Chapter 43: Preparing for the Charlotte’s ball

The next days after Serena's visit to her parents' duchy went by in a blur. Aside from sending her parents to their duchy's port on Wednesday, and receiving a call from Geoffrey on Thursday, every other time was spent with her being busy in preparation for the Charlotte's ball.

It was only to be expected though. The Charlotte's ball was a very important event as it was the first ball of the highly anticipated Season and the venue where young ladies of marriageable age would be presented to the queen for their social debut. Thus, as she was the one heading it, her hands have been full.

Again, although the one in-charge should have been one of the women residing in the palace, particularly the one amongst the king's wives he favors the most, in Serena's vie for power against queen consort Floresca, using the name of queen Loretta, she took that responsibility from her to showcase her authority and control.

Now, the week has passed, and the day of the event has arrived.

Serena was inside her bedchamber with servants helping her prepare for the Charlotte's ball which would be held that evening.

"Your highness, which ones would you prefer to use?" Beatrice, Serena's personal maid for 8 years, asked as she, along with 6 other maidservants presented sets of jewelries and tiaras placed on trays to Serena.

Serena scrutinized each as she pictured how they would match with the dress she would be wearing. Though it was not the first time that she will be facing the ton without Geoffrey in tow, she was well aware that the situation now was different from the past.

It has been almost 4 years since she married Geoffrey, and everyone knew that she has not successfully given birth to an offspring despite his obvious favor. On the other hand, though she understood why Geoffrey readily agreed to go to Torton, there were those whose brain cells were almost nonexistent that they should be assuming that it was because her relationship with Geoffrey was already turning south.

Therefore, Serena has no doubts that many were already speculating that she would be replaced soon.

Serena understood that though she was the darling of society, she has never been able to please everybody. Given her assumption, she knew that later, her plastic friends and haters would come to light as they spectate how she would handle, or rather make a spectacle of herself.

Of course, she would never give them the satisfaction. So tonight, she must dress most impeccably.

With that in mind, she selected all the newest and most valuable personalized jewelries Geoffrey gifted her. Then, seeing the line of tiaras for her to pick from, she selected the 'Ruby parure' which was a classic diamond and ruby wreath.

For a second, she thought that people might laugh at her because she would look like she's intentionally flaunting Geoffrey's gifts because she was getting desperate. Well, whatever. They can salivate all they want because Geoffrey loved, loves her.

Beatrice furrowed her brows. The combination was not her lady's style. Wasn't it too flashy or dare she say, gaudy? It looks like something the older generation would wear.

"I want to wear these. Prepare my clothes, I want to get changed." Serena instructed.

The maidservants carrying the other jewelries all curtsied before leaving the room to stow the other jewelries away. Meanwhile, Beatrice remained in the room along with another 4 to help Serena get dressed.

--

In the end, Beatrice's worries were for naught. Despite Serena wearing all those sparkly jewels, her beauty still outshined them.

Serena looked at herself in the mirror. Her dress was made of silk and satin, scarlet red in color, off the shoulder, and had a trumpet design with tiered skirts adorned with crystals. As usual, it was not a dress of the era but one that she replicated from the future. Yes, she made a fashion icon of herself and since they were always a hit, she trusted that this time would be no different.

On her neck was a double tiered necklace named 'red scarlet' which featured 60 oval-shaped pigeon blood rubies with weights ranging from 3 to 5 carats, each enhanced by a cluster of pear-shaped and white diamonds, creating a floral effect that makes the necklace resemble two leis of flowers.

On her ears were dangling earring matching the necklace, while each of her arms had 3 bangle designed bracelets inlaid with diamonds and rubies.

Then, finally, on top of her hair which was in a top knot with some loose circular curls framing her delicate face, was the 'ruby parure' tiara.

She was a sight to behold, but she had to admit, she looked like a real villainess. Should she get changed?

She looked at herself as she posed in different angles on the three-way mirror in front of her. Strikingly beautiful she must say. So much so that people might get intimidated to cross her. Ha! Just the image she wanted to project. Besides, her prince charming was not with her so there's no reason to look like a fallen angel.

Anyhow, looking at the time, it was already 6 in the evening which signifies that the Charlotte's ball would be beginning in an hour. It was time to depart.

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TBC