A mysterious place not far from Ambrose Dukedom, a man with silver hair that glimmered into the sunlight and golden eyes that shine brighter than gold, is resting in a tall oak tree while observing his surroundings.
“Today’s a nice day.” He said while casually playing with a hawk.
He was enjoying his day off, when a sudden breeze tickled his ears. He was alerted, and turned his face towards the direction of the breeze.
A single snowflake that dances along with the wind.
“A snowflake in spring?” The man questioned while caressing the feathers of his hawk.
This is not a normal snowflake. There’s only one in the Empire who can make a strong snow even in summer. The man said while staring intently at the dancing snowflake, that it felt like caressing his cheeks.
“Hello, Mother. Did you miss your adorable son?”
--
“What? Is my brother finally coming home?” Princess Solliana asked while enjoying her luncheon with the whole family.
“Yes, I sent a signal to him. I know he’ll understand it right away. He will arrive maybe this evening.” Duchess Sophia said while carefully slicing her appetizing steak. The whole family decided to eat together because it’s been awhile since Princess Solliana came back home. Ever since she turned 14 years old, she was living in the Imperial Palace for every 2 weeks in a month, for her to continue her studies on how to become a perfect Empress.
“Does it mean that I am allowed to stay here for a while because my brother will come back home?” Princess Solliana carefully asked, as she is also fond of her brother, making her smile full of excitement.
“Yes, that is needless to say. A family member that we didn’t see for a year will be back, it’s natural to allow you to leave for a week.” Duke Alexei said that made Solliana happy but at the same time she felt guilty because she’s seeing his brother burning his time with her in the Palace, but of course, she can’t tell them that because her brother is supposed to be on a mission. Her older brother and Solliana are close; they always have a secret meeting outside her chamber in the Palace. Her brother was the one who kept her company every time she’s fed up with her tasks.
“I am glad to see my brother again. I hope he’ll bring Mori along with him.” Princess Daneyrha said in a calm voice, but excitement is also evident in her voice. For she is to see his brother and her old friend Mori, her Hawk that now belonged to her brother because she’s not allowed to raise a bird.
“I am certain that if your brother hears what you girls have been saying, he’ll be delighted and that will make him tear up.” Duchess Sophia said in a teasing manner, making them all laugh. Knowing their brother, he would indeed cry if both the Princesses kept saying they missed him.
“I will make sure that he’ll see me first before he can hug the three of you.” Duke Alexei said that made them release another laughter. The Ambrose Dukedom is once again vibrant, because of the happiness that the whole family is extruding. Making the whole Castle be at peace and refreshing for the servants who loved to see their Masters without worries.
--
“Young Miss, you must get ready for the upcoming banquet later this evening.” Lucille said while meticulously choosing a dress for Princess Solliana, who will attend a banquet arranged by the Duchess of Ambrose for the arrival of their successor.
“Lucille, I still have time to prepare myself. Let me enjoy this tea for a while.” Princess Solliana said, calmly sipping her chamomile tea and matching it with some sweet butter cookies.
“Young Miss, I know you want to enjoy your leisure, but you need to choose wisely what to wear today. You are the future Empress, people will judge you if you just picked whatever dress you first saw in your wardrobe.” Lucille worriedly said, knowing her young miss, she will just do everything half-heartedly.
“Oh, Lucille. You, Father, and Mother kept saying that. Fine! Remember that boutique we visited not long ago?” Princess Solliana asked in defeat. She already has a dress in mind that she knows that will fit her well.
“We visited a lot of boutiques … uhm … Oh! Is it perhaps the boutique of Barbara Quince?” Lucille guessed, making Princess Solliana reply with a soft smirk on her face.
Barbara Quince—The Official designer of the Imperial Family. She owns a boutique in the Capital, and all the noble ladies like her designs as she is one of the geniuses when it comes to exquisite and outstanding dresses that even the richest nobles are having a hard time to order from her because of the demand for her works.
“Yes, that one. I want to wear the dress she personally designed for me. That pink dress with see through ruffles on the neck attached with a golden brooch, where my family insignia were engraved on it, and also its see through puff sleeves designed with tiny bits of gold, making it sparkle and compliment my eyes.” Princess Solliana enthusiastically explained that it made Lucille extremely happy.
