Kingsley's Bride

Chapter 11: A dance with the King of Shadows

Dear Readers,

Do not skip anything in this chapter, as this is where the main plot of the entire book begins. Remember the character names well.

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The morning of the announcement dawned with a peculiar mix of excitement and apprehension swirling within me. Mr. Ralph's unexpected visit to my chambers brought news that sent a jolt of surprise through me. The town, and the neighboring town as well, had been informed of Darius Kingsley's imminent ascension to the title of Duke. A grand ceremony was to be held in seven months to officially bestow upon him the noble rank he was due to inherit.

The Kingsley family had announced a ballroom dance to celebrate this joyous occasion, and it dawned on me that this might be the first time I would be stepping out in public as Darius's wife. The thought both thrilled and unnerved me, for it meant navigating the intricate social intricacies of such an event, all while concealing the true nature of our relationship.

As Eliza helped me prepare for the ballroom, she dressed me in a stunning blue gown that shimmered like the surface of a tranquil lake under moonlight. The fabric flowed gracefully, hugging my curves and cascading down in delicate waves. The bodice was adorned with intricate silver embroidery, sparkling subtly with every movement, and the sleeves, made of sheer tulle, added a touch of ethereal elegance.

Eliza's skilled hands wove my hair into an elegant braid, securing it with delicate pins that matched the gown's embellishments. Each twist and turn of the braid felt like a small comfort, a reminder of the care and attention Eliza always provided.

"Oh, Lady Scarlett," Eliza exclaimed, stepping back to admire her work. "Your red hair looks like a cascade of fire and gold, so vibrant against the blue of your gown. And your eyes," she added, her voice softening with genuine admiration, "they shine like the richest hazel brown, full of determination and grace. You look every bit the Duchess you are soon to become, truly like a princess."

"Thank you, my dear Eliza. It's all because of you," I smiled and gave the young girl a hug, which took her by surprise.

Yet, my mind was consumed by thoughts of how to secure the funds necessary to hire Mr. Edward Hughes. The weight of this task bore down on me, mingling with the excitement and anticipation of the evening ahead.

Earlier, my dress was delivered to me by Mr Ralph and I was informed by Mr. Ralph that Darius had already departed to receive the royals with his grandfather and that he would meet me at the venue.

The carriage was ready for my departure but a melancholic mood enveloped me. I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at my insides, the knowledge that Darius did not want me in his life, that our marriage was nothing more than a facade. Yet, I was grateful that he was not overtly rude or unkind to me, a small comfort in the midst of our complicated circumstances.

Arriving at the venue, I expected to be left to my own devices. However, to my surprise, Darius was there, resplendent in a white royal suit, his charm and charisma on full display.

The carriage came to a halt, the horses neighing and stomping their legs. Through the window, I could see Darius waiting for me. He was adjusting his suit when the door of my carriage swung open. As I stepped out, Darius looked up at me, his eyes bright and his hair perfectly combed back. For a moment he looked taken aback but then he seemed to regain his composure and gave me his hand helping me out of the carriage and then adjusting my dress a little before he placed a kiss on my gloved hand.

"Good evening, my dear Scarlett," he greeted me, his voice smooth and alluring. "You look breathtaking."

I offered him a polite smile, unsure of how to respond to his sudden display of affection. Was he merely playing a part for the benefit of the onlookers, or was there a genuine sentiment behind his words and actions? As we made our way into the ballroom, Darius continued to shower me with compliments and flirtatious remarks, his charm in full force. I couldn't help but feel a sense of confusion and apprehension, unsure of his intentions and wary of the eyes that followed our every move.