Chapter 1 Betrothal

Although it began long before that, I'd like to say it all started on a bright sunny day. A sigh worthy weather, a beautiful blue sky and a grand castle harnessed in colourful flowers made the view quite unique. The duke of York was holding an opulent ball in memorial of his late wife. Earls, dukes, duchesses, lords, ladies, and nobles through out the empire gathered for the celebration. Adorned in glamorous clothing were the offsprings of the duke of York. Connorlius Kampton who was searching for a fair maiden to spend the night with, Vanessa Kampton who wanted to build connections, Curtale Kampton who was looking for a way to escape the torture of the social event and of course Valerie Kampton who's sole attention was on the food.

Valerie who couldn't care less about what anyone said, was chugging down a bowl of soup when someone sauntered her way. ' You have the manners of a starving peasant ' M'lady Cressa, a snobby duchesses said with contempt. ' It takes one to know one ' Val shrugged unfazed. She was too lazy to deal with bratty arrogant girls. ' You dare speak to me in that manner, do you know who I am ' M'lady Cressa questioned, raising her voice a pitch too high. ' So noisy ' Val grumbled while she completely ignored the duchess. ' You.....' the duchess was speechless and annoyed when someone stepped in between the two ladies. ' You must be lady Cressa of Oregon, I've heard so much about you ' the third party curtsied. She was red haired, sharp eyed and graceful, you could tell she was beautiful even though she hid her face behind a fan. ' Who are you ' Cressa asked warily. ' Lady Vanessa of York, I'd like to have a word with you ' She said with glittery eyes. Just as Cressa and Vanessa stepped away, leaving Valerie in peace, the duke of York gestured that he had an announcement to make. ' I'm pleased to tell you all that today isn't just to honor my late wife but also to celebrate the engagement of my daughter ' he said as he gazed through the crowd. His gaze landed on Valerie and the held each other stares. ' She is betrothed to Earl Donovan ' he added smiling mischievously. ' What the hell is this old geezer up to ' Val wondered as she stuffed her face with rice pudding. She had no urge to deal with his tantrums so she shifted her attention back to her food .