Friday, June 06, 2008
Chapter 25
The Mansion of the Duke of Cornwall was busy because of the engagement ball for the Heir Duchess of Cornwall and the Crown Prince of Wales. The guests were slowly flooding the Mansion with gifts and laughter. The servants were busy entertaining the guests with food and liquor. The Duke was thrilled by the arrival of the guests. He engaged himself with greeting them and entertaining them. With him was the King of Wales.
Upstairs, Marie was very nervous about the ball. This ball entitles Sebastian of having her as his fiancée. And his wife, as well. Marie was tensed. She was worried because she’s scared she will be married to the haughty Prince. She is worried also if the Prince will find her irresistible.
She wore blue muslin gown giving her sapphire eyes glow. Her long mahogany hair was tied above her neck. Her cheeks were pink and her lips were pale red. The servants complimented Marie for having the perfect skin tone making her face emanated with her gown. Marie admired herself at the vanity table, but would the guests admire her?
A knock was heard from her bedroom door. She thought it was her Father so she stood up and waited gladly by the front of the door. She knew her Father would be so proud of her when she looked so pretty. The second the knob turned, her excitement grew. But when the door opened and saw a tall, broad-shouldered man standing holding the knob, her excitement disappeared instantly.
Sebastian was standing in front of Marie’s door. He was astounded. He has never seen such a wondrous creature. His breath was taken away when he saw Marie standing opposite of the door with a smile. Her smile disappeared when she saw him. Marie looked stunning in her blue gown and the pink tint of her cheeks. He wanted to grab her and stay in her room for the rest of the night. Sebastian’s anger of her, vanish the moment he laid his eyes on her.
Marie watched Sebastian gaping at her. She studied him very closely. She smelled his spicy cologne the second he went inside in her room. She knew it would linger there forever. He was newly shaven. His jaw looked so smooth, and she forced herself not to be tempted to touch it. Sebastian’s eyes showed awe and admiration. She has seen it before. It was the first time they met. He looked so princely in his formal attire. Of course, he looked so princely since he is a Prince. But, ignoring the title, he still looks so princely, and handsome. Marie gained her consciousness first and curtsied to the Prince.
When Marie curtsied, Sebastian recovered from his awe and bowed to Marie. He smiled and greeted her.
The smile melted Marie to the bones.
The Prince offered his arm to her and Marie watched him curiously. The Prince understood her gesture and said, “I will escort you to the hall.”
“Why you?”
“It is me because I am your fiancé.” He replied patiently. Marie watched him and nodded slightly. She placed her arm on the crook of his arm. Sebastian pulled her hand and held it. He smiled at her comfortingly, while Marie returned the gesture, but awkwardly.
Sebastian led Marie to the staircase where they caught the attention of the guests. Whispers were echoing over the halls. Marie tightened her hands to Sebastian. Sebastian understood Marie’s behavior. She was nervous. She never liked the attention. Sebastian clasped her hand more tightly and whispered amiably, “I am here right next to you, Marie.” Marie smiled at him when he assured her that there’s nothing going to happen to her when he’s there. Marie’s heart ached when she felt the truthfulness of Sebastian’s words.
They slowly walked down the stairs. Marie was clinging to Sebastian tightly. When they reached the last step, Sebastian led her to his Father and bowed. He introduced his fiancé for the first time. Marie was nervous about the meeting the King, but when she saw the King beaming at her, all her worries vanished.
After the greetings, Sebastian asked Marie for his first dance. Marie gladly accepted the offer and let him lead her to the dance floor.
Labels: Chapter 25, Fortuitously Enamored
