Chapter 41. Christmas Ball

After my father's name and mine were scattered around the ballroom, the eyes of all the aristocrats present were riveted on us.

Seeing the first archduke of the empire, many gave a respectful nod, while others looked with interest at the lady with whom he came. It was the first time that the only daughter of the Ashford house lit up at such an event.

Feeling awkward because of such close attention to my person, I was embarrassed, although I didn't show it. My father smiled confidently at me, and we went to greet the king.

Walking through the entire hall, I saw special seats that were located at the top and were intended exclusively for members of the royal family. The king sat on the main throne in the middle, and on each side of him the eldest and youngest sons.

It was the first time I saw the ruler of this country in person, and therefore I experienced even more excitement. It turned out to be a middle-aged man with already graying blond hair and amethyst eyes, which were considered a family sign of belonging to the Blanche dynasty. Despite the fact that at first glance this man seemed cold and imposing, the aura around him was as good-natured as my father's.

Seeing the Archduke kneeling before him, the king beamed.

«Henry, my good friend! — He exclaimed, — Finally, you're here.»

— Greetings, Your Majesty.

Following my father's example, I too hastily bent down, burying my eyes in the parquet.

— You can come up.

The King generously waved his hand, and we followed the order. Now, standing up straight, I noticed the princes for the first time.

As expected, Philip and Razor looked simply irresistible today. They were dressed in solemn royal uniforms and behaved extremely nobly next to their father. Philip also had a golden cloak behind his back, which symbolized his status as crown prince.

Meeting Razor's gaze, he nodded at me with a smile. I answered him in the same way. Philip was extremely distant, and did not even turn in my direction when the Archduke greeted the king. I was surprised by such a cold reception, because it was unexpected.

Did Philippe Blanche really forget about me…? So fast? Although it was hard to believe in such a thing, but if so, then it can be considered good news. I didn't have to worry until the end of the evening, in case some unforeseen situation happened. Seeing the indifference on the Crown Prince's face, I was incredibly glad.

— Henry, did you bring your daughter today? — after the king and the Archduke exchanged a couple of kind phrases, he paid attention to me.

— Please, meet Your Majesty, — my father cordially introduced me, — My eldest daughter, Leriana. The First lady of the Ashford House.

— G-greetings to His Majesty! — I curtsied a little excitedly, hoping that I was doing everything right.

The King looked at me critically and nodded.

— Glad to meet you, young lady, — he smiled, — I heard that Henry's daughter is very popular at the Royal Academy, and therefore I was looking forward to our acquaintance. I am sure that you will become a worthy heir of your father.

«Popular…?» I was even surprised by such a characterization, because in light of recent events, this could only be said with a stretch. But meanwhile she nodded anyway:

— T-thank you, Your Majesty!

— …Well, then I will no longer interfere with the joint pastime of father and daughter, — he said, — I hope you will have a great time today.

After the obligatory part of the banquet in the form of greeting the king was over, my father and I finally went to the common room. Perched at one of the tables, aristocrats began to come up to us every now and then to greet the Archduke. But all this lasted no longer than a few minutes, because almost after us, the main doors opened again, and the hall announced the following cry of the servant:

— Enter Duke Cassius and young Lady Rachel Cassius, of the Cassius family!»

There was almost instant silence.

Rachel refused to take her father's arm, but they walked side by side anyway before greeting the king. All those present, and especially the king himself, were speechless when they unexpectedly showed up for the holiday.

It was akin to coming to a family dinner with relatives that no one was expecting. Heavy and absolutely awkward atmosphere.

The guests watched them with bated breath. While several ladies still couldn't stand it and screamed. But Duke Cassius remained absolutely unperturbed, and ignoring all this, appeared before the imperial throne.

The king tried to pull a semblance of a smile on his face, but it turned out very improbable.

— Duke Cassius, what an unexpected and pleasant visit…

— Greetings, Your Majesty,» the Duke paid homage to him, while the man only tightened his grip on the arms of the chair. It would be a lie to say that the king was not afraid of him at all. It's not like that. However, he was smart enough to hide it so as not to get into trouble in front of other guests.

Rachel stood silently by, and even in front of the king himself, did not bow her head. If it had been any other aristocrat, he would certainly have been accused of disrespecting the imperial family. However, since she was the daughter of Duke Cassius himself, the king had to turn a blind eye to this.

Being in a nervous state, he still tried to pretend that he was glad to see them.

— I didn't expect you to find the time to visit us today.

— Ah, yes,» Duke Cassius drawled, getting up from his knees before the king gave him permission to do so, «I have decided that the time has come for my daughter to come out.

— That's it…

— Yes, — he agreed, — don't you think that the Cassius family has been in the shadows for too long? It's time to fix it.

Hearing his words, the whole hall shuddered. Of course, this was not at all what the aristocrats, accustomed to the fact that the Cassians kept aloof from everyone, would have wanted. If the Duke really decides to become part of the secular society… It is unknown what consequences this will lead to.

— I think you're right, — the king replied with a stretch, — Your services to the country are invaluable. People should know their hero by sight.

— I am glad that you support me.

Despite the seemingly friendly atmosphere, it was a dialogue built entirely on hypocrisy, and they both understood it. In order for Duke Cassius and his army to continue to remain on his side, the king could not allow a quarrel with him. That is why, despite the scandal that will soon break out among the nobles, the king allowed him to do this.

They exchanged a couple of questions about business, after which the Duke and Rachel took their leave.

The deathly silence that had arisen with the arrival of Duke Cassius was still in the air. Few people dared to openly speak loudly or laugh when such a dangerous person was very close. Aristocrats, even of high position, lowered their eyes to the floor, just not to meet their gaze. Everyone knew that the rumors about the curse were still quite acute.

But such an attitude did not bother the man at all. Probably because I've been used to it for a long time. Sitting down in one of the chairs, he began to sip red wine, while the people around him were even afraid to move.

And Rachel completely disappeared into the crowd. No matter how much I looked for her with my eyes, but the familiar dark crown never caught me. In the end, the girl didn't even come over to say hello.

I sighed, but I didn't think about it for a long time. After all, today was a very important day.

When the opening part of the ball came to an end, it was time to dance. Since it was my debut, the king cordially allowed my father and me to open this event.

According to tradition, a lady should perform her first debut dance with her father, after which everyone else can start inviting her.

When we reached the center of the ballroom, the Archduke offered his hand and politely asked:

«Lady, would you do me the honor of inviting you?»

I let out a laugh.

— of course.

The music started playing, and everyone's eyes turned to us. Dad confidently led me, and together we turned out to be a great tandem.

I felt that I had never been so happy when my father was circling me like a princess.

As a result, there was applause from everywhere. Pride and embarrassment overwhelmed me at the same time when I performed in front of the entire secular society.

Is this really what it means to become an adult?

After I was introduced to the secular society, many nobles came up to greet me, and in such a short period of time, I heard a lot of compliments.

«Lady Ashford, can we be friends?»

«I would like to invite you to a tea party at my estate next week.»

— The rumors weren't lying, your beauty really doesn't know comparisons!

So many people surrounded me at one moment, and I tried to answer everyone. To be honest, I was very pleased to hear so many words of praise from adults. It seems that I already mean something in this society.

Although, this is not surprising. After all, the title of Archduchess will pass to me in the future, and therefore everyone sought to establish good relations with me.

But even so, I was happy. I felt like tonight was the best night of my life.

And while I was basking in the attention of people and enjoying the holiday, I could not notice that throughout this time, Philip did not take his gaze off me.