Chapter 48: Charlotte’s ball I
As Serena entered the lounge which has direct access to the ballroom where the Charlotte's ball was being held, the occupants of the room all stood to greet her. Well, to be exact the king who was standing beside her, but that's beside the point.
Queen Loretta who would usually welcome her warmly to display how great their relationship was did not do so this time. Instead, she furrowed her brows, puzzled why Serena was with the king.
Serena knew that sooner or later; queen Loretta would figure out that she has no intentions of being the intermediary between Annalys and Geoffrey. However, until that time came, it's better to keep up with her pretense rather than ruin all her hard work just for a moment of glory. Thus, she approached queen Loretta and greeted her respectfully complete with a curtsy and calling her 'your majesty'.
Queen Loretta realizing her lapse was quick to play her part. Though she has began despising Serena, to the public eye, their relationship was still as good as ever. Besides, with Floresca there, the saying the enemy of my enemy is my friend still rang true.
"Serena, as I told you time and time again just call me mother and there's no need for formality here when it's just us family." Loretta said with some laughter as she looped their arms together.
Serena smiled shyly and said "mother" before turning her attention to the other occupants of the room who has now straightened from their positions when they greeted the king.
King Edward V seeing his three wives chose to stand by princess consort Daniella. It was not surprising because she was his third wife who was younger than him by more than two decades. Aside from that, she was standing alone for her children were still young and were not in attendance.
On the other hand, queen consort Floresca stood with her two sons, prince Frederick and prince Edmond. Serena noted that when she entered the room, Frederick and Floresca's gazes were already glued to her as they wore matching taunting smiles. The reason? Technically, she had to curtsy to Frederick and Edmond as commanded by etiquette as Geoffrey was not with her, but since the king accompanied her, then she was exempted from doing that.
Now, as everything unfolded, they can't even look her in the eye, and can't even keep their fake smiles. The night has just begun, and their moods have already turned sour.
Serena wanted to smirk. To her, the night was already proving to be promising.
--
As usual, all the attendees were already present inside the ballroom when the master of ceremonies began announcing the names of the members of the royal family for their grand entrance.
Without Geoffrey, Serena should have ranked the lowest because she was not a princess by blood. However, she was the head organizer, so the sequence of their entrance was as if Geoffrey was with her. Prince Edmond, Prince Frederick with his wife, Princess consort Daniella, queen consort Floresca, herself, then finally, king Edward with queen Loretta.
The MC announced the names one by one in that arrangement until it was Serena's turn.
"Her royal highness, princess Serena of Windsor"
Serena then entered the hall and the people in the room save for the blood princes and the king's two other wives either gave her a bow or a curtsy. When everyone straightened, their eyes were instantly drawn to her.
It was then that Serena realized that her hunch has been correct. This Season would be different. For although she could still feel the admiring gazes, there were those who no longer veiled their hostility or disdain.
Good thing that she has been prepared. So, regardless of whether they were marveling at her beauty, scrutinizing the worth of what she's wearing, or speculating her imminent downfall, she kept her chin held high and let them stare all they want.
Serena walked to the side where the other members of the royal family conjugated with their companions. There to welcome her was Annalys. Although Annalys has been escorted by her brother, she was still her lady-in-waiting. Thus, in every event, the only time that Annalys can make her presence scarce from Serena was when Geoffrey's with her, when the dancing commences, or when Serena gives her the permission.
After Serena was able to settle herself, the MC continued with his announcement.
"All hail his majesty, king Edward V, and her majesty, queen Loretta."
The guests this time made a lower bow or curtsy. They did not rise until the king said, "All rise."
--
"Ladies and gentlemen, before we start tonight's festivities, may I request that we all bow our heads and give a moment of silence as we send our prayers to our fellowmen who have been victims of the tragic catastrophe in Torton and Ferpen." The MC announced causing half of those who have just been criticizing the extravagance of the event beforehand to feel flustered.
Serena pursed her lips to stop herself from smirking. In every event there should be a script and of course, she was not stupid enough not to make use of it. This way, the reporters would have nothing negative to say for Monday's headlines unless they were to unquote the opening speech.
After that, the MC continued with his standard introductory speech "Tonight, we hold the 92nd Charlotte's ball with the purpose to of introducing our new debutantes. Also, this event marks the beginning of the most anticipated and awaited Season filled with balls, soirees, galas, and other social activities that will last from July to October. As…"
While the MC spoke, the debutantes who were wearing white ball gowns and white gloves were asked to stand in line as their introduction would come next.
Serena observed the younger ladies who were obviously experiencing intermixed emotions such as nervousness, excitement, and anxiety. She smiled as she reminisced that once, she was also like them too.
The sentimental mood made her search for her brother Leonard, and when her gaze finally landed on him, he was also looking at her. They smiled at each other in ackowledgement.
After another moment, the MC began the introduction of debutantes.
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TBC