Layne’s Point of View

Twelve hours before the Grand Ball

“My Lady, you have to wake up, you need to get ready.” Anne woke me up even when the sun was yet to rise. The ball will happen at night, why would I get ready this early? “But the ball is at 6 pm,” I said with a groan, still lying down flat, eyes closed, and saliva smothered all over my face.

I felt Anne’s grip from both of my arms. She pulled me to a sitting position. “You have no choice, my Lady!” As I heard her struggle to maintain my position, I finally gave in.

This time it is not only Anne who helped me get ready, but she brought three other maids with her. What an exaggeration?! Do we really need that many people?

Numerous hands scrubbed me left and right. I thought it was finished but then, all four of them made me lay down and put a warm towel on my eyes. First, I was confused about what is this for. But then their hands continued to touch me, and I felt the best feeling I have ever felt in my entire life.

The way they caress my body is soothing. From my head to my arms and even my legs and feet, I can feel this wonderful sensation. “What is this, Anne?” I asked. “It’s a massage, my Lady.” I heard her voice from my lower right.

This massage went on for hours. Now it is noon, the maids brought me finger foods to chow down as I get ready. All I remember is all of the maids were running all around the room and their hands simultaneously brushing around me.

After hours of work, they placed a huge mirror in front of me to reveal their creation. “M-my L-Lady…. it’s d-done….” Anne said while sitting on the chair beaten with exhaustion. I slowly glanced at my reflection. At that moment, it felt like time had stopped.

Is this the same farmer who toiled the fields of Venos?

“It’s already 5 pm, we have to go now My Lady!!” Anne together with the other maids was adamantly brought to life.

“Let’s hurry!”

“Grab Lady Layne’s purse!”

“Assist her!”

“Be careful, make sure that you don’t step on her dress!”

They were all over the room yet again, as they assisted me out of my room. I walked carefully when I reached the huge, curved staircase of the residence. When I looked down, I saw Uncle, Mother, and Rafaelo. I have already learned that he is Uncle’s Head Knight, and it seems like he is coming with us to the ball.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

All three of them were dressed accordingly to the occasion. Mother looks stunning in her ballgown with a white tubbed top and an emerald green ballgown, intricately designed with hundreds – no thousands of crystals. She is also wearing silk gloves and fine silver jewelry with emeralds. Her dress resembles mine; the only difference is that I have puffed sleeves, and the color is all in emerald green.

Uncle Miern looks like a fancy knight. His hair looks like it has been licked by a cow. And Rafaelo is dressed elegantly. His stature is perfect but why can’t I seem to look him in the eyes?

It’s time to put what I have learned to practice, “Greetings, your grace, Viscount Miern Brevont and Mother, Lady Montes Brevont” I said while gracefully bowing in front of them.

“Dear, you look stunning.” Mother said looking proud. Her tears were on the brink of pouring down her face. “You truly are a Brevont,” Uncle complimented.

“But your dress; something is missing.” Mother grabbed an object and placed something on my dress. “That’s a brooch dear, with the Brevont’s emblem, a rose, and a tiger.” I can’t help but thank her. It was a thoughtful addition because both Mother and Uncle are wearing it as well.

When it was my turn to ride our carriage, I felt the burning sensation from my stomach climbing up to my chest, again. I quickly placed my hand on top of my chest because I couldn’t breathe.

“Are you alright?” Rafaelo asked. He was the one assisting me and so he noticed my discomfort. And just like yesterday, the pain went away. “Yes, I am alright. It’s just the corset, I am still getting used to it.” His gaze is burning me.

Arrival.

During our trip, Mother told me that the ball is held at the residence of House Kleeve, a family just like us, who belong to the four greatest households.

Anticipation

Fear

Uncertainty

Pressure

These emotions are swallowing me whole. Every attendee will make a grand entrance at the main hall wherein each will be called by their family name. Me and my Mother’s presence will change everything. Uncle Miern is Mother’s escort and on the other hand, Rafaelo is mine – I mean he will be my escort for tonight.

We were guided by knights into the Banquet Hall which led us to a huge wooden door. I can hear music and laughter on the other side.

“Your grace, once your family name is called, you may enter.” The knight told Uncle with respect.

“Entering…” a huge manly voice from the other side shouted. “Count Miern and…” the man made a long pause but then he continued, “Lady Montes from House Brevont.”

It’s our turn.

A beaming light flashed as the giant door creaked open. I can sense that all eyes were on us. Their menacing stares consume me. I feel so little and vulnerable.

I felt Rafaelo’s hand against mine as he carefully intertwined it into his manly arms. It was hard as a rock. Could he tell that blood is rushing through my cheeks, and I feel warm?

“My Lady, you’ll be alright. Let’s go.” He said with the same burning gaze from earlier. My heart pounded and his assurance gave me a push of confidence, I felt like I could conquer anything.

Just like in the books I have read, could this be….

love?