The night of the Summer Ball arrived quietly but the excitement in the air was impossible to miss especially at Everleigh Estate. The great hall was aglow with warm lamps and Lady Evelina made her entrance down the staircase, her gown shimmering like the season itself.
Her sapphire blue velvet dress, embroidered with shimmering gold threads and hugged her figure beautifully. The long silk skirt flowed effortlessly catching the light with every step. A golden sash at her back trailed behind her in soft ribbons and she carried a delicate ivory fan with gilt accents. Her hair was perfectly styled in a bun, topped with a blue and gold ribbon, an elegant touch that matched her calm, confident demeanor.
Waiting at the bottom of the stairs was the Grand Duke of Montclair, his outfit was just as carefully chosen and a deep blue coat with subtle gold braid that echoed her Evelina's gown embroidery. When his gaze met hers, a gentle admiration softened his expression. He bowed gracefully and offering his gloved hand.
"My lady," he said warmly. "You outshine even this beautiful night."
She nodded politely and placed her hand in his. "Your Grace is very kind," she replied, her voice smooth and calm hiding no hint of vanity or surprise.
They moved together toward the carriage, both radiating graces as the lamps dimmed behind them. They headed toward the Palace, whispers started to ripple through the city and everyone knew that this was going to be a night to remember. The carriage wheels turned and soon they arrived at the Rose Palace, its doors wide open and glowing with light.
When the Alistair stepped out first, a hush spread among the crowd and when Evelina appeared, her gown shining in the torchlight and the whole room seemed to stop in awe. Murmurs of admiration grew as she gracefully entered, arm in arm with the Alistair. They looked perfectly in sync as if they belonged to this moment.
Inside, the ballroom was dazzling in crystal chandeliers, lush roses and golden accents everywhere. The music started, the orchestra playing a rich, inviting tune and the Alistair leaned toward Evelina and softly said, "Shall we show them how summer begins, my lady?"
She nodded with a gentle smile. "It would be my pleasure."
As they started to dance, another figure arrived at the door, Lucian, the heir to the Dukedom of Ravenscroft. With a commanding presence and dark eyes, he seemed to draw the room's attention effortlessly. His long absence from society had sparked rumors and everyone watched him with curiosity. While everyone were busy dancing, his gaze was fixed on one person, Lady Evelina Everleigh.
She, still holding the Alistair's arm was the picture of grace, her dress shimmering and her face glowing. Seeing her again, Lucian felt a quiet jolt memory rushing back. He remembered the day he caught her from nearly falling in the capital and a fleeting moment that had stayed with him. Now, seeing her so radiant, he found it difficult to look away though he kept his expression cool.
He stood at the edge of the room, a silent observer while she danced. His eyes lingered longer than he intended, and he felt a strange pull something he could not quite name. He knew that approaching her now would only stir gossip and possibly scandal so he stayed put watching her with guarded longing.
Nearby, Lady Selina Marlowe, Count Marlowe's daughter, approached him with her usual practiced charm. "Lord Ravenscroft," she said softly. "It is wonderful to see you back. The Palace seems brighter with you here."
He nodded politely but his gaze stayed on Evelina. Her presence seemed to cast a glow that no one else could match. Selina's smile was sweet but sharp, she knew exactly what she was doing and she was trying to catch his attention. But Lucian remained distant, unmoved.
Selina trying to conversed with him but he would never fall for her tricks. "My Lord, its been awhile you've been here in the capital, by any chance would you mind to attend my tea party?" she said softy. "My lady, its been days since I returned, attending tea parties are not on my schedule." he replied with an even tone.
"But my lord, we've been friends for a long time, your presence will give the ladies' hearts happy." she insisted. He step back, giving a space between him and Selina, with a sharp tone, he said "I will be honest, my lady, my purpose in the capital is purely for my succession. You and I, are not friends. An acquaintance of mine, through the Crown Princess circle."
Selina was taken aback on Lucian sharp but honest tone. She knew, right now she cannot be on the young Duke's bad side. "My apologies my lord, if I think that being known you for long, I considered you as a friend." she replied with a subtle hint of sadness. Lucian just nodded at her, making her feel that no words can change how he foreseen her. Selina became curious on where Lucian's eyes fixed, following his gaze, she saw a figure that gave her an ache on her heart and started the fire on her mind.
Lucian eyes fixed only at the center of the ballroom where a figure of grace dancing beautifully. Evelina, he said on his mind, though he felt a faint ache on his heart. He did not realized that Selina had been gone for a while now. When the music ended, his eyes followed Evelina's direction and that, he saw an opportunity.
