Grapevine (Zetheria Series #1)

Chapter 18: After Party

Several hours later, after going through the grand teleporter set up by a group of elite mages, Selene was back at Zurham. Her debut party was already in full swing as she went down the banquet hall.

Ladies in their extravagant ball gowns glided through the hall, showing off their wealth through fashion. Gentlemen in gallant suits talked amongst themselves, taking this chance to introduce themselves to the richest and the most powerful.

An orchestra played a jubilant music in the background. Maids in suits and other staff roamed the crowd, providing drinks and other delicacies.

The decorations were simple: consisting of various arrangements of lilies, hydrangeas and lavenders. White banners were hung as well, adding a sacred vibe to the lively occassion.

Selene had to praise Sainth for planning out this party. Despite how unpleasant he was most of the time, he got his job done, splendidly at that. Normally, the duchess would be the one who arranges social events like these. Sainth had been taking on the role for a long time as there had been no other females in the family except Selene who had not came of age yet.

Before mixing into the crowd, Selene's arrival was announced, making heads turn to her direction. She took a deep breath internally.

Although, Selene will generously consider herself as an intelligent and adaptable person, social events like these had always been one of the most challenging things to navigate through.

Groups of humans, well mages, in this case were very difficult to deal with. Empathy seemed to be a concept that eluded Selene. Most of the time, she struggled to make sense of how these individuals act. Understanding the absence of logic in their actions was a foreign thing.

However, in the course of Selene's life, she had learned many lessons. Some of which she learned the hard way. Hopefully, those would suffice.

Viscountess Fissolo was already holding a conversation with several older women. Selene took some time to greet her and the entire bunch.

Smiles were exchanged, and pleasant words hung in the air. It was a heartwarming sight, if you choose to ignore the messages between the lines, that is. Since she was the star of the night, Selene was spared from the torture of having to stay at one place. She does not have to fit, rather they have no choice but to make space and let her in.

Young men from lower ranked families greeted Selene with their mothers whispering into their ears.

Selene briefly greeted them back with a pleasant smile. Even though they already knew her reputation, the Rosseficent's prestige simply can't be ignored. The benefits of becoming a part of the family was tremendous after all. That part was undeniable.

All in all, it wasn't so bad. She managed to get through it somehow. Some moments later, she was finally free.

She silently disappeared from the middle of the crowd and stood near the wall, drinking a refreshing fruit juice.

Suddenly, the music changed. It was a lot livelier now and gentlemen were bringing ladies into the dance floor. There were young men who sought Selene from the crowd, but she positioned herself in a corner where a huge decoration stood, shielding her from unwanted attention.

There was another lady who stood beside her, the lady slid towards Selene sneakily and elbowed her. Selene flinched, the corset was tight and she just had to hit that side!

"Why aren't you dancing? Where's your little prince?"

Selene blinked. Her mind went hyperdrive as she tried to figure out who this lady was. Blond, shoulder-length hair, a mischievous smile and an exaggerated puff sleeve.