CHAPTER 94: THE DEBUTANT BALL [PART 1]

Osha helped me wear my gown, fixing the bodice, sleeves, and the rest that needed adjusting.

I sat down and she did my makeup too, she took her time, smiling all through. I must admit it was infectious, I found myself smiling too.

It was heartwarming seeing her doing this happily. Even though Osha was completely different from Talia, who always had a serious expression when she dolled me up, this reminded me of her.

When Osha finished my makeup, she did my hair, using a silver pin to hold the low bun in place, before pushing aside the curls framing my face. She wore my earrings and then my necklace.

"All done, Your Grace," she said, proud of her work.

I rose to my feet and checked myself completely through the large mirror, and I could barely recognize myself. Who are you? That one thought echoed in my head, and I found myself awed by this new me. I was always the sickly looking girl who wore hand-me-downs, with messy curly hair and barely able to walk properly without the wind being my enemy.

Now, as I stood, with my chin up, I looked like a person. I felt like one, too, not a waste of space, a whore’s daughter, or a bastard. I was Eloise Balthar, princess of the Royal family.

Maybe this was a dream, and maybe soon I would wake up to my life in Beloria. Funny, I had a difficult time choosing, but I realized something right there. I’ve found my place here.

"Osha?"

"Yes, Your Grace?"

"Do moonbloods heal lingering ailments permanently?" I asked, observing my facial appearance closely.

Aside from the expensive-looking things I wore, I barely looked sickly. I have always looked sickly.

Drevon gave me his moonblood when I was in critical condition, and ever since that day, I felt like a stranger in my body.

"I do not know, Your Grace. Moonblood has never been used to heal a human before."

True. But it’s not a far stretch to think that was the reason I don’t feel sick anymore.

I tucked my hands in my sleeves and faced Osha.

"Wish me luck."

"All the best, Your Grace!"

~•~

"Did you wear your perfume?" Ravyn asked as we made our way to the Great Hall, where the ball was held.

"Yes," I replied. "There seems to be more batch this time."

Ravyn chuckled. "The Alpha spoils you well. I suggest you wear your perfume daily."

"Why?"

"The Perfumes are mixed with special materials to mask your scent. Surely you don’t want to walk around all day smelling like a human, makes you less of a target, princess."

That was thoughtful of Drevon. But why now do I have to wear perfume when I have spent months here without one?

"How did you come to get Drevon’s gift and card?" Ravyn suddenly asked.

"Through Osha."

"I see..." she murmured.

"Is something wrong?"

"Nothing. Still don’t know why Drevon changed his mind, if only you’d have told me what you did."

I ground my teeth. "Are you always going to be this annoying?"

"Not most of the time, but you’ll learn to love me."

"I highly doubt that."

"You’d be amazed at how lovable I can be."

The sound of the music caught my attention, and there was a bright light coming through the grand door as people dressed in fancy attire streamed in.

Seems like we were early. I think it was a good thing I wore my perfume; I don’t want to spend the rest of the night being ogled like an outsider. I still think of that day I stormed the Monarch’s Ball.

We stopped at the Herald. "Your name and house?"

He didn’t know me. That’s alright.

"Please... there is no need."

The man pinned me with a look. "It’s crucial. All members of the noble house must be acknowledged."

"She said no need," Ravyn said. "And no need it shall be."

The Herald took one look at Ravyn, descended on her uniform and then the insignia.

"Apologies!" He bowed low. "It’s an honor to meet the hero of the war. Thank you for serving the monarch and for your service to the empire."

"Your thanks are welcome."

I flapped open my hand fan, using it to conceal half of my face as I stepped through the doors with Ravyn beside me.

We were met with a lively ball. I have only ever been to one, which was the Monarch’s, and yet I’m still amazed by how everything could be just so magnificent.

From the gigantic golden chandeliers flickering with the bright lights, the lavish decor, the luxurious nobles of every house gathered around, to the podium where a large orchestra group played their musical instruments.

[Music: Lights - Stripped By Archer Marsh]

I clenched my skirt and descended the stairs. Engulfed by the swamp of soft laughter, talks, and chimes of crystal goblets to give a cheer.

"How much I hate balls," Ravyn commented with a scowl on her face. She took a goblet of wine from a passing steward holding a golden tray.

"You do?"

"Not really my style," she replied, taking a drink. "Give me bloodshed any day."

I should have known by now that Ravyn was anything but a lady.

"I miss the war."

"You’re the second Lycan that has said that."

"Who beat me to it?"

"Lucan. He mentioned how much he missed the taste of snowbloods." I shivered. "I never knew Lycans love the flesh of their enemies until that day."

"We love the flesh of anything, thank the goddess for the upgrade."

Indeed.

"Shall we look for the Alpha now?"

"Let’s just stay a little bit. The moment I go to him, I become the monarch’s wife."

"Oh, that sounds riveting, you want to procrastinate more?"

"More like I want to remain under the veil."

"Why? Coming here means you’ll be by the monarch’s side."

That was all I could think of, too, ever since I got the gift. But I wasn’t as enthusiastic about it as I thought I’d be. I don’t know... something just feels off.