After the dance, Evelina asked to step outside for a breath of fresh air. The terrace was quiet and cool, bathed in moonlight. She leaned on the handrail and took a moment to herself when a figure appeared suddenly. Lucian Ravenscroft, stepping into the terrace.
Startled, she turned to face him. "Your Grace," she said softly, a hint of surprise in her voice.
He nodded, "Lady Everleigh. I did not expect the terrace to be occupied."she was completely caught off guard, she just smile softly at him.
They stood in silence for a moment while the night wrapping around them. Then he spoke, his voice low and steady, "Is this our first real meeting? Or can I count that moment in the capital?"
She remembered it, "I suppose I can't forget," she said softly. "It was only a brief moment, but one I've thought about."
He looked at her, his eyes dark with unspoken emotion. "Some things, Lady Everleigh, tend to linger whether we want them to or not."
A quiet pause stretched between them filled with unspoken words. She looked away, a sudden flush of redness on her cheek while her heart started to pound. "In the city, everything moves fast but some moments stay with us, no matter how fleeting." she said softly.
He studied her carefully then whispered, "You are more than what they say. More than just your reputation, I see that now."
She met his gaze, a flicker of warmth crossing her face. "And I wonder," she replied softly, "if some things are meant to be remembered, even if we wish they would not be." Suddenly, a sweet yet admirable smile shown on the young duke's face. A smile as rare as an emerald diamond, only for her to see.
The moonlight cast a gentle glow on them as they stood there. They were caught in a moment neither dared to break. The night stretched on filled with quiet understanding beneath the watchful stars.
Evelina had just opened her lips to reply when footsteps sounded behind them. She turned quickly, her fan lowering while Lucian straightened with that careful composure that slipped over him like armor.
Through the tall doors came two figures and voices low but familiar, the Grand Duke Montclair, still splendid in his blue and gold, and at his side and the Crown Prince himself. Their entrance altered the quiet of the terrace at once; where there had been a hush, there was now presence, authority and the inevitable weight of watchful eyes.
"Lady Everleigh," the Crown Prince said warmly, his smile generous. "I thought we might find you here. Uncle insisted you had escaped for a breath of air and I could hardly let him wander off without me."
She dipped into a graceful curtsy. "Your Royal Highness. You honor me with such kindness. The hall was a touch warm, that is all. The terrace is most refreshing."
The Crown Prince's eyes lingered on Alistair with a glint of amusement. "It seems, Uncle, you have set aside matters of state to play the dauntless escort tonight. One could almost believe this ball was arranged for Lady Everleigh alone." The word Uncle carried more than affection. Alistair, though the King's younger brother, had been born of the late Queen. His claim to the throne had once been stronger than the King's own and though the matter had long been decided, whispers never truly faded in Eldora. To the Crown Prince he was kin, five years older, steady and trusted but always with that shadow at his back.
Alistair inclined his head, his smile warm, as though unfazed by the teasing. "If it were so, Your Highness, then it is an evening well spent. No ballroom shines so brightly without its star." His gaze turned, soft and unguarded toward Evelina.
Color rose faintly in her cheeks, though her poise did not falter. She closed her fan with a quiet snap and steadying herself. "Your Grace is too kind," she said gently. From the far side of the terrace, Lucian stood silent while watching the exchange. He said nothing but his eyes lingered cool, intent and unreadable.
Alistair gaze softened as it settled on her. "I feared I had kept you too long alone," he said, with an earnestness that brushed close to tenderness.
"You need not worry, Your Grace," Evelina replied, her smile gentle but measured. "The night has been kind company enough."
The Crown Prince's eyes shifted toward Lucian, who stood a little apart. "And Lucian," he greeted with a friendly nod. "So you have returned at last. Your sister will be relieved to know her brother has forsaken the solitude of the north."
Lucian bowed slightly, his voice even. "Your Highness is gracious. It is an honor to stand again at your court."
For a moment, all four stood together beneath the silver wash of moonlight, the air rich with roses and something sharper beneath ambition and affection perhaps even longing. Evelina felt it keenly, the weight of Alistair's devotion, the benevolent scrutiny of the Crown Prince and the silent but unreadable presence of Ravenscroft whose gaze she had already felt too deeply.
The Crown Prince gave a low laugh as though to break the weight that hung in the air. "Well then," he said, raising his glass, "let us not linger here too long or the court will have more to whisper of than the music."
The terrace no longer seemed so quiet.