Ghost

Chapter 1: Ball

November 16, 1861

Winter was felt throughout the land. Cadenza, a fine young woman wasn't allowed outside due to the weather. Her parents took care of her like a porcelain doll who didn't earn even a single scratch. She always thought it was ridiculous, but played along with it. Otherwise, she'd be bothered by her parents.

She was the lady of the town. She'd spend most of her time looking out her window, observing the people below her. Many men would pass by to adore her beauty. She had fair, porcelain-like skin, her long lashes, her soft, dark hair, her sweet smile, and the fancy clothes she wears. Nothing could be wrong with her.

Today was a special day, therefore she wasn't in her usual routine. She spent hours with maids, helping her get ready for the special ball that would be held in their manor. People from prestigious families would come to see her. She is set to find a match in this ball and marry before the end of December.

Her hair was being brushed softly by one of the maids while the others were arranging her ballgown.

"Madam." Said Landa, one of the maids.

"Yes?" Cadenza answered.

"Do you feel ready for the ball? If you don't mind me asking." Landa calmly asked.

"I'm a bit nervous if I'm being honest. I know I shouldn't be. I am to beam with confidence in a room of strangers that all want to become my partner. But I can't help but feel nervous from meeting them." Cadenza kept her gaze on her reflection.

"I'm sure you'll be fine, madam. You're a fair lady that's close to perfection. I'm sure there's bound to be someone who will promise to be with you forever." Landa smiled, brushing Cordelia's hair.

Once she was done, Cadenza stood up and the maids checked her appearance.
"Perfect," Landa said.
"Thank you again, Landa." Cordelia smiled.
"Of course, madam."

Cadenza went out of her room, the noise from the people gathering in the ballroom gradually grew louder and she could hear the faint symphony of violins along with other instruments.
Cadenza waited by the grand staircase and was later joined by her parents.
"Now darling, you know how this goes. Wait for your presence to be announced and then walk down the stairs gracefully. Not too fast and not too slow. Don't trip. Look straight and-"
"I know, mother. I know what to do."
Cadenza cut her off. She wasn't ready for another long list of reminders. She already knew what had to be done.
Her parents were announced. She watched them walk down the stairs carefully, her mother's arm wrapped around her father's. The audience clapped in awe, some simply stared in amazement while others seemed unphased.  Cadenza observed and waited.

"And please, welcome the star of the night, Lady Cadenza Lavender!"

The crowd got louder with applause and cheering. Cadenza walked as gracefully as she can. Her hair flowed behind her smoothly. Her gown slipped on the stairs and left a soft and faint sound. The orchestra changed its music to welcome her. She smiled and waved a little. Once she reached the bottom of the staircase, lots of people crowded and approached her. Many were people she never knew.

"Lady Lavender, it's a great pleasure to meet you." A tall man said, asking to shake her hand. She shook him for a short while. "The name's Feliz." The tall man didn't seem too excited to meet her. It was a facade, another one of those men who simply wanted her to lift their status.
Cadenza only smiled. This was going to be one long night.

She was greeted by a couple of more guests. Some she recognized and most she didn't. Some of her relatives showed up to support her. Her favorite aunt gave her a ruby bracelet with lovely diamonds decorating the edges. She wore it to match her dress and thanked her.

Soon, Cadenza found herself getting lost in the crowd, feeling like she was drowning from everything. So she excused herself, pushing her way through the crowd, trying to remain unnoticed, and trying to get out as quick as possible.

At last, she reached the garden. Some of the guests were chitchatting outside. She simply waved and smiled, then swiftly walked past them. She was headed straight for the hidden fountain.
Her gown was being touched by the clean grass. She took her tiara off as she grew closer to the fountain. She sat down, careful not to make her gown wet. She gently placed her tiara down her lap and gazed at the moon.

A long sigh escaped her lips

She wondered if this ball was going to be another failure of finding her a lover. A small tear formed at the corner of her eye. She longed for the feeling of romance but was also scared of what would come in her way. She was scared of not being prepared, feeling overwhelmed. She was scared of constantly feeling vulnerable next to her lover.

A soft rustle was heard, then a pair of footsteps thumping on the stone paths.
Cadenza turned to see a figure of a man.
The moon's light shone upon his face, adding a glimmer to his dreamy eyes. His hair was tied behind him neatly, shining from the light. His outfit, tucked in tight.
A rose was clutched in his hand. He extends his hand, handing her the rose.

"Hey uh...I found this rose earlier when I saw you walking past towards here. So I picked it up and followed you...I thought it suited your dress... I hope you don't mind that I picked it from the garden."
The man spoke.

Cadenza was frozen, mesmerized by the sight she saw.
Within a minute, she snaps back into reality and chuckles.

"Well, you should probably say that to the gardeners. They worked hard to grow those."
She smiled at him, the man captured by the beauty of her smile.

"My name's Cadenza Lavender. What's yours?"
She asked.

"Milo. Milo Fernando."