Chapter 49: Charlotte’s ball II

As the introduction of debutantes continued, Serena noticed that Frederick who was initially standing beside his mother and wife has moved and was now standing to her right.

Frederick who was getting bored with the endless introductions commented, "You know sister, I noticed that the number of debutantes every year has been increasing. However, the quality of ladies being presented, sad to say, have been deteriorating. Perhaps you should reevaluate and make necessary adjustments to the qualifications needed to be announced as a debutante in this ball that our family hosts."

Although Serena knew that he was there to annoy her, to be fair to him, there was indeed an obvious increase on the number of ladies being introduced. Before she took over, usually there would only be 20-30 ladies introduced on average. But last year there were 54, the year before that was 48, while this year, was the most numerous so far at 70. But what to do? The population has been increasing, and ok, admittedly, there were certain favors she had to give.

When Serena did not answer, Frederick sneered. "Or perhaps that has been your intention all along. You know, lowering the standards to level the competition. Because as we all know, age is women's worst enemy."

Serena turned to face Frederick who was smirking, as if proud that his words got to her. Well, yes, she can give him that credit, for it did get to her. Not that she would ever give him the satisfaction of knowing.

So, she smirked right back at him. Then in slow motion so that he can follow, she let her gaze land on queen Floresca, then at princess consort Daniella, before looking back at Frederick. "So, I can see." She said with a smile.

Frederick snorted. Though he disdained Serena, he must admit. Her wit was entertaining save for the times when it annoyed the hell out of him. Thus, he replied, "touché."

--

King Edward V covered his mouth when he was unable to stop the yawn that escaped him. Honestly, though he understood the importance of the event to the ladies of the younger generation, he couldn't stand more of it. It's only years of discipline which compelled him to remain seated next to queen Loretta.

The young lady who just curtseyed, he forgot her name whatever it was given that she made no impression, paled and it looked like she's about to faint soon.

Feeling some pity, for she was good as ruined if he doesn't do anything to remedy the situation, he gave her a nod in acknowledgement.

The young lady instantly regained vigor and she smiled like she just won a war, then as she walked back to her parents, the king noted that her mother flared with pride.

It was bloody daft but at least just a slight nod from him meant that much. Anyhow, he swears that if next year's list were to be any longer, he would issue the decree ordering the removal of the introductions of debutantes from the Charlotte's ball.

Then again, to do so might become counterproductive because he was sure that if he does, he would be flooded with petitions from the ladies of the ton which would cause him more headache than staying seated for 2… would they finish in 2 hours?

In the past, an hour would suffice for the introductions. But considering that the number has more than doubled… He looked at the line to count the number of young ladies still waiting for their introduction. There were 25 of them. Earlier there were 70 and an hour and a half has already passed. Did that mean that he still had to remain seated for another hour?

He took a deep breath as he placed his index and middle finger to his eyebrow as he let his mind drift. When he opened his eyes, he saw that his courtier has been looking at him as if wanting to say something. Curious, and wanting to save himself from the boredom, he motioned him to come over despite the ongoing introductions.

--

"Look dear sister, even father has been bored senseless by all this. It seems like you won't be able to head this event in the future. If it was mother who took the lead, then this kind of unbearable situation would have been avoided." Frederick continued to yap by Serena's side.

Serena, no longer in the mood to entertain Frederick's scathing remarks moved closer to his side so that no one else could hear.

Frederick, surprised by Serena closing in almost stepped back. "What are you doing?" he asked.

Serena smirked thinking that Frederick must have felt intimidated. Standing closer, she said in a voice only a bit louder than a whisper, "Frederick, you're always going on and on about your mother this and mother that. Perhaps that's the reason why all these years, you have never been Geoffrey's match. Do I need to say more?" Serena replied straightforwardly with a sarcastic smile as she stared at him with her left brow raised. As if daring him say or do something.

Frederick swallowed. He should be seething with rage because of her words. However, he was caught off guard by her womanly charms that he was struck speechless. Thus, instead, he chose to look towards his father again trying to recover his bearing.

Serena smirked. That shut him up. She had to admit though, Frederick was correct. The event was getting too dragging and perhaps her daring words were said to relieve herself from the boredom.

Anyhow, she looked at the royal couple again to gauge the king's mood, and to her surprise, he had a courtier reporting to him by his side while the introduction of debutantes also halted. She furrowed her brows. Would something unprecedented happen just because the event became too dragging?

Thankfully, before her worry could escalate further, the king waved his courtier away while he motioned the MC to continue.

--

King Edward V drummed his fingers on the armrest. When he did not see his nephew amongst the guests earlier, he assumed that Charlton would not be attending tonight. Apparently, he has been mistaken for his good nephew has just been waiting for a grand entrance.

He snickered, amused. Alright, he would entertain Charlton's fancy. Thus, he instructed his courtier to let the MC announce Charlton after the last debutante has been introduced.

As he saw that they were down to the last debutante, he wondered how the rest of the ton would react. He needed to gauge their reactions.

--

"And they, ladies and gentlemen, are the beautiful and graceful debutantes of this Season. Please, let us all give them a round of applause." The MC announced and requested.

Everyone clapped, relieved that it's over. They haven't even started dancing, but their heels were already aching from standing for almost 3 hours.

"But wait, there is another person of importance that I haven't got the honor to introduce." The MC said as if wanting to create tension from the audience who were just dying to get the ball started.

Serena furrowed her brows. That was not part of the script.

The MC did not really care about what the audience were thinking now because he was sure that after he announces the man's presence, the dreadfully boring introduction of debutantes earlier will be long forgotten and replaced with a sensation. Even he, felt his heart rate increase when he received the instructions from the king's courtier.

Then, as if to pique everyone's curiosity, the large double doors which was the guest's entrance at the top of the marbled staircase were opened. Everyone looked up, all wondering who had the gall to arrive at this hour. Their eyes narrowed as they tried to discern the man's identity as he took the first step to enter the doors.

The MC feeling the timing just right, took that opportunity to finally announce his name.

"His grace, grand duke Charlton Daniel of Suffox."

Now that, was a bomb that no one expected to drop.

--

TBC