“Yes, young miss! I fully understand! I will prepare it, so please proceed to your bath and I will make you the most beautiful lady this evening!” Lucille said and hurriedly skimmed Princess Solliana’s closet.
Lucille looks pumped up. I really wanted to enjoy my leisure time but I need to start preparing myself already. Taking a bath when you’re coming to a banquet can be a hassle sometimes. Princess Solliana thought while fixing herself. Walking towards her bath full of scented roses.
--
The Banquet hall inside the Ambrose Dukedom is surprisingly full of nobles, even though they received the Duchess’ sudden invitation, they made time to arrive early and not disappoint the Grand Duke of Ambrose.
Famous musicians gathered to give a beautiful performance for today’s banquet, echoing its melodious sweet romantic music into the huge banquet hall. Many of the noble ladies who attended the banquet gasconded their beautiful puff sleeve dresses that were designed from Madam Barbara Quince’s boutique, and how all the dresses felt comfortable and light while dancing. All the Aristocratic men kept flaunting their riches, and strengthening their connections, because a banquet's purpose for the nobility is about finding where they belong in the society.
A lot of people already gathered in the hall, waiting for the Ambrose Family to enter the huge hall.
Loud trumpets were blown, alerting all the nobles inside the banquet hall. All of them looked at the main entrance where a huge door is about to be opened.
“The Grand Duke and the Grand Duchess of Ambrose” Announced by Mr. Walter, the attendant of the Duke. All of the people who gathered in the hall bowed their heads as a courtesy to the lord and ladyship of Ambrose Dukedom. Not long after the Duke and Duchess entered—
“Princess Solliana Kryndell and Princess Daneyrha Hailey Ambrose”, the two beautiful goddesses of Ambrose Dukedom, entered. Their beauty shines even without wearing heavy cosmetics and simple clothing, comparing them to a goddess because of their angelic faces that they got from their ethereal mother who’s beauty cannot compare to a mere human.
The banquet started, the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess danced first when the music played. Making the both of them occupy the whole dance hall for themselves. All the nobles envied their beautiful and elegant gestures with each other. After the first music, they greet all the attendees of their banquet.
“Father and Mother looked really beautiful together” Princess Daneyrha said, admiring her parents gracefully dancing in the center of the hall.
“You’re right. I want to dance like them too” Princess Solliana replied, pouting to herself because she also wanted to dance for tonight.
On the other side of the hall, the two princesses are enjoying themselves with the desserts served from the banquet. Princess Solliana is known as the official fiancée of the crown prince that is why men around their ages couldn’t approach her for a dance, while Princess Daneyrha is not allowed to strain herself too much.
Is my brother really coming today? Princess Solliana deeply thought when she saw how the time ran too fast that the banquet was coming to an end. Both of the princesses are still sitting on their own on the side of the hall.
“Lord Rogue Gregorii Ambrose” A loud trumpet was blown and the first son’s name of the Duke was announced.
There, a man with fluttering silver hair and shining golden eyes entered the hall. Every nobles inside the hall couldn’t help but admire the young lord’s beautiful gentle appearance that lit up the fire inside the young noble ladies who'd been waiting for his return.
Rogue Gregorii Ambrose—The first born son of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Ambrose Dukedom. He is one of the most outstanding swordsmen in the Empire, second to his Father, the Grand Duke. He also inherited his Mother’s magical abilities, allowing him to be more powerful than his Father. When he was 15 years old, he was acknowledged by the Empire as the youngest swordsman who defeated a Magical beast who awakened from its deep sleep and tried to harm the citizens of Vechnost. After his battle with the beast, he suddenly left their Palace and started the mission his Father tasked him to do.
Now he returned after 2 years doing that mission that seemed not to finish.
“Our dear brother is showing off,” Princess Solliana said while holding off her laughter, making her sister giggled in return.
“Let’s go and greet our dearest brother who likes to show off!” Princess Daneyrha happily said and pulled Solliana from her seat.
“Solliana! Daneyrha!” Rogue called when he saw his sister’s heads from the crowd. He excitedly hurried to their side and hugged them immediately.
