Chapter 216: The Legacy Ball
"Oh, you poor thing."
I shot Diana a glare.
"Well then, let me put you in high spirits. It’s time for the testing of your attire for the ball tonight."
"How is that supposed to put me in high spirits? I want to avoid attending as best as I can."
"That cannot happen, you’re the star they cannot wait to see or talk about."
"You mean the people cannot wait to see the vessel growing their future. I know they’re waiting for a ton of whispers to toss to the wind. Maybe the entire realm will know that the hybrid is carrying a baby!"
Diana gasped dramatically. "You don’t have to be too hard on yourself!"
I went back to eating, mumbling under my breath.
She sighed before barking at the door. "Come in!"
The doors opened, and handmaids stepped in, each holding different boxes. Diana opened one and pulled out a costume mask, positioning it beside my face.
"Red obviously looks good on you."
"A costume mask?"
"A costume ball, to be precise. The Dowager changed the theme of the Legacy Ball."
"Shouldn’t I have a say on this?"
She huffed. "Go on, give it a try. I love a bit of drama; it lightens the mood."
"She’s that driven, isn’t she?"
"What can I say?"
~•~
[Music: Towards The Sun By Alexander Demidov]
The harmony from the orchestra resonated around the grand hall. The Dowager really outdid herself with the designs. I was already used to the heavy luxury of my daily life, whereas it still had a way of captivating me. Maybe because I truly appreciate the sight and don’t see it like a regular thing. I’m glad I still have that piece of me; it made the experience worthwhile.
I chose the chandelier as my prime focus, zoning out the group of ladies who chatted endlessly.
I didn’t feel like I wanted to be here or engage in this celebration, but I had no choice in the matter since I had to make a public appearance.
"You look exquisite, Your Majesty," an elderly lady complimented, and I was hauled out of my engagement and smiled at her.
"Thank you."
The older ladies who chatted with me admired me from head to toe. It got me nervous and I could tell why they were marveling.
I looked to the decorated mirror by my side, taking in everything over again.
I wore a deep red gown that swept the floor in heavy folds. The neckline dipped gracefully off my shoulder, framing my collarbone, while long sleeves draped and hung open at my arms like a cape. Gold embroidery traced the bodice down to the skirt.
My costume mask matched my attire, crafted in deep red with sweeping gold curves.
"How’s the royal baby, Your Majesty?"
I flicked my gaze to the ladies. "Growing well in the goddess light."
"Oh, thank the goddess! I’m sure it’ll be a healthy baby."
"Indeed."
"She glows, so the royal baby must be too."
"At long last, we’ll have an Alpha."
"I pray it’s a boy!"
"It certainly must be!"
"Tell me your diet, and I can tell the gender with that."
Not once have they asked about my health; it’s not like I’m expecting them to. I’m already exhausted by all this and want to retire for the night.
I swept my eyes over the crowd before zeroing in on Drevon, who had his eyes on me. I swallowed a lump in my throat, knowing he had been watching me ever since.
He looked dangerously handsome with a mask on. Who knew something that was meant to conceal could only increase his dashing looks? Sometimes I wonder how it’s possible to wake up in bed with such a godly man; it was unreal most of the time.
When the crowd cleared, I got a better look at him, and my lips parted slightly.
He wore a long, tailored black coat that reached past his knees. Golden embroidery lined the edges and cuffs. The high collar framed his jaw, while the polished brass buttons and broad leather belt clung to his waist. Black gloves and knee-high boots completed his look.
His mask was sleek and black, covering just his upper half face with gold details.
Everything tonight was sparkling with gold and silver, but Drevon stood out the most. Even as a company of men talked to him, he paid them no heed, choosing me as something worthy of his concentration.
My chest rose and fell heavily as I wanted so badly to go to him, but I broke the spell and flickered my gaze away, engaging in forced talks with the ladies.
However, they kept talking about the royal baby, not just asking about health now, but speaking as if the baby was already here, and they were detailing the future of my child, and it made me uncomfortable.
Luckily, Diana swooped in. "Ladies, the queen must be famished. Perhaps more talk sometime later?"
"Of course."
"I hope we talk more, Your Majesty."
"Goddess blessings upon you."
"Eat lots for the royal baby!"
"Perhaps change to a far better diet."
"Agreed!"
"You look pale and scrawny, do better for the royal baby."
They went on and on until Diana brought me to the table display, and I snacked on the refreshments, trying my best to be discreet and not draw too much attention.
"Thanks for the rescue."
"Don’t thank me, I was busy trying to ward off the Dowager when Drevon came to me and said that I should go to you."
Drevon did?
Feeling the heat on my back, I could tell it was his gaze. I smiled.
"No one’s dancing, and they are all talking. I might have to rescue you more than once this evening. Those elders talk a lot. I was in the center myself."
"I’ll be very grateful if you do. I’ll rescue you too; let us guard each other for the night." I reached for a sugary cookie when I felt another stare that didn’t feel like Drevon’s.
I veered my gaze fast, and it landed on Corvin Graves, as if to acknowledge my attention, he lifted his hat.
He’s here.
"Who is that lurking like an oddball?" Diana blurted.
"Y-You can see him?"