alexander Silva II - the wealthiest merchant household - forming a major portion of Royal Armed forces.
Lord Alexander Silva II had spotted the then-young Lord Argentine and mercifully took him under his own wing - teaching him swordsmanship with his own hand along with his daughter despite his busy schedule.
And at the ripe age of thirteen , he sent off both his students to The Royal Academy of Scholars - where his daughter excelled in Law and Combat while Lord Argentine came out to be the most eligible General , fighting alongside Emperor Stellar Sinclair , the Third alongside battles after graduating at age of twenty with sheer mastery and talent, helping in conquering The Volkan region of north.
It wasn't much of surprise when the Emperor , graced him with the Knight's Faction ownership or similarly when Lord Argentine - the most suitable bachelor in the Empire , who had it all through his sheer will and looks through striking handsomeness rejected all marriage proposal , to end up wedding Lady Martha Silva - the young maiden and childhood sweethearts.
The wedding was held in The Hall of Union , the hall of marriages only catering for hosting royal marriages and festivities.
All by the Emperor Sinclair's blessing himself .
And in that same hall , today after thirty years of their marriage another ball was to be held - The Coronation of Prince Dominick Sinclair- the second prince - since the first one is ailing and could hardly even bear intervene in state affairs without coughing up blood once or twice.
And so , The Council of Heart , decided it was high time the previous emperor abdicated to forge way for a new ruler. The Empire needs a new energy coursing through development and trade .
And thus a ball was hosted in the very same Hall of Union that stood testament of time , curating generations of grand celebration and pleasantries , holding countless tales buried in the walls of royalty.
Standing in that very ball was to-be-Duchess Lucas Argentine. A lady with beautiful , glossy , voluminous ashen hair with midnight blue shades , a skin as perfect as porcelain itself and eyes that could rival even the striking forests in their appeal. A breath of fresh air amidst that hall of elders engaging in pompous chivalry and youths busy in discussion of their losses and gains .
Well , she would have been a breath of fresh air , had she not been all over the newsletters . In every scandals.
"The To-Be Duchess caught in Hotel-Del-Valle , engaging in intimacy with wedded Duke Harold. " Dumbfucks , if only they knew he was the one begging to be dominated by her.
"Is Lady Lucas perhaps into harem culture ?" - yeah , I want a harem.
"Lady Lucas ! How could you demolish the slums just to have a private gathering ? - The public demands answers !!" - Goosemouths , go see what I did instead .
"Lady Lucas is the reason Duke Valent divorced his wife ?!"- Yes , she chose the wrong guy.
The media had its own fanbase of her , given how much money they made by selling her off - or atleast her reputation . She was a goldmine for the media personnel. Even her name would make people read and buy the entire newsletter.
And so as usual the Hall of Union was also swamped by gossips engaging the young lady in question .
"My My ! Such beauty . If only she wasn't rivaling the harlots …"
"Shh! She can hear you , you know ? "
Obviously those old quacks want me to hear it all . Dumb Fucks.She trades in truths as a beggar trades in gems—poorly, and with great exaggeration
She rolled her eyes while sipping on her wine , looking past the Ladies' gossip onto the coronation setup . She had been appointed as the Second Prince's personal advisor , with her raw talent about the Empire . Despite her reputation that prevailed behind her , she had undeniable talent and keen eye for Expansion and Ore Business - also the reason why her public image could not tear down the Argentine Duchy , whose major source of treasure came simply from mining business.
And not to mention Lord Argentine couldn't give two dimes on anybody's opinion on his daughter , so long as she does well for herself . His daughter was still a child , just playing around- well…just with some men sir.
But contrary to what one would expect that she was head over heels for a man with a functional pelvis , she was much interested in combat and ores . Well…the reputation part is just a little funtime for her and much more of the poor exaggeration of ladies interested in others bedchambers.
