Chapter 10: Navigating the Social Maze

CAERA DENOIR'S POV:

I sat in my room, my hands resting idly in my lap as I stared out the window. The conversation with Lenora still echoed in my mind, leaving a knot in my chest. I didn't want to stop practicing—it was in my blood (a small teaser regarding the plot here), in my very being. But I also didn't want to create unnecessary problems for Seris. The thought of making things more difficult for her or the Denoir family weighed heavily on me. Deciding not to think too much about it for now, I focused on my surroundings. 

The evening light filtered through the curtains, casting soft shadows across the floor. Outside, I could hear the faint hum of activity from the main hall of the Denoir estate. The estate was bustling tonight, filled with highbloods and named bloods from various dominions—those who had either allied with or maintained favorable relationships with the Denoirs.

Of course, it wasn't just trusted allies filling the estate tonight. Some of the guests were people the Denoirs didn't particularly get along with—families or factions that had strained relations with them—us. But social obligations were unavoidable. Failing to invite certain individuals could be taken as an insult, and in the world of highbloods, slights like that could lead to dangerous alliances forming in the shadows.

I knew this event was crucial. Every gesture, every word spoken tonight could ripple through the political waters. And here I was, unsure of how to navigate any of it. Well, not really, Nessa had taught me a lot, so I wasn't too alienated now, but even so. 

The door creaked open, pulling me from my thoughts. Nessa stepped in, her usual calm and reassuring presence settling my nerves a bit. 

 "Are you ready, Young lady?" she asked gently. 

 I nodded, though I didn't entirely feel it. "Yes, but... I don't know if I can follow through all that you taught me." I muttered under my breath. 

Turning to the mirror, I looked at myself one last time, taking in the sight of the gown. The deep burgundy fabric hugged my figure elegantly, its shimmering bodice catching the light with every slight movement. The flowing layers of organza gave the dress a graceful, almost ethereal look like I was floating with each step. The high-low design allowed for movement yet maintained a structured, regal appearance. I never imagined myself wearing something this... glamorous.

The ruby necklace around my neck felt heavy, not just from its weight but from the significance it carried. Each red gemstone, matching the hue of my eyes, was surrounded by delicate diamonds that glistened like stars. The matching earrings and bracelet completed the ensemble, all perfectly coordinated in a way that made me feel like I truly belonged in this world of highbloods. But still... a small part of me felt out of place.

I turned to Nessa, feeling both nervous and excited. "How do I look?"

Nessa's smile widened, her gaze warm and approving. "You look breathtaking, young lady. Like a true Lady of highblood. The guests tonight won't be able to take their eyes off you."

Her words brought a small smile to my lips. "I hope I don't embarrass the Denoirs," I said, though the unease in my stomach hadn't completely left.

"You won't. Just be yourself and remember what we went over. And Sevren will be by your side the entire time," she reassured me.

Taking a deep breath, I nodded. "Alright. Let's go."

As we made our way out of the room, the sound of my heels echoed against the marble floor, amplifying the tension in my chest. Nessa led me toward the balcony on the first floor, which overlooked the grand hall below. From there, I could see the sea of highbloods and named bloods mingling, their laughter and conversation filling the air. My nerves tightened at the sight.

Corbett and Lenora stood waiting at the top of the balcony stairs. As soon as Lenora spotted me, her eyes sparkled with approval. "Oh my, you look absolutely gorgeous, dear," she exclaimed, her voice brimming with pride.

Corbett nodded beside her, his gaze warm as he added, "You look splendid, Caera. Are you ready?"

I nodded, though my heart was racing. "Yes, I'm ready," I said, trying to steady myself.

"Good," Corbett replied, smiling faintly. With that, I stepped onto the small set of stairs that led up to the extension on the balcony a few feet above. Corbett took a glass of wine from a nearby attendant and tapped it lightly with a spoon—cling—a sound spell amplifying the delicate chime, making it ring out above the chatter.

The hall fell silent, all eyes turning toward him. 

"Ladies and gentlemen," Corbett's voice rang out, steady and commanding, "It is my pleasure and delight to see you all present here tonight. I am sure most of you are aware of the significance of this gathering, but even so, I would like to make this announcement personally."

His eyes swept over the room, pausing for dramatic effect. I could feel the weight of every gaze in the hall, their curiosity and expectations palpable in the air.

"We, the Denoirs, have been honored and blessed by the Vritra," Corbett continued, his tone reverent. "They have entrusted us with the responsibility of raising a child of their esteemed bloodline. And today, it is my great honor to introduce you all to her."

My heart pounded in my chest as Corbett turned slightly to gesture toward me. The room seemed to hold its breath, the silence almost deafening as I stepped forward, feeling every eye trained on me.

"This is Caera Denoir, a child of Vritra's blood, and from this day forward, a proud member of the Denoir Highblood." Corbett's voice was strong, his words echoing in the grand hall as he raised his glass toward me.

