The Royal Decision (Book 1 of The Royal Series)

Chapter 3

The Royal Ball

As the humongous door opened, I struggled not to glare at the lightings. I wonder who made the rule that the ballroom must be lighted so brightly, it was as if the sun itself was just in front of everyone of us. My brother laughed softly when I scoffed earning our mother’s strictest glare. I smiled innocently at my mother while my brother winked at her and made my mother’s frown ever deeper.

The guests immediately cleared a way for us to move. They bowed as we made our grand entrance. Soon, my father and mother took their places in the thrones and told both my brother and I to enjoy ourselves.

I turned and faced the guests who had already risen and enjoying themselves. The royal ballroom was all the same but when I looked closer, only one word came to me, shocking. The white curtains highlighted with a touch of sparkling gold draped through the window creating a peaceful ambience. The red cloth covered the standing chandeliers adding grace and elegance making them looked like stunning princesses in red dress.

The ceilings were clad in an azure blue with thin dashes of white, in reminiscence of the skies of a bright sunny day. Amidst the thin clouds, the angels were eagerly waiting for our arrival. They smiled joyfully, as if wanting to join us in our royal ball. It was a masterpiece-- the artists had turned the ceiling into a scene of the heavens!

The red carpet gently covered the floor creating and aisle for me to walk on. The center of the ballroom was decorated by flower tiles shaping a big circle for the most outstanding dance. A grand crystal chandelier hung regally above the dance floor and beneath the blue ceiling, as if representing the sun itself.

The door leading to the balcony was partially covered by a thin layer of ivory colored cloth. Eclipsed by the translucent layer of fabric, were the guests dancing at their own pace while some sipping their champagne. I breathed deeply almost as if I was breathing in all that I saw.

When I directed my gaze towards the end of the ballroom, I saw Lyanne smiling politely at me. Her face was filled with pride and her eyes beamed with happiness. I approached her and congratulated her. She recently took the position as Royal Decorator as the title suggested, her work was mostly about decorating the halls and ballroom in the Royal Palace.

“Good evening Your Highness,” she greeted me politely

Though I hated them for addressing me formally, I couldn’t help it in public places so I just smiled, “You are doing your job perfectly Lyanne. I like the way you decorate this place very much. You created a perfect harmony between luxurious and simple.”

She smiled sheepishly and said, “Thank you Your Highness for the chance that you have given to me.”

“Nonsense you proved yourself by passing the test given by that old Peirce (grand chamberlain) all I did was just mentioning that you were good at this.”

We were conversing when old Peirce shot Lyanne a disapproving look. She smiled at me and excused herself. Just when I was going to take some refreshment, someone spotted me again…

“Greetings Princess, I am very happy that I am able to talk to you,” a lord said.

“Thank you for the kind words but I am not sure that we were introduced before,” I replied halfheartedly.

“Silly me, I am Baron Ogrey. I am honored to make your acquaintance, Princess,” he kissed the top of my right hand. A normal polite gesture to respect a lady whose rank is above you.

I wondered why he wasn’t named as ‘Ogre’ seeing that he was gigantic and always carry a smug look on his face. He started engaging me in useless conversation which I mostly answered by either yes or no. At last I was freed from him when my dear friend, Anastasia came.

She rescued me by saying that her brother, The Duke of Hastings was searching for me. This Baron can be proud as much as he wanted to but he could never keep a duke waiting for someone because of him. His face looked uglier than normal. Finally, he bowed and excused himself.

“I missed you so much Ana and thank you for rescuing me. I had never been happier to see you.” I pulled her into a tight embrace.

She laughed and told me to stop or she would faint right there and then. I was listening to her story in the balcony after grabbing a glass of red wine. I reached 18 last year so a little bit of wine won’t hinder me. She told me about her trip to Paris and about the fashion and everything. Ana here had always wanted to become a fashion designer and most of my dresses were made by her. Personally, I gave thumbs up for all her works but she always wanted to improve so she went to Paris to study.

We had been friends since forever. My parents were close friends with the late Duke of Hastings and so we naturally become best friends. She always knew about the change of my mood as well as my like and dislike. We were laughing together until someone interrupted us.

“Good evening Your Highness, who might the lady beside you be?” he greeted me

“Good evening to you as well, Duke Wellings. I am pleased to introduce Lady Anastasia Hastings.”

“I am pleased to meet your acquaintance, my lady” he addressed Ana

She smiled and we were talking together. Soon, Ana’s brother joined us bringing a plate of cakes for us to share. We thanked him and begin eating slowly while Lord Wellings refused it politely.

“… Princess, I saw you talking with a female servant just a moment ago. I would like to advice you not to put that much attention on mere servant. You should…” Duke Wellings said.

I was enraged!

“Enough, Lord Wellings I know that you are a duke and all but don’t forget that I am your Princess. You should mind the way you talk to me and don’t ever belittle my friend! You have no right!”

Before he could say anything, I left him there.    

 As soon as I stepped out of the balcony, I grabbed a glass of water and literally gulped it down only to calm myself before turning to face Ana and her brother.  

“That was amazing. You live up for your name, ice princess,” Ana said as she grinned at me.

I told her not to call me by that name and she laughed. Her brother was still eyeing me and somehow my brother popped out of nothing and grinned at me saying that I might get into trouble with our parents. I shook my head as I remember my father teaching me to be treat everyone equally so I did nothing wrong.

“You are right Aura. I am proud of you for standing up against him. That man surely sullied the dukedom,” said Ana’s brother, Anthony.

I smiled and thanked him for his compliment. My brother took Ana for a dance and I danced with Anthony. Don’t get me wrong, we grew up together so Anthony was like my brother.  We curtsied and when to search for food as the music ends.

I heard Ana said uh-oh and I turned my head towards the direction she was looking. A gentleman wearing a chocolate coat was coming towards… me.

Now What?

He was in front of me and he greeted all of us politely. I was taken aback -- he was perfect and his body was well built like Greek god statue. His eyes caught my attention and before I observe him further, he bowed and…

“May I have this dance?”

I didn’t realize that the music was going to start again. Normally, I would sigh but this time, I anticipated it. I curtsied and gave my positive reply. He took my hand towards the dance floor and positioned himself for the dance. At that time, I was nervous and didn’t show it. I thought it would be a good beginning but I didn’t know what was going to hit me later on…

Author's Note: Hey sorry for late reply... What do you think about this novel? better than Love Shimmers or worse? What do you think about what was going to hit Aurelia later on? If you get the answer right, the next chapter will be dedicated to you... Thanks for reading... :)