Jackson Ravine adjusted the collar of his new suit. The expensive silk felt luxurious to the touch yet it did little to improve the yellow tinge that lingered on his face. He had a lack of power about him that made him seem almost fragile. He had a pallid face and a gaunt thin body that had lost its little bulk covering up the wounds of many years of illness. Even though his eyes had a touch of yellow that radiated as he scanned the ornate decorations in the hall that he was entering, he had a regal nuance with his short black hair and sharp features.
"Today…" Jackson muttered under his breath, feeling a mix of dread and anticipation. Today was the day he would be officially engaged to the eldest daughter of the Staler family.
The family hall of the Ravines had been luxuriously decorated hall with red silk banners were draped from the ceiling and glinted in the afternoon sun like gold. Servants were in quiet rush, ran around placing flowers on the tables, adjusting the ceremonial table, and checking on everything were placed is perfectly. Jackson was struck by the beauty of the decorations but just felt like an interloper, a shadow among all the pleasure.
One of the family servants bowed courteously and remarked, "You look ready, Young Master Jackson. The guests will show up at any time."
Jackson nodded jerkily, unable to bring himself to speak. He had never been comfortable in a social situation, and today, amongst noble families and various important peoples, his discomfort was worse. Every set of eyes would be on him to scrutinize him, just like they would probably scrutinize his weak frame...or his pale complexion.
Finally, the doors of the hall were opened and Jackson descended the grand staircase. The murmurs began immediately.
"Is that… Jackson Ravine?" whispered one guest.
"I heard he's always been sickly. How could the Ravine family choose him for an engagement?" said another, shaking their head.
Jackson's steps hesitated slightly as he felt the weight of a hundred eyes on him. No one spoke a word of encouragement to him and no one greeted him with a smile. Instead they whispered and stares followed him down the walkway.
At last, he arrived at the hall's central position where the ceremonial table had been placed. Anxiety knotted him up inside but he bowed his head courteously. The hush around him was intermittent with the sound of conversations and whispers.
"They really are a mismatch," someone muttered. "A weak boy like him, and Callista—she's perfect in every way."
Callista Staler's name made Jackson's heart race, though not in excitement. It was a reminder of the unreasonable expectations friendly had placed upon him.
Then, the door at the end of the hall creaked open and she walked out from there. Every head turned to see her and the hall almost seemed to turn brighter with her presence.
Callista Staler, the oldest daughter of the Staler family, was sixteen years old and her beauty was hard not to notice. She entered the hall with poise, her white dress streaming behind her, looking like a river of snow. Her long black hair shone with a bright sheen, glistening with the sunlight from the stained glass windows, and her red eyes were glowing with an almost supernatural brightness. She held her head up high, a confident and charming young lady.
"Callista looks so… perfect she should have to marry as perfect as her, not someone trash." a noble whispered, unable to hide their admiration.
Jackson felt a sharp contrast between them he couldn't resist from staring at her. She was energy and grace shining brightly; he felt like a sick shadow next to a well of brightness. His sick yellow-gold eyes met hers only for an instant and although she raised a questioning glance at him, there was still no warmth, no recognition.
"Jackson Ravine," announced the master of ceremonies loudly, "today marks the engagement between the Ravine and Staler families. Let us witness the joining of these two noble houses."
Jackson gave a shotty bow of his head and hoping no one would notice his fearful shaking hands. He could feel each pair of eyes appraising him and whispering about his cowardice.
Callista stopped just a few paces away, staring at him. She had a small, almost sweet smile, though it did not reach her eyes.
"Are you Jackson Ravine?" she asked him, her tone was containing no adjectives in a clear and exact voice as if testing him.
Jackson responded quietly, "Yes." His voice barely audible in the large hall.
"Interesting," she said softly, tilting her head slightly. "I've heard a lot about you."
Jackson swallowed hard. "I… I hope to live up to the expectations of our families."
Her smile widened slightly on her face. "Expectations are easy to speak of. But actions… they are what matter."
The ceremony continued with the formal exchange of rings and blessings from the family heads. The Patriarch of the Staler family nodded approvingly at Jackson, though his expression was carefully neutral. The Patriarch of Ravine family glanced at Jackson briefly, her soft lines showing concern for his well-being.
Guests continued to murmur among themselves, some praising Callista's beauty, others quietly speculating about Jackson's frailty. A few openly whispered about the mismatch, as if testing the boundaries of social etiquette.
Callista's friend moved in closer, her voice just above a whisper. "Girl, are you sure? He just seems so... fragile." Her eyes were concerned, but there was a slight hint of judgment underneath. Callista stared back into her friend's face with a whirl of emotions . "Yes," she say her voice was steady but there is also a flicker of doubt in her eyes.
Callista's eyes flicked toward Jackson, then back to her friend again. "Strength isn't always visible," she said quietly, though her tone was calm and distant.
Jackson could hear the whispers, but he made an effort to concentrate on the event itself. Despite this, he couldn't shake his feeling of discomfort. Here he was a sick boy without talent and he was standing next to a girl who seemed to be perfect in everything. Did anyone really think he could succeed in a world dominated by beauty and power?
As the ceremony came to an end, Callista presented Jackson with her hand, which he took carefully, inclining slightly. She grasped his hand easily and gracefully while her crimson like red eyes stared hard at him.
she spoke almost quietly as if to herself, "You'll need to be prepared yourself because Life is difficult in our world."
Uncertain if it was a warning, a piece of advice or just an observation, Jackson nodded his head. An emotion he had no name for, fear, and excitement all combined to quicken his pulse in his chest.
Jackson was standing at the entrance of the hall feeling completely disconnected from his life as the guests started to leave the ceremony hall they're complimenting Callista for her beauty, bad talk for Jackson and chit-chatting about the engagement. Even though the ceremony was over yet the feeling of tension still remained. Here he was trying to survive in this ruthless, weak and high expectation for a strong world that he didn't belong in.
To compose himself, he took a deep breath. He wasn't ready to start this new chapter of his life, which would officially begin today. But at the same time, he knew that his life was going to change from now. He just couldn't really put his finger on it but there was a strange and unknown feeling inside him stirring.
After the engagement ceremony ended. Jackson was left to deal with his frail body, his awkward position next to Callista and their uncertain future.