Chapter 9: The Imperial Ball (2)

As the lords took their seats around the large, ornate table, the plush velvet cushions of the chairs creaking softly beneath their weight, Violetta wasted no time in getting to the heart of the matter. She sat at the head of the table, her back straight and her shoulders squared, her violet eyes sweeping over the assembled noblemen.

"Gentlemen," she began, her voice ringing out clear and commanding in the spacious room. "I have called you here today to discuss a matter of great importance - my impending marriage." She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in, before continuing. "I would have your thoughts and opinions on the subject, and I would know whom you believe would be the most...suitable match for me."

The lords exchanged glances, a murmur of agreement rippling through their ranks. It was Lord Alric who spoke up first, his voice a low, hearty rumble. "Your Grace, there is no point in debating the matter. It is clear to all in the kingdom that Duke Cassian Vrost is...fond of you." He paused, a meaningful look passing between him and the other lords. "Indeed, many have speculated that he harbors feelings of a more...intimate nature towards you."

A chorus of murmurs and nods followed Alric's statement, the lords clearly in agreement with his assessment. Violetta's fingers tightened around the arms of her chair, her knuckles turning white as she gripped the polished wood. "Is there no other alternative?" she asked, a hint of desperation creeping into her voice. "Surely there must be another man, one who would be more...suitable for a union with me."

Lord Bannon leaned forward, his brow furrowed in thought. "Your Grace, while there are certainly many men who would leap at the chance to take your hand in marriage, the truth is that Duke Cassian is...the most suited to the role." He hesitated, choosing his next words carefully.

Violetta let out a soft, shuddering sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly as she absorbed the lords' words. "I know, I know," she murmured, her voice a low, frustrated whisper. "Duke Cassian is, by all accounts, the most logical and suitable choice for a husband." She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she struggled to voice the true reason for her unease. "It's just that...I have my reservations about the man. His...methods and his reputation are not entirely to my liking." Violetta bit her lip, a flicker of distaste crossing her beautiful features.

Lord Edric leaned forward, his eyes glinting with a sudden idea. "Your Grace," he began, his voice a low, persuasive murmur. "If you are not satisfied with the available options, why not take matters into your own hands? The Emperor is hosting an imperial ball in a few days' time, a grand affair that will see the cream of the kingdom's nobility in attendance." He paused, letting the idea sink in. "Perhaps, in the midst of such a gathering, you may find a man more to your liking. One who would be a worthy consort for the Duchess of Velyssia."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the assembled lords, their eyes brightening at the prospect of such a match. Lord Alric nodded, a wide grin spreading across his face. "A capital idea, Edric! The imperial ball is the perfect opportunity for the Duchess to meet and converse with a wider range of men, to find one who truly suits her." He turned to Violetta, his expression hopeful. "Your Grace, I would strongly encourage you to attend the ball. It may be your best chance to find a husband."

Violetta's eyes widened, a spark of interest and intrigue flashing in their violet depths as she considered the lords' suggestion. "You make a most astute point, my lords," she murmured, her voice a low, thoughtful rumble. "Attending the imperial ball may indeed prove to be a far better option than...other alternatives." She shuddered slightly, the implication of her words clear. "I will take your advice into consideration and make the most of this opportunity."

Lord Roy, who had been listening intently to the discussion, leaned forward, a mischievous glint in his dark eyes. "Your Grace," he interjected, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "If I may be so bold as to offer a piece of advice?" He paused, waiting for Violetta's nod of permission before continuing. "Choose a handsome man as your consort. One who will not only stand proudly by your side but will also give you gorgeous, strong heirs to secure the Velyssia line." Roy's gaze flicked appreciatively over Violetta's form, a hint of something more than mere admiration in his eyes.

Violetta let out a low, tinkling laugh, a faint blush coloring her cheeks at Roy's bold words. "My my, Lord Roy you are a rogue," she chuckled, shaking her head in mock reproach. "But I will keep your advice in mind, along with your...other suggestions." She rose from her seat, her skirts rustling softly around her legs. "Thank you all for your valuable insights and counsel. I will certainly consider your words as I navigate this...delicate matter."

With a gracious nod and a warm smile, Violetta concluded the meeting. "I apologize for calling you all here for what may have seemed like a trivial task. But I assure you, the future of the Duchy and my own happiness hang in the balance." She paused, her gaze sweeping over the assembled lords. "I appreciate your time and your honesty. I will keep you all informed of my decision and the outcome of the imperial ball." With those words, Violetta turned and swept from the room, her head held high and her heart filled with emotion.

As the lords filed out of the meeting room, their voices a low murmur of discussion and speculation, Violetta made her way to her private study. She sat down in the large, ornate chair behind her desk, the plush velvet cushioning her as she leaned back, lost in thought. Her mind raced with the possibilities and implications of attending the imperial ball, of potentially finding a husband who was not Duke Vrost.

