Trapped in Satin

𝐈𝐈: A Ballroom Medley

༺═───────༺༻───────═༻

"Lady Avelyn Waldergrave." The young girl bowed deeply. "It is the greatest honour gracing your presence, your Majesty. My father the Duke sends his deepest regards and eagerly anticipates your presence at our ball this season."

Anelise watched as the unfamiliar girl charmed the entire hall with her beauty, and with a deep curtsy, conveyed her unwavering devotion to the Queen. Every step, a testament to her upbringing and rigorous education in the arts of comportment. Seated on her throne, Her Majesty graciously nodded, closely watched by courtiers and ladies-in-waiting as they gauged her reaction.

The Waldergraves held their position as one of the most affluent families in Veridia for many generations, and their daughter was certainly not beyond par. Her gown, an exquisite creation of satin and lace created by the most renowned modiste, shimmered with opulence, reflecting the wealth and influence her family had in the kingdom.

Lady Avelyn's introduction had set the tone for the evening, the debutante, an undisputed front runner to covet the Queen's favour as the season's diamond, particularly considering her proximity to the royal family and the prince.

"Lady Eliana Casteze, daughter to the Earl of Wessex, Your Majesty. May I extend my warmest regards."

An elegant curtsy, illustrated by no other than lady Eliana Casteze. With such grace and charm, she was without a doubt, destined to take her place among the elites, perfectly  capable even without the prestige of her father's influence. Only the slightest predicament — she did not enjoy Queen Elodia's favour, having been part of the Queen Consort's faction.

You see... In his youth, the King was captivated by a certain royal, her grace and beauty enchanting him entirely.  However, a runaway princess of the neighbouring kingdom was not considered a befitting match for the Veridian throne. Rather, his duty to the Crown compelled him to wed the more suitable Duchess of Hanbridge, now Queen Elodia I.

By the hand of fate, his first love fell pregnant with the King's son, long before the birth of Prince Elysander. To ensure his firstborn the unchallenged right to the throne, the King elevated the estranged princess to the esteemed position of Queen Consort, a title more dignified than the customary 'concubine'.

Although Queen Elodia's son was given the Crown Prince title, both heirs had equal rights of accession.

This gave rise to two factions. One ardently advocated for the legitimate Crown Prince, stressing the importance of tradition and the purity of the Veridian bloodline. The other, fervently supported the King's firstborn despite his foreign heritage, trusting his potential to bridge the two kingdoms and strengthen their alliance.

But resuming to our story, the competition between the two Queens was so fierce that the sides chosen would shape the destinies of those involved.

As for Lady Eliana's debut, governed by Queen Elodia, she would not be particularly favourable due to her affiliations. Nevertheless, such debutantes attend the ball merely to follow tradition, and are then commended to ladies-of-waiting for the Queen Consort. Thus, she remained nonchalant.

Although, the Queen found herself far too preoccupied by her own concerns; her son had failed to make an appearance at a royal event, once again.

As the debutantes continued presenting themselves, Lady Anelise's fingers trembled while meticulously adjusting the intricate lace on her gown. Throughout the evening her apprehension was diverted by the persistent suitors and their invitations to dance. But now, the moment she feared most was finally here.

Tender fingertips awoke her from the reverie, as they delicately uncoiled her tight grasp. She cast her gaze upward, locking eyes with the reassuring silhouette at her side, a carefully fabricated smile gracing her lips. Maximilian, undeceived by her pretence, interwove their fingers for the last time that evening, savouring the moment before lifting her soft hand to his lips.

Anelise braced herself, brimming with anticipation, preparing to step into the spotlight of the ton's discerning scrutiny. She calmed the rapid pace of the heart amongst the moment's intensity, yet still caught whim of the the velvety cadence of his hushed words,

"You are by far the most captivating presence in this room, my lady."

In presenting herself, the room's nobility fixated their inquisitive gazes upon her.

"Lady Anelise Agriche, daughter to the Viscount of Brittany, Your Royal Majesty. It is the utmost honour gracing your presence this fine evening."

The silence was deafening.

What piqued society's interest in the young Lady Anelise was that she was shrouded in mystery. Such a beauty, concealed within the walls of the Agriche estate — such waste, they'd think.

Oblivious, the blushing lady withdrew just in time to miss the Queen's discreet curl of the lip.

༺═───────༺༻───────═༻