Whispers Of Desires: A Sense Of Courage {Book 3}

❀ꗥ～ꗥ❀ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐬: 𝐀 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 ❀ꗥ～ꗥ❀

The estate was buzzing with activity as the maids worked tirelessly to decorate for the upcoming ball. The day of the event finally arrived, and the house was decorated in elegant shades of white and green, the favourite colours of Adanna's late mother. In her chambers, Adanna was getting ready with the help of her maids. They left her braids and dressed her in a stunning pale green embroidered gown that accentuated her curves.

Adanna stood in front of the mirror, her hands trembling slightly as she took in her reflection. She knew this was her last attempt at finding a husband before she would have to give up her search. Silently, she prayed that this time, it would work.

One of the maids noticed Adanna's nervousness and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "My lady, you look absolutely breathtaking," she said, her voice filled with sincerity.

Another maid chimed in, "Any man would be lucky to have you by his side, Lady Adanna."

Adanna smiled at their kind words, but she couldn't help but feel a pang of anxiety. "Thank you, both. You both are very sweet," she said, touching her braids self-consciously. Taking a deep breath, Adanna left her chambers and made her way to the grand hall.

As she walked towards the entrance, the man at the door announced her arrival. "Presenting Lady Adanna!"

All eyes turned to face her as she entered, and Adanna gracefully curtsied before proceeding further into the ballroom. She quickly spotted her sisters, Asha and Ife, who were also dressed in different shades of green gowns.

Asha was surrounded by a group of her friends, engaged in lively conversation. "Adanna!" she called out, waving her sister over. "You look absolutely gorgeous! Come and join us!"

Adanna smiled and made her way towards Asha, but not before glancing at Ife, who was sitting in a corner, her nose buried in a book. She walked towards her younger sister, a playful grin on her face. "Ife, you cannot spend the entire ball reading. Come and socialize with us!"

Ife looked up from her book, a mischievous look in her eye. "But dear sister, the characters in this book are far more interesting than any potential suitors here."

Adanna laughed, shaking her head. "You never know, Ife. The right man might just sweep you off your feet tonight."

"I highly doubt that," Ife replied, but she closed her book and stood up. "But I suppose I can spare a few moments for socialization, if only to appease you."

Arm in arm, the three sisters made their way through the grand hall, greeting guests and engaging in polite conversation. Adanna's heart raced with a mixture of excitement and nervousness as she scanned the room, hoping to catch the eye of a potential husband.

Suddenly, a figure caught her eye. It was Nandini, looking radiant in a white elegant gown, which accentuated her curves. Beside her stood a tall, handsome man with warm brown skin and a neatly trimmed beard. He was dressed in white just like Nandini and that was when Adanna realised...that was her husband.

Adanna smiled to herself before she excused herself from her sisters and made her way over to Nandini. With a curtsy, she greeted Nandini.

"Nandini! It is so lovely to see you again," Adanna exclaimed, embracing her friend warmly. "You look absolutely stunning in that gown. And this must be your husband?" she asked, glancing at the handsome man beside her.

Nandini returned the smile, "Adanna, you look exquisite! And I must say your family has really outdone themselves with this ball." She glanced at the man next to her, "And yes, this is my husband Thaddeus Blackthorn."

Thaddeus bowed his head slightly in greeting. "It is an honour to finally meet you, Lady Adanna. Nandini has spoken so highly of you."

"The pleasure is all mine, Lord Blackthorn. Nandini has told me a great deal about you as well." Adanna said.

Just as the conversation was flowing between them, a young woman approached Nandini and Thaddeus, a look of urgency on her face.

"Excuse me, Sir and Lady Blackthorn," the woman said breathlessly. "Lord Alexei has requested your presence."

Nandini exchanged an apologetic glance with Adanna. "Duty calls, I am afraid. But it was wonderful catching up, Adanna. We must continue this conversation soon."

"Of course," Adanna replied, a hint of disappointment in her voice. "Enjoy the rest of the evening, Nandini, and you too, Lord Blackthorn."

With a final wave, Nandini and Thaddeus followed the young woman, leaving Adanna alone once more. Just then, the voice of the announcer echoed throughout the ballroom. "Presenting Her Majesty, Queen Nia of Ivamis, and His Majesty, King Kiyoshi –" the announcer paused, "-along with their children, Princess Kyra, Princess Niya, and Prince Elias!"

Adanna's eyes widened in excitement as she watched her sister and her family enter the grand hall. Her heart swelled with pride as she saw them all dressed in white and green. Nia held baby Elias as Kiyoshi struggled to hold the two princesses, two-year-old Niya and four-year-old Kyra.

The crowd erupted in applause as the royal family made their way towards their father, Governor Nari. "Father," Kiyoshi said with a smile.

"Nia, Kiyoshi, I am so glad you all could make it," Governor Nari smiled, hugged his daughter and son-in-law. "And my grandchildren, how they have grown!"

Nia laughed as she handed Elias to his grandfather. "Indeed, they have," she said, her eyes sparkling with love. Kyra and Niya curtsied prettily beside their parents. Adanna, who had been watching from afar, decided to join them.

"Nia!" Adanna exclaimed. Before she could reach them, Nia turned, her eyes lighting up at the sight of her sister.

"Adanna!" Nia exclaimed, pulling her sister into a tight hug. "It is so good to see you again," Adanna whispered, squeezing Nia back. Stepping back, she turned to Kiyoshi, who was preoccupied with bouncing a giggling Niya in his arms.

"Kiyoshi," Adanna greeted, offering a small smile. Kiyoshi glanced up, his face momentarily distracted before a warm smile spread across his lips.

"Adanna," he replied, his voice slightly strained. "It's a pleasure to see you again. How are you faring?"

"Quite well, thank you," Adanna said, her voice trailing off a bit as she noticed Kiyoshi's attention shift back to Niya, who was now reaching for a piece of decoration hanging from the ceiling.

"Niya no!" Nia exclaimed, laughing as her daughter tried to grab a shiny piece of decoration. "Leave that alone."

"But Mommy," the little girl pouted.

Adanna chuckled as she saw her sister gently but firmly deny Niya's request. Just then Ife and Asha walked up to them, their faces lightning up at the sight of Nia. "Nia! It's so good to see you again!" Ife exclaimed, giving Nia a hug. "And look at you all! You're all grown up!" she added, looking at the little princesses and Elias.

Greetings and hugs were exchanged all around, with the women of the group engaging in lively conversation about their lives since they'd last seen each other.

"Aunty Adanna!" Kyra shrieked, pointing at Adanna with a mischievous grin. Adanna couldn't resist the little princess's enthusiasm. With a laugh, she scooped Kyra up into her arms, showering her with kisses.

"Hello there, my little princess!" Adanna laughed as she cradled Kyra in her arms, feeling the warmth of the child's body against hers. The girl giggled, her tiny hands reaching up to stroke Adanna's cheek. "Oh, you're getting so big!" she exclaimed, her heart swelling with love and affection.

As everyone was caught up in their joyful reunion, the announcer's voice echoed through the hall, silencing the chatter momentarily.

"Presenting, Tanisi Nari, Daughter of Governor Nari!"