Azael stood in front of the mirror, fixing the collar of his dark vest. The reflection that stared back at him was familiar yet foreign, pale skin, sharp violet eyes, and a calm, almost detached expression.
He adjusted his cufflinks slowly, his fingers moving with a grace that betrayed his weak physique.
Ellire stood to the side, holding out a silver brooch shaped like a winged crest, the emblem of House Ignivar.
"Young Master, this would suit you best," she said softly.
Azael took it from her hand and pinned it to his chest. "Not bad," he murmured.
Ellire looked as if she wanted to say something but hesitated. "Lady Arista will be happy to see you attending, Young Master. It's been... a long time."
Azael gave a faint smirk. "Happy, huh? Let's hope she doesn't scold me for doing something wrong."
Ellire chuckled nervously. "Lady Arista only worries about you."
"Worries, or lectures?" Azael replied dryly, turning toward the door. He paused briefly. "You've done well, Ellire. That's all for now. You can leave now."
Her cheeks turned pink again as she bowed slightly. "Thank you, Young Master."
---
The Ignivar carriage rolled through the stone-paved streets of Elaris city. The late afternoon sun bathed the noble district in shades of gold and crimson. Marble statues stood along the roads, and elegant fountains shimmered under the light.
The Ignivar family belonged to Olyria kingdom. A human kingdom on Valerith continent.
Inside the carriage, Azael rested his chin on his hand, watching the city pass by through the window.
He was travelling in carriage alone. While his Stepmother or say the duchess and her daughter was in another carriage. Better for him.
It seems the original Azael never shared carriage with others. Aslo he hardly attends any banquets, ball or gatherings. He was distant from this kind things. He was already unsocial and then his illness being his biggest reason.
'So this is the noble district... A lot cleaner than I expected. Even the air feels pretentious.'
The city looked like like of a medivel time. Like from European historical time.
He caught glimpses of other carriages, noble families dressed in silks and jewels, guards in polished armor, banners fluttering from rooftops.
"House Levarin," the coachman's voice echoed.
The carriage slowed to a halt in front of a grand white mansion. The Levarin estate was vast, decorated with tall banners bearing the Duchess's crest, a silver phoenix on crimson silk.
Actually the crest belonged to the Duke's family. But now since his dead, it can be said that it belong to Duchess.
Azael stepped out of the carriage, adjusting his coat. The courtyard was already filled with guests, nobles chatting politely, servants rushing around, and soft music drifting from the garden.
This spring gathering is held by his mother Aeiliana. His step mother.
Duchess Aeliana.
The Levarin estate was something build by his family, its use was solely to held gatherings, functions and banquets. Many more.
"It's really grand mansion....can't believed it was just build for functions. Damn" Azael muttered to himself.
Azael saw behind him. Just beside after his carriage another one stop. With same crest as him. From it came out Duchess Aeliana and Liana.
Aeliana was wearing a gown that is woven from the finest silk, dyed a rich shade of midnight blue that seems to shimmer. The bodice is fitted, accentuating the curves of her bust and waist, her neckline was deep. Showing small amout of cleavage of her huge bossom.
He soft white skin was visible. Her breasts were perfectly held by her mid night gown. Drawing Azael attention. Below it her waist was thin, the gown wrapped around it tightly. While the full skirt flows behind me like a river of darkness. But Azael could tell that her hips were really wide. The her thighs must be plump and thick under the skirt.
Her shining long blonde hair now tied in high bun beautifully. Diamond jwelari adorned her neck. She look breathtaking.
Beside her was Liana. She was wearing a yellow color silk flowing gown. It perfectly hugged her curves like second skin. Her blonde hair straight and loose until her waist. Her breast not as big as Aeliana, was held by the gown tightly. Giving them round shape. Her deep cleavage was shown. She was bold.
Though Azael still thought Aeliana was much more beautiful and attractive.
Azael gulped his saliva 'damn! Don't think bad! They are your family'
Both Liana and Aeliana walked to Azael.
"You actually came. I thought you will again make some excuse and won't come" Liana said wik small teasing smile. Her red eyes glint with mischief.
Aeliana narrowed her eyes sterenly. "Liana. How many times should I tell you to not talk like that" her voice was authoritative.
Liana gave apologetic smile to her mother "Okay! okay! I won't do it." She just walked towards the entrance of the mansion.
Azael remain silent all the time.
Aeliana look at him. With same cold and indifferent eyes.
"You look quite good in that suit." Though her expression was cold, what she said made Azael little surprised. He was still not used to this new Identity. This people.
He blinked few times and smile. He could never let his chance go in front of such beautiful woman.
"Thank you mother. Also, you look gorgeous." Azael said honestly. He can't denied it. The woman in front of him was just too beautiful.
Aeliana widened her eyes at his compliment. "You called me mother again....and even compliment me" It was shocking for her. The boy who always kept his distance from everyone was now praising her look without any problem. Even smiling kindly.
She didn't show it. But she felt little happy about it. She gave him a nod. She don't mind this though. Rather she welcome this changed of Azael.
"Let's go. You big sister is already have came here." Duchess started walked inside the mansion.
Azael follow behind her quietly. Observing her hypnotic sway of wide hips.