Haven And Chaos

62) Daughter of a baron

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MAYA'S POV
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Once more, I was being dragged to some ball without my permission. But this time, I had received an invite from the imperial family but didn't specify who had sent it.
I had had my doubts, but after investigating the seal, I confirmed it was authentic.

My insides liquidized as all these questions disrupted my normal thinking. Why had the imperial family invited me to such a grand event? There would only be aristocrats of the higher order flocking to the party. An unknown and insignificant person like myself would be like a lost sheep amongst predators. One easy to devour.

A set of clothes and shoes were delivered by Angel, letting me know that Gale was aware of the invite. He even allowed me to ride in one of his jets like a princess(not an actual one, sadly).

I arrived at the hotel he had arranged for us to stay, Angel, Lisa, and I, at around twelve. Lisa helped me dress up royally and gawd, I found myself drilling over my reflection. The black-red dress looked breathtaking, complimented perfectly by the red fingerless evening gloves and a black furry coat.

"What is this?" I asked as Lisa set down two small purple wooden boxes on the dresser.

She smiled opening one of the two, revealing a pair of dangling diamond earrings accompanied by a diamond choker with three embedded teardrop rubies. I stared at it for a good sixty seconds, admiring its elegance and beauty. I had never been one to mind about the kind of jewelry I wore and thus never took any further steps to buy anything expensive. "Isn't it gorgeous?"

I nodded taking it in my hands to admire it further. "Did Gale send this?"

"No. It was delivered this morning along with the invite but this one had a name. From Nikolai. He wrote that he was your classmate and asked that you be given only when we arrive."

"Nikolai," I whispered overwhelmed by heavy gratitude. Would he attend the ball?
Even if he wouldn't show up, I had to thank him as soon as I got the chance.

"And look." Lisa opened the second box. A sparkling five-leaved clover diamond ring pulled my full attention to it, sending my mind blank for a short while. Had he picked this design because I'd be attending a ball hosted by his cousin's family? After all, the imperial family's signet.

It did look damn beautiful, but, I couldn't bring myself to think of wearing it. What if it brought me unnecessary drama or put Nikolai in trouble?

"I, I shouldn't wear that. Please put it ba-"

"You're attending a royal ball, Maya. This is a sign of respect towards the imperial family. Everybody knows that for events like these, jewelry that represents the royal family is allowed and appreciated. Don't think about what anyone else will say. This ring will look perfect on you. Here, let me put-" She started sliding it down my index finger but it couldn't go further.
She tried on all my fingers, both hands until it fitted on only one...the ring finger.

We both exchanged a glance, brows raised.

"Maybe he picked one that was small enough to fit on any finger," Lisa tried to reason pulling away. She then picked up the choker and walked behind my chair.

She aided me fastening it on my neck while I stared at the ring. Was this all by coincidence? Why hadn't the ring fitted any other finger? And how good of a guesser was he to pick the perfect size for this specific finger?
'Less thinking Maya. You'll only agonize your brain. You need it to deal with the pressure that is to follow,' a voice reminded me.

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I panicked as the car drove through the palace gates which were heavily guarded. Even with Rose by my side, my insides felt like they were melting bit by bit as this heavy nervous feeling dawned on me.
Life was granting me the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to personally meet the most powerful family in the world.

They had changed to course of history and fought against a formidable enemy, coming out victorious. They brought world peace, saving it from the darkness of WSG in a war that was still undergoing but only through the small rebellious groups of its remnants.

I had the chance to meet the crown prince. But was I capable enough to draw his attention?
Would Gale suspect my intentions?

The guards guided me where to put my invite in a machine and suddenly, a humanlike manly voice announced my entrance as we walked past the doors
"Lady Amaya Ermold of house Ermold, youngest daughter of Baron Lash Ermold..."

Countless eyes were drawn to me as I descended the wide stairs.
"Relax Maya. Just breathe," Lisa whispered holding my arm and acting as my companion for the ball.

I followed her instructions, saving myself an ugly embarrassment like experiencing a panic attack with so many people watching me.
From where I was, my eyes raked over the many heads in search of one that I knew. But these people were all strangers.

Their stares made it clear just what they were thinking about, 'What is the daughter of a mere baron doing here?'
These nobles held great titles such as archdukes, dukes, marquises, and even princes and princesses from other countries.

From what Lisa had told me, this ball was being held to celebrate the peaceful collaboration between America and England. Of course a royal bloodline from King Henry would be present.

I was at the bottom of the power pyramid, dressed in a pretty dress and shining jewelry that drew more attention than I initially anticipated, especially from the females.
There was no one to receive me at the foot of the stairs because I knew nobody in this jungle of a ball. But I hoped that whoever had invited me here sure wouldn't stay in the shadows the entire event and make me feel even more out of place.

"You're doing great, Maya," Lisa encouraged as we set foot on the floor, joining the crowd.

"What would you like to drink?" Lisa asked walking me towards the drinks table closer to the buffet table and the dining area.
There were fewer people on this side as most if not all were busy chatting over a drink and socializing.
Servants in white-black uniforms could be seen moving about, running errands for their masters like Lisa was. Even though I had asked her not to wear the uniform, she insisted on it anyway, saying that going against the rules could earn me a punishment.

"I'll pick it myself. What about you?"

She just laughed.
"I don't think anyone is paying that much attention to us, Lisa. Pick whatever you like, I'll bear any consequences." I empathized with her because I had been a maid barely a week prior and it wasn't the best of experiences.

I chose a glass of red wine while she chose a glass of champagne from the tower.

She took a sip and smiled, "Oh my gawd! This tastes-"

"Lady Amaya?" A stranger's voice called from my left.

I slowly and gracefully turned to the side, holding my glass firmly so as not to make a single spill... In a fancy dull blue suit, the male, possibly in his late twenties gave a short bow. "My name is Stanley Miles of house Stanford, second son of Duke Standford. Happy to make your acquaintance."

I was hesitant for a millisecond before I reciprocated the greeting via a curtsy.
"Maya Ermold."

Gawd, I was so grateful that the previous tradition of shaking hands was no longer common due to my disgust for sweaty palms. A smoke bow or curtsy was enough to greet each other without any unnecessary skin contact. Even though it was from the medieval ages, I preferred this a thousandfold.

Stanley glanced over my head to the person I knew he now wanted gone.
"May we have a small chat?" He asked politely.