The carriage wheels came to a halt. Lorielle stepped down gracefully alongside her mother and her sister. She held the hem of her dress and slightly pushed out her belly. The fabric was heavy and tight around her upper part down to her waist, such that she couldn't breathe properly even though the gown showed her curves. Her sister on the other hand, moved effortlessly compared to her who was stuffed into tight clothes, making movement feel stiff for her.
The metal doors stood tall before her, guarded by castle guards who were on watch. Next to them were the stewards who welcomed guests and confirmed invitation cards.
As they crossed the bridge, a steward approached them. "Greetings, my lady" he bowed before her Mother and then to her and her sister. May I have your name and invitation card please?.
"Have it..." her mother said in a calm tone.
I'm sorry to have bothered you, Lady Elmsworth. He apologised after he had confirmed the card.
I know you were only doing your job, her mother said while she dismissed him with a hand gesture.
"Make sure you don't embarrass our family tonight." Remember, our fate lies in your hands and your sister. Her Mother said as she turned to face her.
"I understand, Mother," Lorielle replied feeling pressured.
What's with your face? Put on a bright smile, her mother said, gritting her teeth, as she helped adjust her dress, which seemed to be the problem, as the girl appeared under pressure.
"Lady Elmsworth," someone called from behind.
"Good day, Lady Moore." Her mother greeted the woman, whose gaze was fixed on her and her sister.
You look so fabulous tonight and by the way, I love your dress. Where did you get it sewn from?. Look at the materials, the lady touched the silk with admiration as she traced her finger slowly around the fabric.
"My lady… your card, the steward interrupted the conversation."
"Can't you see I'm in the middle of a conversation. She snapped."
"My apologies."
What are you doing standing there? She frowned. provide him the card, she shouted at the girl behind her who seemed to be her maid.
With trembled fingers, the girl brought out the card,. She gave it to the steward who confirmed the identity before he dismissed himself from the cold stares of the lady.
Back to our previous conversation. I love your dress, I would love to know where you got it from?.
I'm flattered my lady, thank you for your kind gesture. You look fabulous as well. The dress was bought from Oakhaven, and it was sewn by the best tailor over there.
Really?."
"And this must be your daughters." the lady said as she shifted her gaze to settle on her and her sister.
"Greetings, your ladyship," Lorielle greeted.
I must say, your daughters are truly lovely, especially your youngest. She would make a perfect daughter-in-law in my household. What do you say to that?
"I thought we were here for a party, your ladyship." Her mother's mood changed immediately. These aren't discussions suitable for a place like this.
I do understand, but I wouldn't want someone else to seek your daughter's hand in marriage before my son does. As you know, Collins is not in town, but he will be returning soon from Stonebridge. And I know how highly he speaks of your younger daughter.
"Lady Moore," I would prefer we have this conversation on another day.
If you will leave us be, a party awaits us. Lorielle's mother said while she excused herself, followed by her daughters.
Together, they stepped inside.
Lorielle swore she had never seen a hall as spacious as the one she was in, in her whole life. The hall was colourful and vibrant. Different people clothed in their best attire, stood elegantly poised and composed.
The sound of laughter and clinking glasses grew louder as she stepped forward.
"Welcome, noble guests."The herald greeted over the microphone. We are honoured to have you all, His Highness sends his warm greetings to every family who've out of their kind hearts left their business to attend this celebration. Have fun, everyone. The herald said before leaving the stage.
"Remember what I have always told you, make no silly mistakes." her mother warned again, before leaving her side.
"I'll go and look for your father and brothers, they should be here by now."
Be good you two, her mother pointed.
"Okay mother" Liora now answered.
She watched as her mother gradually disappeared from their sight.
Whispers swirled around the hall like a gentle breeze. Murmurs kept spreading as people formed groups to discuss.
Noble people take delight in gossiping. She thought.
"Did you hear?" The Grand Queen Dowager was the one who set up this party to choose a wife for the crown prince. Someone said among the ladies.
You think so? Another replied. I believed this was just the usual Gala we attend.
I heard from my mother that this Gala is not just an ordinary party, it has motives. She continued to have the girls' utmost interest.
Well then, we'd better be at our best behaviour who knows he might take a fancy to one of us, maybe me. The fourth girl giggled with excitement as she touched her cheeks with both palms.
I can't wait for the party to start up? I mean the real party… A third voice said. I hope I get to dance with him.
I doubt the crown prince and his brothers will be here tonight… the second girl said, not wanting to imprison herself in false hope.
Of course, they will be here, it's not just time yet. The fourth girl spoke.
Well, let's wait and see. The girls said while they continued with other gossip.
"Gosh... It's so crowded, I can hardly breathe."She heard her sister complain as she sipped her drink with distaste.
Several men in the hall glanced their way, some with lingering stares, awkward smiles but none were brave enough to step forward aside from a man who stood not too far from the corner. His eyes were like a hawk, they held ultimate curiosity as if calculating his steps.
Slowly, he approached.
"Good day, gentle ladies." He greeted with his voice smoothed like his fresh perfect face. He bowed slightly while his obsidian eyes observed and lingered on Liora's. "I am Lord Vincent of Redbrook. It's an honour to meet you."
Same here my Lord, Liora blushed with politeness.
May I have your name? He asked.
I am Lady Liora Elmsworth, daughter of lord and Lady Elmsworth of Westvale. With me here is my Elder sister and the first daughter of our family. Liora introduced.
"My pleasure to meet you, he bowed to Lorielle."
"If you don't mind.. May I have the dance? He asked while he kissed the back of her hand which made her blush harder." I must say you have the finest fingers.. He added. Shall we? He asked again before he swooped her to the dance floor.
Now by herself, loneliness began to creep in, the party floor had already been filled with people dancing with their respective partners.
The Hall grew quieter as the door opened, and all eyes turned. Slowly she glanced up, following the shift in the people's gaze.
There he was— the one she had been waiting to see.
At the doorway stood the crown prince, his posture straight, his face unreadable and gaze fixed unwaveringly.
His eyes moved over the crowd slowly - then it stopped.