Unwelcomed 03

The maid carefully brushed the Duchess' hair. It cascaded down to her waist, no one could match the beauty of the lady of the Grandis. 

Duchess Grandis looked at her face while her attendant narrated her matters for the day. It was another usual schedule for her; attending parties. 

Nobles never ran out of things to celebrate.

"Did my daughter leave already?" she asked, her hand touched her cheeks as she huffed out a breath.

"Her Lady is still preparing."

She scoffed and stood. The maid fixed her wrinkled dress, it was a simple outfit but exudes an air of elegance. The wearer would shine in whatever clothing. It was the case for the Duchess.

Duchess Grandis instructed a few things for the butler when her daughter rushed down the stairs as she put her gloves in a haste manner. Cailina carried a wide smile as she seemed to float down. Her elegance matching her mother's, or even surpassing it.

Cailina's smile became a pursed-lip when her gaze landed on her mother. She greeted Duchess Grandis with a kiss on the cheek.

"Are you also going out, mother?" 

Her clear eyes met Duchess Grandis' calm ones. She nodded at her daughter and patted her hand, "You may not understand our intentions, but believe that it is only for your good."

Duchess Grandis departed before Cailina mustered the courage to say anything. She looked at the carriage's window and sighed. She prayed in her heart that her daughter could take the storm that the capital brings.

The higher the peak; the harsher the wind.

Lai tapped Cailina's shoulder as she seemed to be out of focus. He smiled when her stoic expression turned into a glare. 

"The carriage is ready, my Lady," he paused and looked at Cailina "My Lady's puppy is already there."

-

The middle circle bustled with life. The exchanges between beings rang through the air, both nobles and commons mingled together as each tries to get through the waves of people. 

Aris got out of the carriage and offered his hand for Cailina, his cheerful grin warmed her heart. Her reddened cheeks made her full of life and free of worries. She firmly held onto Aris' hand; she would never let go of this comfort.

They strolled freely and without hurry. The moment was narrowed to the two of them, their statuses were drowned by their closeness. 

Aris stopped in front of an accessory shop, it displayed carefully crafted pieces. He picked up a hair ornament, and upon closer inspection, it was a low-quality stone. He wanted to gift one for Cailina, but his ability wouldn't allow him to purchase something that would match his Lady.

Cailina's gaze landed on the hair ornament, and she looked at Aris in confusion. Maybe her puppy wanted to grow out his hair. She relaxed her knitted brows and patted his shoulder to which Aris seemed as if he was frightened.

"Do you want it?" she asked, "You can have it."

She signaled Fione to pay for the hair ornament but was stopped by Aris. He wanted to buy it without anyone's help. Maybe he should start considering his birthright.

Cailina was about to say something, but Fione reminded her that the show would start in a few minutes. She grabbed Aris' hand and told him that they should find their seats. Her excitement showed in a grin. 

And for Aris, it made his heart skipped a beat. He glanced at his hand that was grasped by Cailina's, her hand was small, and it perfectly fits with his. He couldn't hide the embarrassment creeping on his face, it was too much for his heart to take.

-

They sat on the seats for the general audience. Cailina made it clear that Fione should not take the rooms for nobles and wealthy beings. She wanted to enjoy the show without having to greet anyone, or engage in a tiring exchange of empty words. 

The theatre held hundreds of people, its ceiling rose above with the decorations of grandness and simplicity. The chandeliers glimmered as the candles lit the whole place.

All of the seats were filled, the audience chattered and their enthusiasm for the show rang through the air. 

The show was a famous play written by Ethan, none knew what the writer looked like, he kept the air of mystery with his every word.

He was, as the rumors say, a fine gentleman that knows how to treat a lady. With his charming lips that knew words that make a heart flutter.

Indeed, a man of romance.

It was what Fione described him.

As her maid presented the list of shows, Cailina was intrigued about the play that was popular among the young ladies and gentlemen. Maybe Aris would be interested.

It never mattered what the writer's background was, as long as it wasn't opposing the monarch and the Imperial Nobles, he was free to write whatever story he wished.

It was Cailina's first to attend such plays. She was buried under books and protocols that robbed her of the desire to see things that don't have much value.

She looked around, and to her surprise, the audience ranges from older women and men and around her age. It seemed the play was much more than just a story about one's heart desires.

Cailina glanced at Aris; her puppy kept staring at his hand. He looked lost and shocked.

She placed her hand on his, and it made him snap out of his daydream. Aris blinked as his eyes widened. He kept pursing his lips, holding the urge to hug Cailina.

The chattering stopped as a man went on the stage with a grin plastered on his white face. His well-trimmed beard made him appear smart, and knew his business.

Cailina focused her attention on the man. It would be interesting to see a good show.

He reminded her of the same man that led the circus show. But the bearded man carried more than just the air of an entertainer.

As the curtains were raised, it was the start of the opening act of a show that would give a worthwhile time for Cailina and Aris.