“I missed you both! I never saw beautiful creatures like you on my mission” Rogue teased them while hugging them tightly.
“We’re humans! We’re not some creatures you idiot brother!” Solliana said while pouting to her brother, making the other laugh in return. Solliana didn’t miss her brother too much because it felt like he’s always around her all the time.
“We missed you brother! Welcome back!” Daneyrha gently said while tightening her hug to her brother, making Rogue melt from the reaction of her precious sister.
“I have a lot of stories to tell you Daneyrha, I will definitely amaze you with my adventures!” Rogue said with a soft voice and caressed her sister’s hair.
“Welcome back, my child” Duchess Sophia said, interrupting the sibling’s reunion. Rogue reached out his Mother’s hand and kissed the back of it as a courtesy.
“I’m home, Mother. I missed you.” Rogue said with a sweet tone that made all the nobles melt from the family’s adorable interaction.
But not all nobles invited to the banquet harbored good intentions with Ambrose Dukedom. Some of them were the ones who spread unpleasant rumors around high society.
“Look at them, they all get along well. But, don’t you think it’s weird that Princess Solliana doesn’t have the same characteristics as her siblings?” Countess Althea said while looking displeased with the appearance of Solliana. Countess Althea Aiah Lysander, the wife of Count William Bennet Lysander who belongs to the Aristocratic Faction of the Empire.
“I heard from some ladies in the society that maybe the Duchess had an affair with another man after spending her nights with the Duke!” Marchioness Elena said enthusiastically, which made Countess Althea nod her head.
“Indeed! That’s why the Princess did not inherit the color of both her Mother and Father’s hair!” Countess Althea agreed, which made some of the noble ladies around them start talking suspiciously.
Princess Solliana’s senses are so strong that she hears everything that those Madam’s have been talking about. Feeling a tightening from her chest, thinking that she might not be her Father’s daughter. Her brother, Rogue, also heard the conversation between the Madam’s, but before he interrupted their sickening conversation, his Father already took a step to protect his daughter.
“Countess Althea, and Marchioness Elena, I hope you watch your words from now on. I know you lack knowledge, but I didn’t know that it would reach this extent. Did you know that you’re disgracing the precious daughter of mine right now? Be glad we’re celebrating today, if not, I will make you pay for what you did to my daughter. Be it your power or your life.” Grand Duke Alexei said with a low toned voice enough for the two of them to hear, irritation is evident in his voice, making the madam quiver out of fear.
“Forgive our insolence, your grace! We must be out of our minds! Please, have mercy on us!” The two Madam shamelessly said with their quivering voices that made all the nobles remember where they were and who they were trying to fight with.
“I will not forgive the both of you. Now, go somewhere my daughter wouldn’t see your silhouettes. I don’t want to dirty my hands with your disgusting blood.” Grand Duke Alexei whispered.
The two Madam ran off to somewhere out of the Grand Duke’s sight, fearing that it may be their last chance in life. While the Grand Duke walked towards his family and embraced his daughter who’s hiding her pained expression.
“You are an Ambrose. Always remember that. You are my daughter, who has a special pale pink and white hue hair. And the most important is, you inherit my golden eyes that only those who have the blood of the Ambrose Family. Don’t believe those insolent fools who wish to disrespect you.” Grand Duke Alexei softly said to his daughter while caressing her fluffy white hair.
“Please continue the banquet” Grand Duchess Sophia said to distract all the nobles before they stir up the situation.
The banquet continued with them happily spending their time dancing and speaking with each other. Princess Solliana’s mood also lifted up and showed her bright smile again, making her whole family at ease. But, not her Father who disrespected her in front of the crowd inside their own Palace.
“Shawn” Grand Duke called on the balcony. A shadow of a man was shown on the side, waiting for his grace’ orders.
“Those damn aristocrats don’t know their place. Dig up all their finances, I will expose their dirty actions in the society for spreading such rumors about my own daughter. I don’t care if the Emperor is beside them, I clearly told them not to touch my daughters.” Grand Duke said, fuming mad just imagining what kind of rumors circled the high society about his daughters.
“Understood, your grace.”
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