Delicate chandeliers bathed the banquet hall in soft illumination, their dancing lights causing the warm, muted tones of the walls to shimmer like stars in the night sky. Crimson curtains draped the tall, arched windows, veiling the evening from view. Intricate designs adorned the polished marble floors, their golden accents gleaming beneath the blinding lights.
A long, rectangular table stood at the side of the hall, offering a wide array of food, drinks, and desserts, while an empty area awaited as a dance floor. Guests from across the empire began to fill the room, indulging in beverages and enjoying the calming music played by musicians positioned in a far corner of the hall.
“Entering, Lord Silas Salvador and Lady Ruelle Peregrine!”
The knight’s announcement along with the audible noise of the doors swinging open caught the nobles’ attention. All eyes landed on the appearance of two young aristocrats, and immediately their whispers began to drown out the quiet background music.
‘That’s Lady Peregrine?’
’Has House Peregrine always have such a beautiful daughter?’
’How come we haven’t noticed her if she’s this gorgeous?’
Ruelle’s gold-bronze locks flowed down her shoulders like a caramel waterfall, resting just beyond the middle of her back. Long, violet dress draped her petite form, adorned by pearl-white laces that blended well with her piercing amethyst eyes. Along with a black folding fan, moderate jewelry embroidered her ears and neck.
‘And that’s him, right? Salvador's infamous troublemaker.’
’He’s different from the rumors…’
The maids did well to tame the wildness of Silas’ hair, slicking them back into a kempt style. His dark blue uniform reflected Salvador's specialty as a house of knights, yet remained extravagant enough to pass as a proper attire for a banquet, it surprisingly went well with the black choker around his neck. The golden shine from the epaulets on his shoulders matched the color of his hair, and the outfit’s deep tone brought out the fierce shine in his azure-blue eyes.
Ruelle had her arm locked around Silas’ as they walked down the hall. Soon, the whispers and gossip of the nobles around them died down when the two of them reached the front of the banquet hall, where the hosts; Creston Salvador and Esmeralda Salvador awaited.
Weaved from the finest silk chiffon, Esmeralda’s pastel gold dress complimented her shimmering blonde hair. Delicate floral embroidery in shades of silver embellished the bodice and hem, with gentle lace panels lining the dress’ neckline. The low collar left room for her modest pearl necklace to rest gently against her fair skin.
Unlike Silas, Marquess Creston’s uniform was jet black, matching with the color of his hair. “Do you like your attire, Silas? I’ve kept it especially for the day you finally choose the knight’s path.” Silas’ father asked with a gentle smile; a rare sight to see considering the marquess’ usual aloof personality.
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Ruelle and Silas first greeted their elders, offering each of them a courteous bow. “Yes, father. I thank you again for this opportunity.”
”You’ve grown well, Silas.” Esmeralda spoke, her smile was as beautiful as her delicate face. Even if her voice sounded soft, Silas could still hear her honeyed tone ringing like a chiming bell in his ears. “I’ve heard you’re quite fond of Lady Ruelle.”
Silas responded with a smile, not wanting his awkward behavior to shine through. “Of course, mother. More than anything, I’m willing to give her all that I have.”
Hearing his words, Ruelle couldn’t help but blush. Her eyes averted elsewhere as she spoke in a stutter. “Oh…Lord Silas, how could you say that in front of Mother?”
Silas maintained his smile, ignoring the minute chill that ran down his spine. ‘What the fuck. I can’t even tell if she’s faking it.’
“Sister!”
An unfamiliar voice called out to Ruelle, prompting her to turn around. The woman had similar semblance to her, although she appeared to be a few years older with a much darker shade of hazel brown and a more profound pair of eminence purple eyes. She wore a carmine dress, adorned with a multitude of jewelry matching with the deep red of her silky garment.
The woman’s eyes landed on the marquess and marchioness. “Oh! Where are my manners,” she swiftly curtsy, her posture perfect and graceful. “Good evening, Marquess and Marchioness, I am Cleo Peregrine, the eldest daughter of the Peregrine family. I first must apologize that my father and brothers could not make it today due to an issue in our household. But Marquess Peregrine would be sending gifts to House Salvador as well as an official apology once the matter is settled.”
“Tell your father not to worry too much about it,” Creston raised a hand, his expression now returned to neutral, though Silas noticed a hint of annoyance in his usually unreadable eyes. Before she could notice his inner thoughts, Creston turned to his son. “Well, Silas. How about you let your fiancee catch up with her sister? I’m sure they have quite a bit to talk about since they have not seen each other for so long.”
“Ah…” Silas casted a glance at Ruelle, and she responded with a silent stare of her own. While they may not have telepathy, Silas can still tell that she could handle her problems on her own. Albeit a little worried, he gave Ruelle a smile. “Of course. Well then, my lady. I will be by the food table if you need me.”
Silas gave Ruelle one last glance of concern before departing, and soon his parents also left privacy for the two sisters. When they found themselves truly alone, Cleo crossed her arms as she stared her sibling down with a conceited grin. “You seem to be doing well, Ruelle. How is Lord Silas?”
“What is this…? I know she has a horrible personality, but why that smug look?” Her inner thoughts did not show on her face, continuing to keep a polite smile spread moderately across her lips. “He’s quite lovely, unlike what the rumors said about him,” she noticed several pairs of eyes had taken interest in their conversation, but she didn’t spare them a moment’s thought for the time being. “But should you be asking about someone else’s fiance?”
Her last comment came without warning, startling Cleo as her eyes went wide from surprise. While she may have swiftly masked her face with a friendly smile, Ruelle knew otherwise that her sister felt frustrated about her words. “Ruelle, you’re my beloved sister, I am simply asking out of worry. If my own flesh and blood had to marry an incompetent man, I would be devastated!”
At Cleo’s reply, Ruelle maintained her calm demeanor. “But everyone knows that Silas was incompetent, this lying bitch.” Her thoughts luckily did not betray her smile, instead her rage subsided rather quickly for such a turbulent storm. Sensing an opportunity, she unfolded her fan and covered her mouth. The sharp glance she casted towards the two women nearby caused them to flinch in surprise. “Oh, sister…Of course you would be worried. Shall I prove it to you, then? I could call him to join us right now, if you don’t mind.”
“Wha-what?” Cleo couldn’t contain her shock this time. As they both turned towards the food table, they saw Silas conversing with Lysander Salvador, who was wearing the Salvador knights’ eye-catching red uniform. “Look, Lord Silas is busy right now…We shouldn’t interrupt them, Lady Ruelle.”
From others’ point of view, the two brothers may appear like they’re having a conversation, but Ruelle knew better than that. Silas’ resting face betrayed a hint of annoyance as Lysander continued to speak, not realizing that his brother’s mind had already wandered elsewhere. “It’s alright,” Ruelle gave her sister a bright smile and turned to Silas, shouting for him from across the hall. “Lord Silas! Could you come here please?”
At her abrupt yell, the banquet room fell into a heavy silence. All eyes shifted towards Ruelle, wondering why a noble lady would choose to call out to someone instead of walking up to them. Despite her incredible rudeness, the crowd could not help but find the situation intriguing.
‘How would the Young Mad Dog Marquess respond?’