Surviving Sixteen {On Hold}

Chapter Three

Surviving Sixteen

Chapter Three

Eleni and Ambrosine glided across the marble floor, their arms linked. A sharp rapping on the front hall's doors sounded once again. They smiled knowingly at each other and continued on. They reached the doors, and the butler pulled one open. Each twin had a smile presented for the guests. An older couple stood at the door, looking smug and self-important. The man had a gray moustache and hair, and wore an elaborate pale green velvet suit. The woman had fading brown curly hair that was pulled into a tight bun at the base of her skull, contrasting the pale green velvet dress that perfectly matched her husband's suit. Ambrosine raised an eyebrow at Eleni. The latter shook her head slightly at her sister and smiled at the couple.

"Hello, Lord Beirrin, Lady Beirrin. Please, come inside. Lady Beirrin, I absolutely adore your dress, you simply must tell me who made it for you!" Eleni exclaimed in mock excitement. However, the Lord and Lady didn't hear the sarcasm, but the Lady smiled warmly.

"Oh, yes darling, I will most certainly leave his information with you before we depart," she drawled, gliding alongside her strutting husband. 

"Please, follow Ambrosine into the sitting room. I'll be along in a moment," the blonde girl suggested, gesturing to the room. Ambrosine sent a glare toward her twin before smiling warmly at the guests. Another knock sounded from the doors. Eleni hurried to the doors again, and the butler opened them again.

***

Lady Beirrin laughed loudly at the Lord of Shaos' jest. Eleni rolled her eyes at her sister from across the room. Eleni laughed softly, interrupting the person talking to her.

"Is something amusing, m'lady?" Tristan asked. Eleni smirked.

"Just Ambrosine again," she told her friend. He grinned and laughed loudly, cutting through many conversations. Eleni blushed as the Lords and Ladies of the room stared at them. She gently hit his arm.

"Tristan, shut up!" she exclaimed in a muttered voice.  He smirked and strolled away to chat with another guest. Eleni rolled her eyes to herself and glided into a conversation her sister was having with the Lady of Druma. 

"Ah! Eleni, how pleasant to see you again!" the Lady of Druma said, giggling after her comment. Ambrosine laughed lightly. Eleni and the Lady of Druma hugged tightly.

"Julianne, it's been too long!" Eleni replied, free of sarcasm. She glanced at the brunette girl's sky blue dress.

"And, absolutely lovely dress!" the blonde twin exclaimed. Julianne laughed, knowing her friend wasn't the type to make small talk in this way.

"As is yours, Eleni! Now, come, am I not to be staying here tonight, just as we did when we were but wee lasses?" Julianne asked in her lilting accent that tinged her voice the barest. Ambrosine grinned.

"Of course!" the twins exclaimed at once. Ambrosine glanced around at the gathered guests distastfully.

"If only this would end!" she exclaimed softly. The other two girls laughed harmoniously, drawing attention to their small group.

"And what would the lovely ladies be talking of this fine evening?" a man asked. He was young and slim, with brown hair sweeping across his forehead and glinting amber eyes. Eleni gasped and flung herself into his arms.

"Ben!" she nearly squealed as he spun her about. He laughed, a warm and hearty laugh that sent warmth flooding through her. Julianne and Ambrosine exchanged amused glances.

"Oh, Ben, when did you get here? I don't recall you arriving!" Eleni laughed delightedly. The man- Ben- smiled lovingly at her, his arms surrounding her.