Elara, with the help of three other maids, worked carefully styling Daphne's hair and helping her into the silver-blue gown.
The dress was a stunning masterpiece, shimmering like moonlight on water, and the intricate pearls seemed to glow against the fabric.
"You're a star, my lady," Elara said, her eyes filled with admiration as she fastened the last of the pearls. "The most beautiful star in the sky."
Just then, a light knock sounded at the door.
Kael entered, holding a large, carefully wrapped package, a beautiful bouquet of white orchids, and a small, folded card.
"A delivery for you, My Lady," he said, his expression as impassive as ever.b
Daphne's brow furrowed in confusion. A gift? Who would send her a gift here, now?
She took the package and the flowers. The orchids were her favorite flower, a detail she had told no one in the capital.
She opened the card first. Inside, in a bold, confident script, were the letters A.B., followed by a single line:
"Happy birthday, beautiful."
A gasp escaped her lips.
A.B. Alaric... Blake? Could he be the one?
If he was, that would mean he had known. He had seen her. The nagging feeling bugged her.
Whoever it was knew her or at least enough to know her favorite flower and to follow her movements.
Daphne's hands trembled as she tore open the package.
Inside, nestled in velvet, was a magnificent set of bow and arrows, crafted from a wood she didn't recognize.
The bow was a deep, sapphire blue. The arrows, the same colour.
She had seen this set once, in a market in Edistone, and had been captivated by it. She had only mentioned it in passing to her grandparents.
A wave of conflicting emotions washed over her.
Who was it? Who had been watching her?
It definitely wouldn't be the Emperor, she had not even met him.
The Prince then? The confusion she felt was both terrifying and exhilarating.
Daphne looked at the magnificent gift, a symbol of her true nature.
She was not just a lady in a beautiful dress. She was a warrior.
.....
The Night of the Victory Ball
The Imperial Palace was a beacon of light and music, its grand halls filled with the Eldoria's nobility.
Carriages lined the marble drive, their lanterns casting a golden glow on the cobblestones.
The air was electric with anticipation, but for Daphne, it was a moment of dread and quiet resolve.
She stood at the entrance to the great hall, her brother Finn's arm linked with hers. The dress moved with her like a second skin.
Her face was not covered by the wide-brimmed hat, but by a delicate, sheer veil of white silk, woven with threads of silver.
It was a new veil, a gift from her mother that morning, chosen to match the elegance of the gown.
It hid her features entirely, revealing only the clear pools of her blue eyes.
As they stepped across the threshold, a hush fell over the room.
The murmurs of conversation died down as every head turned to face the entrance. All eyes were on her.
They were not looking at her family, but at the mystery in their midst, the veiled lady.
Whispers rippled through the crowd. "Who is she?"
"Why is she with the Duke's family?"
Some thought she was a foreign noblewoman, an heiress from a distant kingdom or a relative.
Others speculated she was a new member of the Thomas household, a lady-in-waiting, perhaps.
The most popular theory, however, was that she was Finn's fiancé, a match secretly arranged to keep her identity under wraps until the formal announcement.
The court's curiosity, a powerful and dangerous force, was now focused entirely on her.
Suddenly, a voice cut through the murmur. "Daphne! Over here!"
Daphne's eyes, the only part of her visible to the world, widened slightly.
Lianna looked stunning in crimson gown that perfectly complemented her fiery red hair. She hurried towards them with her parents, Lord and Lady Montgomery, following at a more sedate pace, their faces beaming.
"Daphne! I knew it was you!" Lianna exclaimed, embracing her. "The veil is brilliant. You look absolutely incredible!"
"Lianna, you look just as amazing," Daphne replied, her voice soft behind the veil.
As the two friends chatted, their parents exchanged pleasantries. "Duke Thomas, Duchess Elizabeth, it's a pleasure to see you. We were just discussing how much our daughters have grown."
The parents spoke of the magnificent ball, the Emperor's generosity, and the joyous occasion.
But Finn wasn't listening. His gaze was fixed on Lianna.
He had always admired her from afar, too shy or too busy with his duties to ever truly express his feelings. But tonight, in her crimson dress, she was breathtaking, and he couldn't tear his eyes away.
He knew then that he couldn't keep this to himself any longer. He had to tell his family, to ask for their support in pursuing her hand.
Daphne, ever aware of the people around her, noticed the way Finn was staring at Lianna.
A small, knowing smile touched her lips behind the veil.
She squeezed his arm gently.
"Are you all right, Finn?" Lianna asked, her green eyes sparkling.
Finn's gaze snapped back to her face, a faint blush rising on his cheeks. "Yes, Lady Lianna. You just… you look very... well tonight."
Lianna laughed, a bright, cheerful sound.
The conversation continued, but for Finn, the world had narrowed to the two of them.
The conversation between the two families was interrupted by a sudden fanfare from the entrance of the great hall.
A hush fell over the crowd as a line of uniformed Imperial guards stepped forward, their movements precise and their faces stoic.