Layne’s Point of View
The laughter and music I heard earlier were replaced with stares and malicious whispers. It felt like entering the Lion’s den as we walked inside. They were whispering but I could hear it loud and clear.
“Emerald eyes and black hair…could it be?”
“House of Cowards.”
“She returned!”
“Who is the young lady with Sir Rafaelo?”
“Sir Rafaelo is gorgeous.”
“The Head Knight is hot.”
“Shhh. That is so unlady like!”
Rafaelo was very popular among the ladies, I could tell. I glanced to see his reaction and he looked embarrassed. When he noticed I was staring, he quickly averted his face on the other side.
Lads and Ladies of all ages were on the sideline, all eyes were pierced towards us. “Layne, stay close,” Mother said. I completely forgot we were with them. All four of us walked in the middle towards the stage-like part of the Banquet Hall, where three individuals with silver hair were seated.
Uncle and Mother took the lead, “Greetings, Count Flint, Countess Yvonne, and Lady Gresya.” Uncle bid them happily and all of us bowed. When I raised my head, my eyes widened in awe because they were seated elegantly, the epitome of grace. I wonder what magical powers they hold. If Brevont is air and Theone is fire, they could either be water or earth.
“It’s a pleasure to have the Brevonts here…” Count Flint scanned his gaze towards Mother and I, “…all complete.” The crowd behind us was filled with inaudible murmurs which sounded like bees. “I am glad that you are back Grand Duchess,” he added, the murmurs became louder and louder. “I am afraid you are mistaken Count; I already filed a divorce, soon enough I am no longer a Theone. Lady Montes Brevont is a name I would like to be called from now on,” she chuckled. “And I would like to introduce my daughter. Layne? Come and bid your greetings.”
That’s my cue, just like what we practiced. “Greetings, Count and Countess Kleeve, and Lady Gresya. I am Layne Theone,” their faces remained unfazed.
Did I say something wrong?
Displeased with their reaction, I was engulfed with embarrassment. But when we were about to immerse ourselves into the crowd, Lady Gresya looked at me and smiled, without a sound, her lips moved, and said, “You’re interesting.” What shocked me most was her wink after.
“You did well,” she whispered, and I felt Mother’s hand brushed towards mine. The embarrassment I had felt vanished as she uttered those three words. After that encounter, Uncle and Mother became busy handling their affairs because as we went down, we were swarmed by a flock of nobles. Both of them were not pushed around, but on the other hand, that was not the case for me. Luckily Rafaelo was there to act as my barrier of protection.
“Let’s go over there my Lady,” he said while abruptly grabbing my hand and walking to the left side of the Banquet Hall.
What a relief.
How could nobles last long on such occasions? A few minutes in and I am this tired already. I think the only thing that could make me survive this night is, food! Just like what I am seeing right now, delectable cuisine of different shapes and sizes. These cannot compare to the meals I had back in Venos.
“Delight yourself, my Lady,” Rafaelo said with a smile, those widened lips could make any lady faint. Now the mood is not as tense as earlier. A peculiar object caught my attention, “What are those things they held in their ears.” I asked him.
“Those are communication stones, you can call a person from a completely different location with it,” he explained. I nodded in astonishment.
“Brrrrr,” my eyes widened as my stomach made an odd sound.
Not in front of Rafeolo.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
I averted my gaze, “I guess it’s time to feast.” grabbing a plate in haste. I placed several pieces of food I had never seen before and went to a fairly tall and small table that Rafaelo suggested I eat at. He said that this Ball is designed this way, to eat while standing. I want to stuff everything inside my mouth. But what was stopping me was Aunt G’s voice echoing inside my head. ‘Eat in moderation. Every three bites, there is a need to wipe the edges of my mouth with a napkin.’ I felt like a crazy person, hearing things that are not here.
There was nothing I could do with this hunger, so I grabbed the toasted piece of bread from my plate and took a bite. The flavor of garlic exploded inside my mouth.
So delicious!
Oh right! Another tip that Aunt G gave is to chew it 32 times. This helps anyone to eat in moderation.
Chew to the left
Chew to the right
Chew to the left
Chew to the right
Chew to the left
Chew to the right
Last chew, and then end it with a graceful wipe!
As I was enjoying a delightful feast, I heard young ladies giggling from the sideline. Their whispers were clear as day.
“Did you see how she ate?”
“Certainly! Just like a pig.”
“He couldn’t be a Theone. Oh, please! He must be the Count’s love child!”
They are talking about me. With my surging irritation, I looked in the direction of the whispers. There I saw three young ladies, one of them was blonde and the other two had deep brown hair. I glared at them and intentionally rolled my eyes. Minutes later I heard their heels clacking towards my direction.
I squealed in surprise because I felt Rafaelo’s manly arms wrapped around me as if shielding me from something. His fancy suit was all drenched in red wine. When I peaked, I saw those three girls, their faces filled with fear. They must’ve thought that they would succeed with their mischievous plan. Rafaelo let go of me to not catch any more attention.
“I-I am so sorry; it was meant for her-” one with the brown hair said but her two accomplices shoved their hands on her mouth. They dug their own grave. How dare they cause a scene when they are this dumb?
Aunt G’s words were replayed inside my mind once again, ‘Don’t let other nobles dominate you, you are a Brevont and a Theone.’
“Only a child would pull a prank like this,” I said with a glare.
“It was a mistake, her hand slipped!” the other one with brown hair said.
“As far as I remember, she admitted that it was meant for me. Did I hear wrong?” I said with sarcasm while pointing my finger at the lady who apologized. “If all three of you want to pull something like this again, kindly be a bit smarter. Even a child could do better,” I added. This is a perfect line to end this commotion-
“Who are you to mock us like that?!” The blonde lady said. She seemed to be their leader looking at how dominative her aura was.
I scoffed, “I am Layne Theone, both a Theone and Brevont. Let me tell you, with just the sound of my name…” I stepped forward to make myself inches away from her, “I have every right to mock you.” I quickly turned around, not looking back to her reaction because I didn’t want to waste any more energy dealing with them. I felt guilty bringing up my noble lineage out of the conversation. I thought, what right do I have to use it when I know nothing of it?
I came back to my senses right away when I remembered Rafaelo’s ruined suit. My feet led me back to him and grabbed a handkerchief. With no hesitation, I wiped the wet part of his suit. “I apologize, this is all my fault,” I worriedly said.
He jolted, quickly grabbing my wrist to snatch away the handkerchief in my hand. “Thank you, but I can do this myself,” he seemed irritated, but that thought vanished when I saw his ears all red.
He was just embarrassed.
When the night was just getting deeper, the sound of trumpets echoed across the hall. “Entering, Archduke Elynos Theone.” My whole body froze as his name was uttered. My eyes fixated on the huge door at the end of the hall.
Father...
The anticipation of seeing who my father was grew stronger and stronger. The door slowly creaked open revealing who was at the other end.
What does he look like?
Will he be tall?
Is he handsome?
A tall figure appeared. He gracefully walked and all eyes were pinned, looking at him with great esteem. As he walked closer, I saw his full features; tall with deep black hair, eyes frosted like snow, and his body was like Rafaelo’s. I felt my heart ache as I looked at Mother’s reaction. I can see her from where I am as she stares at him with great emotion.
Is it love?
Longing?
Or hatred?