Air Kingdom

Chapter 48-The Ball And Proposal

Classical music was floating down the hallway as we made our way down to the ballroom. An announcer waiting outside bowed when he saw us.

"Welcome to the Calixte Hall, ladies. Now, may I please have your names."

"Of course," I responded happily.

Jewel raised her hand. "Ms.Jewel Byron, Sir."

He nodded and opened the door, releasing irresistible scents of delicious foods and sweet desserts. Jewel stepped into the room as the announcer introduced her. He closed the door again, awaiting the next name.

"Ms.Serena Celestia." She said, stepping forward.

The announcer repeated the process, introducing Ms.Emily Godsworth as well as Lady Ellia Lightfeather. He finally got to me and bowed again. This time, he didn't even ask for my name. I guess everyone in Vernon kept up with the latest news in Air. I placed a smile on my face and raised my chin as the door opened.

"Princess Emma Fairthorn." He called out to the crowd. Heads turned and conversations dropped to see the next heir of Air. I suddenly felt pressure on me and I became aware of slipping on the long flight of stairs below me. Thankfully, I didn't trip and make a fool of myself.

Many people talked to me, wanting to know how I was, why I was here, and many other things. I patiently conversed with them, but I was itching to get to my friends and the savory food. Finally, I found my chance when Sam arrived. He looked regal and older under his formal robes and golden crown. The whole room turned their attention on him. I darted to the food, receiving a glass plate from one of the butlers. I delicately munched on some hors-d'oeuvres while observing the room.

Sam was dancing with Jewel in the center of the ballroom. Unlike me, he didn't chat too much with his subjects. All my other friends were scattered all over the room, talking in small groups, dancing with someone else, or eating like I was. I saw Emily and Seiro down the buffet line but gave some alone time to them. I finished my punch and went to go see what Ellia and Serena, only to be stopped by a middle-aged woman in front of me.

She was short and plump with her white hair curled up into a bun. She held a wine glass and took a huge sip from it. Based on the smell of alcohol surrounding her, it must've been her fifth or sixth glass.

She curtsied. "Your Highness, what an honor it is to see you up close."

"Thank you, and you are?"

"Oh yes, silly me. I am Mrs. DeWitt. I'm sure you know of my son, the General?"

"Oh, General Anthony. Yes, we've met each other before."

She nodded. "My son is very stubborn, but lately he has been more lenient about some certain things."

"Why does this concerns me?"

She moved closer to me, making my nose scrunch up from the smell. "He wishes to court your friend, Lady Ellia was it?" she whispered in my ear.

I nearly spit out my punch. "S-surely you must be mistaken."

"No, Your Highness. He discussed his marriage plans with me already. He plans on proposing tonight even." She said gladly.

"But they hardly know each other and she's under-age." I pointed out.

Her cheerfulness dimmed a little. "That is true, but as I've said, he's quite stubborn and he is a strong advocate for the old traditions. They could always have the wedding after the young lady turns eighteen."

"Wedding?" I repeated, still not believing what I was hearing.

"Yes," she said, winking at me. "But don't tell him or the bride-to-be about all this. I promised my son I wouldn't tell a single soul about it. But, since you kept demanding details, I had to confess."