A Plead Of Affection

TRIÁNTA EPTÁ

Eva felt nervous as she thought of the circumstances that may possibly happen. She expected everything that may happen, accepting the given situation as if she was being pushed for all the troubles she had made.

It would be nerve-racking to have the Noble introduce her as his soon wife. She was starting to worry about the event; even so, she must make sure that nothing would happen; it would ruin everything that Alexios worked hard for.

"All is well, stop thinking about things. We already arrived at the frontlines," Eva released the gentleman's hands as soon as she heard Lady Ninia's voice, "We've finally arrived at Schleswig Lodge,"

With the carriage bringing them to the front, Lady Vasilas got off and walked out. Alexios first showed his appearance, assisting Eva down the carriage as they paved the way on the red carpet; the hall was full of music.

Pairs danced on the corner, they soon all stopped as the couple stood in the centre stage, "Greetings! Ladies and Gentlemens, Nobles of Ylury! Standing in front of you is the Lady who will soon be my wife." He pulled the Lady close, slithering his arm on her waist, "My Fiance, the daughter of Noble Jaime Javier Rabellino, Lady Eva Maria Rabellino!" Lowering their heads down, hearing applauds and cheers from the crowd.

They raised their heads and smiled, receiving everyone's adoration; Alexios leaned close and whispered in her ears, "Introduce yourself, My Lady," Returning a nod, she stood straight as the Noble released her from his grasps, "Greetings! Nobles and Ladies of each Households, with deep honor and gratitude, it is our pleasure to have you here. I am Lady Eva Maria Rabellino, I am pleased to meet everyone's acquaintance,"

With the program finally starting, the banquet gave delight to each of their faces, "Let us go down and greet the guests," The man had his arms around the Lady, "I understand,"

Eva and Alexios walked towards the faction that had a connection with the House of Schleswig, "Greetings, Nobles, Ladies. I hope you're having fun. Let me introduce to you my soon wife, Lady Eva Maria Rabellino," The Ladies covered their faces with a fan, "Greet them, Eva. He's Noble Apostolis Stamallis, Noble Stamatios Georgiadis, Lady Olympia Artinouli, Lady Evangelia Manoliade, and Lady Margeta Hadjili,"

Bowing, she smiled and curtsied subtly, "I, Eva Maria Rabellino, Greet Noble Stamallis, Noble Georgiadis, Lady Artinouli, Lady Manoliade, and Lady Hadjili. Your presence is an honor to our Engagement Ceremony," They returned delighted faces and nodded in return, "The news around you didn't fail me, I thought they were exaggerating, no wonder you got our little Nikolaos wrapped around your finger," Lady Artinouli who seemed to be a dominant woman first spoke.

"I agree with you, Lady Artinouli. You, Lady Rabellino is too bewitching!" Noble Stamallis added, "So you are the daughter of the famous Noble Jaime Javier Rabellino, it is an honor to meet you,"

They approached other groups, and for the very last persons to greet was the House of Rabellino. "Greetings, Father, Mother, Brother," Eva lowered herself, "How is the Engagement Ceremony?" She questioned, raising her head.

With no one replying, Lady Isabel cleared her throat and held her daughter's hand, "We love it, everyone is welcoming and nice," She responded, before Alexios could speak, Noble Jaime stepped forward, "And as we are enjoying, can you wait and leave us alone for a moment?" The Elder Rabellino said with a stern voice.

"Understood, Noble Rabellino," Bowing himself with his soon Father in law, the man leaned closer to Eva, whispering, "I will discuss some work related stuff with my acquaintances, I'll be back," Kissing her cheek, Eva nodded.

"Of course, rest assured, Alexios. I will talk first with my Family," The Noble smiled, "See you," He walked off and looked back at the Lady for the last time before he had a good talk with his said acquaintances.

"Have you finished?" Father raised, taking her back to reality, "Have you checked on what is going on with the surrounding?"

With the orchestra's sound; violin, cello, piano, and such other instruments playing, even with the tiniest faint of noise, she understood what was happening around her; the sound of the murmurs and whispers resonated more than anything. Eva lowered her head as she listened to the mumbles of the mass.

"She's a member of the House of Rabellino, an opposition of the House of Schleswig, right?"

"I heard enough of them. How dare they even step on the ground of the Schleswig's when they are bold enough to challenge them,"

"Why else do you think the Noble Schleswig decided to marry her? I heard that apparently, someone saw Lady Rabellino wrapping her arms around the Noble in a ball."

"He ended up marrying an enemy. How would the predecessors of the House of Schleswig react on this?"

"How did she even get engaged to the Noble?"

"It must be because the power of the House of Rabellino is decreasing, their influence will also affect their performance."

"The House of Rabellino must've sold her to gain reputation and build up issues to increase their influence even if they do it in a way that would lead them to shame."

"I can say, this will spark up Ylury with all the wildfires they created. There's no way Noble Schleswig will get engaged to a Lady because of love when he himself didn't even receive or know love."

Eva composed herself, even with all the whispers that circulated; it was not enough to make her discouragement because she knows the truth, and nothing could make her more despicable if she gave her up first.

"Eva?" A familiar voice saved the Lady from the frustration she was feeling, "Our conversation took longer than I expected. Perhaps, are you finished conversing with your Family?

"Alexios," This time it was his Older Brother, Neizan Asier Rabellino, who spoke, "Take her, it's improper to have the guests waiting. You're the stars for this event, join the party,"

Noble Schleswig extended her hand to the Lady, who looked as if she was on the verge of crying, reaching out for her, "Did I make you wait too long?" He muttered under his breath, "Just in time."