The weight of the moment settled over me, heavy and suffocating. I could feel the mix of awe, curiosity, and perhaps even envy radiating from the crowd. My fingers twitched slightly at my sides, but I kept my face calm, offering a small, composed nod to acknowledge the murmurs that rippled through the room.

The suffocating silence broke with a single clap, then another, until the entire hall erupted in applause. The sound was almost overwhelming, echoing off the grand walls as the crowd acknowledged my presence. My heart raced, but I kept my composure, offering a modest smile to the sea of faces watching me with a mixture of emotions—respect, curiosity, and perhaps a hint of caution.

As the applause died down, Corbett's voice once again filled the room, powerful and commanding. "Now, let us raise our glasses to the great Vritra, whose presence and blessings we honor tonight." He lifted his glass high. "And with that, please, enjoy the evening and the feast prepared in celebration."

A chorus of cheers followed his words, and soon after, the atmosphere shifted from formal to lively as the guests began to mingle, the clinking of glasses and soft chatter filling the room.

I exhaled, the pressure easing slightly, though I knew tonight was far from over.

I followed Nessa down the back corridor of the grand hall, my steps quieter now that the formal introductions were over. As we approached the dimly lit hallway, I spotted Sevren standing there, dressed impeccably in a black suit that contrasted sharply with his brilliant white hair and striking blue eyes.

The moment he saw me, his expression softened, and without hesitation, he rushed over. "Caera," he said with a warm smile, his usual playful demeanor replaced with a sincerity that immediately put me at ease.

"You look incredible," he added, his eyes scanning the gown before meeting mine. "And you handled that introduction well. I know it's overwhelming."

I gave him a small smile in return, grateful for his words. "Thank you. But I'm glad you're here."

"Of course, I will guide you from now on," Sevren said with a gentle smile, extending his right hand for me to take.

After taking his hand, we entered the grand hall together. From that point on, Sevren guided me through the room, introducing me to various highbloods and noble families. After nearly two hours of meeting important figures, I was completely drained.

"Phew, that was exhausting. I think we're done for the night. How about we grab a drink?" he suggested. I couldn't agree more—I was worn out from the endless introductions. I could barely recall a quarter of the people who introduced themselves to me.

We headed over to the bar, and Sevren asked me to wait for a moment while he fetched some drinks. A few seconds later, he returned with two glasses of mixed fruit juice. He handed one to me and took the other for himself. As we finished our drinks, a group of musicians began playing, their soft melodies filling the air. Slowly, men and women began gathering in the center to dance, moving gracefully to the rhythm. The scene was mesmerizing.

Sevren noticed my gaze and asked, "Hey Caera, would you like to dance?"

"What? No, no, I don't know how to dance," I said, blushing. I'd never learned to dance, and the idea made me feel completely out of place.

"Well, then, isn't this the perfect opportunity to learn?" he teased, extending his hand and kneeling before me. "Caera, would you give me the honor of joining for a dance?"

Sevren's playful yet sincere gesture caught me off guard, and I could feel my cheeks heating up. I let out a nervous laugh, realizing he wasn't going to take no for an answer.

"Sevren..." I began, my eyes drifting toward the elegant dancers. They moved so gracefully, each step perfectly in time with the music. How could I possibly match that?

But Sevren remained kneeling, his hand still extended, his blue eyes sparkling with encouragement. "Come on, Caera. It'll be fun. I promise I won't let you fall."

His reassurance settled my nerves a little, and after a moment's hesitation, I placed my hand in his. "Alright... but if I step on your foot, you're not allowed to complain," I teased, trying to mask my anxiety with a smile.

Sevren stood, grinning. "Deal."

He led me to the dance floor, and as the music swirled around us, Sevren gently positioned me. One hand rested lightly on my waist, while the other held my hand with steady confidence, guiding me without hesitation.

"Just follow my lead," he whispered softly.

We started to dance. At first, I felt clumsy, my feet fumbling as I tried to keep pace with the rhythm. But Sevren was patient, gently steering me with subtle cues. Slowly, I began to relax, my movements becoming more fluid as I surrendered to the flow of the music. The nerves that had gripped me started to ease, replaced by an unexpected sense of enjoyment.

"You're doing great," Sevren encouraged with a smile as we twirled around the floor.

I smiled back, feeling a mix of relief and pride. For the first time in what felt like forever, I wasn't consumed by thoughts of duty or expectations as a Vitra-blooded child. At this moment, I was just Caera, dancing with my brother, enjoying a rare, carefree escape from it all.

As the dance ended, Sevren and I bowed to the surrounding guests, returning their applause with grateful smiles.

