Noble Hearts

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"The carriage is ready, my lady." In her simple yet elegant gown adorned with a few ornaments, Lady Ella spoke.

With a regal nod of acknowledgement, I replied, "Very well, let us proceed," my voice steady despite the flutter of anticipation in my chest. As we stepped out of the sanctum of my chamber, I felt a surge of determination wash over me, steeling my resolve for the journey ahead.

Today is the anniversary of birth of one of my esteemed friends and heir to the illustrious Aurelius Empire, Imperial First Prince Constantine Alexander Aurelio. He is turning his sweetest 25th birthday in the grand manor of the Imperial Palace, inviting only a few important people that will be beneficial in the future.

I am adorned in resplendent attire. My dark green locs is in its unusual braid and high bun ornamented with pearls and emerald alike. For my gown, I have chosen a midnight green velvet, adorned with intricate silver embroidery that catches the light with every movement. The gown drapes elegantly around my form, accentuating my silhouette with its flowing lines and delicate craftsmanship. A neckline of delicate lace frames my collarbones, showing my birthmark that resemble of that rose petal.

Around my waist, a silver belt cinches the gown which emphasized my slender waist and to complete the ensemble: emerald, peridot, jade, and pearl added final touch to the hues of deep green of the gown. A necklace of emerald stones adorns my throat and earrings of pearl from my ears. For the footwear, I wore the monogram embossed lime green sandals crafted specifically by the finest shoemaker of the empire. One of the many gifts of Empress Gabriella.

I do not wish to wear such fashion, however Her Imperial Majesty herself personally wrote me a letter informing me to wear the most luxurious item in my possession. I could not possibly refuse. I sighed at the thought. She only wants the best for His Imperial Highness, The Crown Prince after all.

"My lady, is there a problem?" Lady Ella asked in the middle of our pilgrimage. I suppose she heard how I sighed to my thought. "Are you displeased that you are going to the Imperial Palace?"

"Nothing of sort. I am just quite uncomfortable with my gown as it is heavy." I mentally complained.

Lady Ella chuckled. "Indeed, my lady. It's been a while since you last wore such gown adorned with varieties of gemstone. You are absolutely stunning, my lady."

"Is it?" I asked. "When was the last time I attended such event again?"

"I believe it was during the tea party of Grand Duke's daughter, my lady. Almost a year ago."

"Really?"

As I pondered Lady Ella's words, memories of the Grand Duke's daughter's tea party flooded my mind. It had been a splendid affair, set amidst the enchanting backdrop of the Grand Duke's historic garden. I recalled the regal ambiance, with hues of royal blue accented by glimmers of gold, and the elegant hostess, Lady Islette, graciously welcoming her guests.

It seemed like a lifetime ago since I last beheld Nikolai and his daughter, their presence adding a touch of warmth to the festivities. Yet here I was now, adorned in luxurious attire at the behest of Her Imperial Majesty, preparing to embark on another grand occasion at the Imperial Palace.

The ball's theme at that time was a splendid royal blue with a hint of hues of gold. The emplacement of the tea party is in the Grand Duke's historic garden and the host of the party is His Grace's daughter, Lady Islette. Now that I thought of Lady Islette, I felt chills down my spine.

"Now that I remember, isn't Lady Islette is rather fond of you, my lady?" Lady Ella said as she smiled at me.

"...Uh, it's best not to talk about it." I dismissed her and we both chuckled.

After an arduous journey spanning nearly four hours, our party finally reached the gates of the capital. A familiar Imperial Knight, recognizing our arrival, bowed respectfully.

"It's been a while, Lady Atasha... or should I say Marquess Crestwood now?" he greeted with a warm smile.

"How audacious of you to adopt such a familiar tone," I retorted, my voice laced with authority.

Taken aback, the knight swiftly lowered his head. "My apologies for any offense, my lady."

I couldn't help but chuckle. "I jest, Lenon. How have you been?"

His tense demeanor softened. "I have transitioned from a humble knight to a frontline defender of the Empire within the past year, my lady."

"I see you've risen through the ranks, Lenon. Well done."

"As have you, my lady."

Inwardly, I disagreed. His ascent was earned through diligence and dedication, whereas mine was merely a consequence of birthright.

"The difference is, you were prepared. I was not," I remarked, a tinge of melancholy coloring my words.

"My apologies, my lady."

"No need for apologies," I interjected.

"Still, I must express-"

"Shhh,"

"But my lady-"

"Shhh," I interrupted with a laugh. "I must make my way to the banquet soon."

He let out a sigh. "Understood, my lady. Please present your seal or invitation letter, and you may enter."

Lady Ella handed him our invitation letter, bearing the official badge of the Imperial Palace.

Lenon smiled as he inspected the letter, then stepped aside, sheathing his blade. "You may proceed, my lady."

With a small nod, I began to move forward, but his voice stopped me.

"And my lady?"

"Yes?" I turned to face him.

"You look... r-resplendent," he stammered, averting his gaze and blushing. "Your countenance radiates unparalleled grace and beauty."

"Thank you for the reminder, Lenon. It's always appreciated." I smiled warmly at his compliment.

"Marchioness Atasha Crestwood has arrived," he announced as I made my way into the grand manor.

Inside, opulence surrounded me, each guest adorned in finery that could sustain my barn for a year, support a small town for a decade, or provide for a family of commoner for eternity. If only such exaggerations were mere fiction.

As I proceeded down the aisle, it felt as though every eye in the room was fixed upon me. Unaccustomed to such attention and reluctant to be the center of it, I found myself acutely aware of the weight of my newfound title as Marchioness of Crestwood. It dawned on me that this was the first banquet I had attended since assuming this prestigious role, and the scrutiny that accompanied it was inevitable.

Since the reason of my presence has yet to appear, I resigned myself to the prospect of awaiting the inevitable flocking of attendees seeking to curry favor, though I harbored doubts about their success. It seemed that until the arrival of the Imperial royalties, my company would be comprised solely of those eager to seize upon any opportunity for advancement, their motives as transparent as the crystal chandeliers overhead.

"Grand Duke Archibald Nikolai Evergreen and Lady Islette Evergreen has arrived."

Following that acknowledgment, the Master of Ceremonies finally announced the arrival of the stars of the night, Their Imperial Majesties, with all the decorum and reverence befitting their esteemed presence.

- s a k u r a b l u e m s _ -