1 The night at the ball

The sunlit halls of the palace were imbued with the gentle warmth of spring, while the air was redolent with the fragrant aroma of blossoming flowers.

Against the picturesque scenery, a young maiden sprang down the echoing halls with an unbridled sense of vitality and exultation. Clad in nothing but a silky nightgown, she stood in the warm glow of the sun with her long blonde tresses aglow like strands of pure gold with eyes akin to luminescent emeralds.

She was none other than Lysandra Alis Fleur, the only Princess of the Florence Empire who was rumored to be resplendent benevolent and the beloved child of the Empire.

"Today has finally arrived! My debudantee!" she exclaimed as she twirled around with laces and feathers imagining the ball tonight.

Having turned eighteen was all the rage among her friends because it was a new life, which included dressing up and attending social gatherings. However, to her, it meant something much more.

It was a much anticipated day as she had been waiting for this day ever since she caught a glimpse of the Great Duke, Ansel Alasdair, during his visit to the palace three years ago.

Since then, she had collected stories about the victorious battles and deeds of the Duke, following his every achievement yet never having the chance to encounter him after that fateful day. After finding out that he would be present for the ball, she could not be more excited.

"I wonder if the Duke will come..." she sat there spacing out as the maids fixed her hair.

All throughout the dressing session, she could not contain her eagerness until someone crept up from behind her.

"My little princess is eighteen now, I am getting emotional. This is my gift to you for debuting Alis." A young man stood behind her as he placed a dull unpolished onyx stone on the desk.

"Brother! You can't come in yet!" She exclaimed in a haste, forgetting about the present.

"I know father asked you to escort me for today, but that does not mean you can barge into my room!" she blushed and pushed him out of her room.

"Alright, alright. Make sure to make my little sister the prettiest Princess Florence will ever have!" he grinned as he instructed the maids and left.

She sighed but at the same time let out a chuckle as she sat while the maids prepared her for the ball.

The chandeliers lit up the ballroom as the guests were engrossed in their gossip. The main topic for today was the Princess's debut. However, rumors about the Duke being present for the night ball was a hot topic as well.

"Do you think the Duke will show up?"

"He barely shows up for social gatherings. I doubt he would unless the King himself summoned him."

"Is he..maybe here to find a bride?!"

"That may be true given that he is already of age but still unmarried. I shall try introducing my daughter to him later when I see fit."

"How old is the Young Duke again?."

"I believe he turns twenty-four this winter. Oh heavens, he indeed needs a bride!"

The crowd continued until it was time for all the young maidens who were about to debut to make their entrance.

"Announcing the Crown Prince and Princess of Florence Empire, Alexander Louis Fleur and Lysandra Alis Fleur! May glory befal the Florence Empire!"

Hundred eyes were on the princess as she walked down the stairs. It was her first time being in the presence of many, making her feel overwhelmed

"Brother.. I don't feel quite well.." she clenched his hand tight while still wearing a smile on her face but drenched in cold sweat.

"Backing out already, Alis? I thought you were going to meet that Prince Charming you talked about. " he said with a smug smile.

"Like I said, I really did meet the Duke three years ago, and it's not some fairy tale!" she protested.

"Good, you are back to your usual self. Just enjoy, its your debut, after all, and if you don't want to dance with anyone else, brother is here."

Lysandra calmed down after her brothers words and looked at him as he greeted other people casually. It was all new to her, yet he seemed to get along with others well.

"Thanks, brother. I appreciate it...But I will ask for a dance with the Duke when he arrives!" she clenced her fist, looking far ahead

The brother looked defeated as they moved towards the center of the ballroom.

The ballroom was merry as people danced, everyone complimented on the royal siblings and the beauty of the rumored princess, and after a few rounds, it was now a short break until the final ball.

"Alis! Alis! Over here!" The voices of two young maidens could be heard calling out to their friend.

"I'll leave you to be for now Alis, brother needs to be somewhere." he left with a wink.

"ew~ anyways - Penelope! Estelle! My, how beautiful you both look today!" Lysandra exclaimed, but as they went in for a hug, they immediately stopped.

"A-ahem, now that we are all mature women, we must be cautious not to act in a brazen, unladylike way," Estelle scoffed.

"Hmm, I agree...BWAHAHAHA." Penelope added as they all burst out laughing.

"Yes, as fine women, we must remember to keep our pinkies out when we drink tea and ensure that every strand of hair is under control." Lysandra continued on as they reminisced about their etiquette lessons.

Penelope and Estelle were both good friends of Lysandra who came from prominent families, growing up together, making them as close as sisters.

"Hahaha, sighhh... So, 'Princess Lysandra,' is there any update on 'your' prince?" Penelope gave a mischievous smirk.

"Did you really need to emphasize on the title-'' Lysandra replied, trying to hide her embarrassment.

"No, but really. It's been a while, and there is no word of the Duke's presence. Is he perhaps not coming today?" Estelle remarked.

Lysandra felt dejected after hearing this but tried staying optimistic.

"Well, we can only wait until the ball is over to be sure."

"Yes, yes, Estelle! Dont say that! You know better than anyone Alis has been waiting for this day!" Penelope cried out.

The three bickered and played around until:

"Greetings, Princess. I am Count Trebol. Would you do me the honour and accept the next danc-

"PRESENTING THE SUN OF THE EMPIRE! KING FRANÇOIS AND DUKE ALASDAIR!" the young maidens clamored in excitement, having finally seen the Duke. He looked ever so dashing with his ebony hair and eyes as blue as the deep glaciers.

But from the far end, from below, she gazed upon the Duke as she saw him ascend down the stairs, yet the only thing she could fix her eyes was on the Duke. And at that moment, time seemed to have stopped for her as she fell in love all over again.