"You did great, Caera," Sevren said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "I didn't think you'd be able to pick up the steps so quickly."I blushed slightly, my heart still racing from the adrenaline of the dance. "It was fun," I admitted, my voice barely audible over the lively music. "I never thought I'd enjoy dancing so much.""Right! I think you would enjoy even more after some practicing—" Sevren was about to continue when an attendant approached him, interrupting his thought."Young Master Sevren, Lord Corbett requests your presence," the attendant said respectfully.Sevren nodded, turning to Caera. "Wait for me, I'll be back soon." He then followed the attendant, disappearing into the crowd.I watched Sevren disappear into the crowd, a small smile playing on my lips. I was enjoying myself, and the attention from the other guests was flattering. As I was lost in my thoughts, a group of young highbloods, a year or two older than me, approached her.One of them, a young man with black hair and brown eyes, stepped forward with a confident grin. "Hello, Lady Caera," he said. "I am Vorzul from the Vayne bloodline. We are a growing family in the Estril Dominion and will be highbloods in a few years. If you would, I would like to have a dance with you." He extended his hand, his smug grin widening.I hesitated for a moment, unsure how to respond. I knew I should refuse, not only because I was tired but also because I didn't know how to dance properly. It was Sevren who had guided me through the last dance, and I wasn't sure I could replicate it with someone else.However, I didn't want to appear rude or standoffish. So, I forced a smile and politely declined. "Thank you for asking, Vorzul, but I'm a bit tired and need a break."To my surprise, Vorzul didn't seem to accept my refusal. Another young man, with bright dusty eyes and a cocky smirk, stepped forward. "Oh, come on, Lady Caera. Don't be so shy. A little dance won't hurt you."Before I could respond, another young man, with fiery red hair and a haughty expression, joined in. "Yes, it's time you loosen up a bit. You're too serious."I tried refusing a few times but they were just getting more persistent, I felt a surge of annoyance. Their persistence was starting to get on my nerves. I tried to politely decline again, but they seemed determined to wear me down.Just as I was about to lose my patience, a voice called out from behind me, "Leave her alone, you idiots."I turned to see Lauden standing there, his face flushed with anger. He was glaring at the group of young nobles, his fists clenched.The group members were taken aback by his sudden outburst. One of them, the same young man who had first approached me, stammered, "What's your problem?"Lauden's anger seemed to intensify. "My problem? My problem is that you won't take no for an answer. Caera has already said she doesn't want to dance with you. Is it that hard to understand?"The group members exchanged glances, their arrogance fading slightly. They knew they had been pushy, but they were unwilling to admit it."We were just having a bit of fun," one of them mumbled.Lauden scoffed. "Yeah, well, your 'fun' is starting to get on my nerves. Now, leave her alone."The group members hesitated, their eyes darting between Lauden and me. Finally, they decided to back down. With a few muttered curses, they turned and walked away.I breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for Lauden's intervention. I had been starting to lose my temper, and I knew I would have said something I would regret if he hadn't stepped in."Thank you," I said to Lauden, my voice barely above a whisper."Tch! I didn't help," he muttered, not looking me in the eyes. "It was just getting on my nerves how they thought they could dance with a Denoir."I couldn't help but smile. Lauden might be grumpy and stubborn, but he was clearly protective of me.

"Even so you helped me, so thanks," I said with a cute smile. 

Lauden shrugged, still avoiding my gaze. "Whatever."We stood there in silence for a moment, the music from the ballroom faintly reaching us. I decided to break the silence."So, how have you been?" I asked.Lauden shrugged again. "Fine, I guess. But why are you here alone? I thought Sevren was going to be with you?""He had to go handle something with Corbe—Father. He'll be back soon." I told him, mistakenly calling our father by name. Lauden nodded, seeming slightly relieved. "Good. I don't want to be alone with you."I raised an eyebrow, amused by his honesty. With a mischievous smile, I asked, "Why not? Are you afraid of your sister?"Lauden rolled his eyes, "Afraid of you? No way! And I told you, you are not my sister."I was slightly hurt by his statement, but I didn't let it bother me. He was at least talking to me, and maybe if I talked to him more, he would eventually open up and accept me as his sister."Hey, I want some fresh air. Do you want to go outside?" I asked him, trying to keep the conversation going."What? No! I am only waiting for Sevren to return. Once he is back, I will leave."I sighed and took his hand forcefully, "Come on, Lauden. I feel like suffocating here now. Let's go outside and enjoy the fresh air."Lauden hesitated, his eyes darting around the room. He seemed torn between his desire to leave and staying away from me.Finally, he nodded. "Fine, but we won't be out for long."We left the ballroom and walked out into the garden. The night air was cool and refreshing, and the stars were twinkling brightly above. I tried making small talk with him on the way, but he either gave short answers or just outright refused to answer. "Hey Lauden, do you mind if I ask you something?" I asked, finally deciding to probe into him."What?" he said, trying to sound irritated."Why do you hate me? It was the first time we met a few days ago, but you already seem to hate me. I understand it's hard to accept me as your sister in such a sudden turn of events, but you seem to hate me as a person too."Lauden's body tensed along with his facial expression as he stopped in his tracks. ~~

A/N: Well I wanted to let you know, that after releasing the next chapter, I am also going to change the name and cover of this book just like the previous one, though I wouldn't tell you anything about it. Just know it will be something like this — TBATE: CAERA | [Redacted] [Redacted]. Anyway, vote for the chapter if you enjoyed it.