12: Darken: Resurrection

Chapter twenty-four: Daria

The banquet and ball approached quicker than I had expected. Draus had outdone himself, making the occasion grander than I could have imagined. As the maids worked quickly, getting me dressed, I glanced at the dried rose on my vanity, hoping to see Thespian once more.

"Here, let me get rid of..." one of the maids reached for the rose.

"No," I said, grabbing it and holding it close to me. "Please, don't. It's still beautiful even as it is."

"We can get you fresh roses," the maid offered, returning to working on my hair.

I set the rose down gently. "It was a gift from someone I care deeply for."

"I will be sure to pass it on that it is not to be touched," she assured me.

"Thank you," I muttered, feeling the weight of the memories the rose held.

The room buzzed with anticipation and the echoes of distant music, as I prepared myself for the night ahead. The significance of the event was not lost on me, but my thoughts kept drifting to the dried rose, a symbol of a bond that transcended time and space. As the maids finished their work, I took one last look at my reflection, they had outdone themselves. 

They tied my long black hair up in a neat bun, securing it with a silver clasp. The gown was a sleeveless dress, consisting of a leather corset top that snugly hugged my natural curvy figure, and a blue Dragon Silk skirt. The corset was made of purple-dyed leather with black trim and silver accents. The skirt had a slit going from the bottom of the corset to the hem, which reached my ankles.

They included a blue and purple fur muff, to help me not bring attention to the lack of my left ring finger. My shoes were blue and purple Elvish style slippers made of leather, laced with black leather cordage. They put a simple amethyst teardrop-shaped pendant on a silver chain with matching earrings. They also placed a twisting golden circlet on my forehead with a red ruby gem in the center. I looked like a true princess.

Druas walked into the room, giving a look of appoval. "these types of clothes truly do suit you." he looked to the rose on my vanity, picking it up, "you should not try to hold onto hope of seeing him again, you belong here now." he dropped it to the floor and stepped on it, making the dried petals crumble. 

I kept a straight face, not showing that what he just did broke my heart. "I'm ready," I told him. He smiled, holding an arm out for me to rest my hand on. I did so, and he led me to the banquet hall.

The grand doors opened with a creak, revealing a hall resplendent with opulent decor and glittering lights. The announcer's voice boomed through the room, "Introducing his royal majesty, King Draus Ignisfatia, and his daughter, Princess Daria Ignisfatia."

Heads turned, and a hush fell over the crowd as we made our entrance. The air was thick with anticipation, the scent of exotic flowers mixing with the aroma of sumptuous feasts laid out on long tables. Each step we took echoed in the cavernous space, the sounds of music and conversation momentarily silenced.

King Draus's grip on my arm was firm, a silent reassurance amidst the swirling emotions and eyes watching our every move. The weight of my responsibilities pressed down on me, but I held my head high, every inch the princess they expected me to be.

The banquet hall itself was a masterpiece—crystal chandeliers hanging from the vaulted ceiling, casting a warm glow over the assembled guests. Rich tapestries adorned the walls, depicting the glorious history of our kingdom. Noblemen and women, dressed in their finest attire, whispered amongst themselves, their curiosity palpable.

As we approached the head table, the music resumed, and the soft murmur of voices filled the hall once more. We took our seats, the grandeur of the evening a stark contrast to the turmoil within me. Yet, I maintained my composure, a perfect facade for the sake of the kingdom and the delicate balance we had to uphold.