While it wasn't uncommon for the nobles to have secret affairs and valentines outside the bedchambers , surely women were still expected to be of virtuous and timid , kind attitude .And so her open display of her affairs caught everyone in a whirl.
Fuck those expectations , who cares.
The hall was decorated beautifully , Ahem…apart from the trash talking. Lillies and roses lined the entrance with red carpet on the beautiful tapestry of colors on the floor. A high throne at top for the princes and the emperor. The pillars were beautifully decorated with the finest satin twirled in vines , whereas the air smelled of delicacies and roses. The atmosphere was light - people highly interested in alliance and the new Sun.
Often at times like this , Lucas misses the late empress.
At an early age , she got introduced to the royal family , rightfully so. The Empress was the one who taught her about ores and combats . She was the Empress for others . But more than ever she was her teacher.
When she realized its her time to depart , she asked Lucas to take care of her two princes. She still remembers the day so vividly …
"Attention !!!" - she was forced out of her head with the drums rolling in as the Council of Heart paraded in with the Royal Family .
"The Emperor and the Princes are to be welcomed !"
"Attention !Get in stance Ladies and Gentlemen ! Await the Emperor !!"
Lucas quickly organised the Knights Faction and the Ministers .
"The Advisor of Evermore reporting Your Majesty !" - she kneeled down as the Emperor took his throne and the hall hushed down.
"Rise. How have my people been ?" - Emperor Sinclair was a kind man and cared deeply of his subjects . After his wife departed , unlike other nobles , he refused to marry . He preferred to live in the memories they made together than dwell in someone else's arms .
He was so depressed after his wife departure, that he drowned himself in work , occasionally visiting the academy and its events for Lucas and his sons under her care. He was a good man and father. The Coronation ball marked his first public appearance since then.
"The state affairs have been smooth , thanks to your grace , Your Majesty ." - Max Alessandro , the head of ministers reported curtly before taking his leave , as the party rolled in.
"The Knights , Salute ." - and with a single command from Lord Argentine , the knights unsheathed their swords , kneeling while upholding their sword , their head bowed in reverence to the Sun of the Empire. And then he proceeded to take his throne as the Archduke beside him .
"We welcome you your-
"Lucas Argentine "- the random noble trying to flatter His Majesty was curtly cut off by the Emperor smiling towards Lucas , wanting to say something.
"Yes …Your Majesty." - knowing full well what her uncle The Emperor and her father Lord Argentine - both glossy eyed , had been dying to ask.
"Have you -
"No , I haven't . I don't want to settle down just yet ." - she spoke hurriedly annoyed by them pestering her over settlement . She scurried off cutting their attempts to try and persuade her to dance with the available bachelors in the party .
"Our princess is all grown up ." - both the old men wiped tears of happiness.
Ha…..
So stupid .
Men were just to satisfy herself , why bother being tamed by one.
Why bother with feelings ?
She let her steps decide to take her to the garden , to draw in some fresh air , a break from all those pomp. The distant hall could even be heard from here. A soft music flowing through , and chatters and laughters could be heard far away.
She drew out a pack of cigars and untied her hair and the strangling tie as it hung low in her neck now , as she let loose a few buttons down her shirt rolling away her sleeves , taking a seat by the waterfall.
Lighting the cigar , she drew in a long puff and exhaled in peace as the starry night sky and moon offered her relief and company from the sophisticated setting of hall.
She closed her eyes for a brief moment , keeping her coat beside her , while removing her spectacles and drew in another puff of her cigar.
When she opened her eyes ,, she saw a man standing opposite her . Well defined jaws , a big frame with blonde hair and beautiful , haunting deep set red crimson eyes. His coat was hanging by his forearm , wrist-deep tucked in his dress pant pockets.
Both stayed silent for a moment . Gazing each other as the shadow of the man , hovered over her.
"You might wanna head inside Lady…Lucas." - the strangely handsome man broke the silence with a smile...very unsettling.