After a few moments of contemplation, Violetta reached for the bellpull near her desk, giving it a sharp tug. The soft tinkling of the bell echoed through the room before fading away. Within moments, her attendant, a young man with a neat, tidy appearance and a deferential demeanor, knocked softly on the door before entering at Violetta's command.

"Yes, Your Grace?" the attendant asked, his voice a soft, respectful murmur as he approached the desk. "How may I assist you?"

Violetta looked up, her violet eyes sharp and commanding as they fixed on the attendant. "I require your assistance with a matter of some urgency," she stated, her voice a low, authoritative rumble. "I need you to procure for me the list of guests who will be attending the upcoming imperial ball. I wish to have it in my possession as soon as possible." She paused, a hint of anticipation and excitement in her eyes. "I trust you will make haste in this matter. I require the list before the end of the day."

The attendant bowed low, his eyes wide with understanding and a touch of curiosity. "At once, Your Grace," he murmured, straightening up and backing away from the desk. "I will send a messenger to the palace immediately and ensure that you receive the list before the sun sets." With those words, the attendant turned and hurried from the room, eager to carry out his Duchess's orders.

Just as Violetta was about to rise from her chair, the door to her study burst open, revealing Lord Roy. He strode in without a word, his dark eyes fixed on Violetta, a look of unchecked desire and determination on his handsome face. Violetta smirked, raising a perfectly arched brow as she watched him approach. "Well, well, Lord Roy," she purred, a playful lilt to her voice. "Barging into my private study without so much as a knock, and now making your way towards me without a single greeting? How ever so insolent of you." Despite her words, there was a glimmer of amusement and intrigue in Violetta's violet eyes, a hint that she was not entirely displeased by Roy's boldness.

Roy did not speak, his jaw clenched tight as he reached Violetta's chair. In one swift, fluid motion, he grabbed her slender waist, his large hands spanning the narrow expanse. Violetta gasped, a breathless sound that caught in her throat as Roy swept her up and off the chair with ease. He sat down in the vacated seat, settling Violetta on his lap with a soft, almost reverent gentleness. Violetta let out a breathless laugh, shaking her head in mock reproach even as she leaned into Roy's strong, warm embrace.

"Insolent," she repeated, a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. "You are a bold one, Roy." Violetta's hands came up to rest on Roy's chest, feeling the firm, muscular expanse beneath his tunic. "But I must admit, I find your...boldness rather thrilling." She tilted her head to the side, her silver blonde hair cascading over one shoulder as she fixed Roy with a look of open, unashamed desire. "Tell me, my lord," she murmured, her voice a low, husky whisper. "What brings you to seek an audience with me in such a...forceful manner?" Violetta's violet eyes flicked down to Roy's lips, a flicker of anticipation and longing in their depths.

Roy smirked, a wicked glint in his dark eyes as he met Violetta's gaze. His hands tightened slightly on her waist, pulling her more firmly against him. "Is there a reason I need beyond wanting to see you, Your Grace?" he murmured, his voice a low, seductive rumble. "Surely, a man is allowed to desire the company of a woman he admires and craves above all others." Roy's gaze flicked down to Violetta's lips, a flicker of hunger and anticipation in his eyes.

Violetta's smirk widened, a knowing curve to her mouth as she leaned in closer, her breath mingling with Roy's. "Is that all you desire, my lord?" she purred, her voice a low, teasing whisper. "To simply see me, to bask in my radiant presence?" Violetta's hand slid up Roy's chest, her fingers toying with the fastenings of his tunic. "Or do you crave something more...intimate?" She leaned in, her lips brushing against Roy's ear as she spoke, her warm breath sending shivers down his spine.

Her hand slid up the firm expanse of Roy's chest, her fingers toying with the laces of his tunic. She could feel the heat of his skin through the fabric, the way his heartbeat quickened beneath her touch. Violetta's tongue darted out to wet her lips, a subconscious gesture that drew Roy's gaze to her mouth, his eyes darkening with a surge of desire.

Roy's large hands tightened around Violetta's waist, his fingers digging into the soft, supple flesh of her hips. He leaned in, his lips brushing against the slender column of her throat, his voice a low, rough growl. "Can it not be both, Your Grace?" he murmured, his teeth grazing her skin, sending sparks of pleasure racing through her veins. "I find myself...craving your company, in every sense of the word."

Roy's hand slid up Violetta's side, his palm cupping the soft swell of her breast through the rich velvet of her gown. He could feel the way her nipple pebbled beneath his touch, could sense the way her body responded to his bold caress. Violetta let out a soft, breathless moan, her back arching to press her breast more fully into Roy's hand.