Espionagé

ii - cecilia's parté

The evening was finally here, and I changed into my new sky blue gown and put on my treasured opal necklace, which my mother gave me to remind me of our family. I styled my hair and put little jewels and flowers in them, and when I looked in the mirror I almost couldn't recognize myself. Azra Romano, I told myself, the one who could pull even princes, or perhaps the Ottoman Sultan, I joked to myself. Like that would ever happen.

Vanozza was going to pick me up, and together we would take a carriage ride to the Ricci residence. I had only been there once, briefly, but I remember it was a captivating place.

As I mused over my previous time there and what would happen next, I heard horses outside and I knew it was Vanozza. 

"Azra! Are you coming?" I quickly got up and headed down to our entrance upon hearing my best friend. My mother saw I was about to leave, so she gave me a quick kiss and slid me a small note. I nodded and I went to the carriage and climbed in as we departed for Cecilia's. 

The night air was crisp and filled with excitement as Vanozza and I rode in the carriage towards the Ricci residence. The anticipation of the debutante ball pulsed through me, and I couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves mixed with exhilaration.

As we arrived at the grand estate, the sight took my breath away. The Ricci residence stood tall and elegant, illuminated by soft candlelight and the glow of the moon above. Servants bustled about, ensuring everything was perfect for the evening's festivities.

Stepping out of the carriage, I smoothed down the fabric of my gown and adjusted my opal necklace, feeling a surge of confidence. Vanozza linked her arm with mine, and together we entered the grand hall.

The ballroom was a vision of opulence, adorned with shimmering chandeliers and intricate tapestries. The sound of music filled the air, drawing guests onto the dance floor in a graceful whirl of movement.

Spotting Cecilia across the room, I made my way towards her, Vanozza following closely behind. Cecilia's eyes lit up with delight as she saw us approach, and we exchanged warm greetings.

The night unfolded in a blur of laughter, dancing, and whispered conversations. I found myself swept up in the enchantment of it all, feeling as though I had stepped into a fairytale.

I saw a handsome man, and asked to be introduced. He was apparently Cristiano Bianchi, also the son of a wealthy merchant, more than my father though. Cristiano was fairly handsome, and I considered to inquire to meet him again, though I didn't know what to do. Vanozza told me to meet up with him, and if not than she will trick me into doing it. I laughed at her antics.

But amidst the splendor, there was an undercurrent of tension. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss, a sense of unease lingering at the edges of my consciousness.

As the evening wore on, I noticed Vittoria gliding through the crowd with a smug expression, garnering attention wherever she went. It was clear she relished being the center of attention, her every move calculated to command admiration.

But despite her efforts, it was Cecilia who truly shone brightest, her grace and poise capturing the hearts of all who beheld her. And as the night drew to a close, I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride for my friend, knowing that she was the true belle of the ball.

As Vanozza and I bid farewell to Cecilia and the other guests, making our way back to the carriage, I couldn't shake the feeling of foreboding that lingered in the air. Little did I know, the events of this evening would set into motion a chain of events that would change everything.