His Majesty Adores Me

Chapter 16: The Debut

Chapter 16 

The day has finally come. Today is the ceremony where I will be introduced to society. It’s my debut in society.

“Please raise your hand, my lady.” Amber said, she and Rose were the one helping Maia to get me dressed for the party. We have been preparing for almost four hours straight now. I can’t believe I need to give this much effort. This is the first time I’m going to get dressed extravagantly. I hope I don’t stumble on how big the dress was.

I decided to wear an elegant green gown tonight. It matches my eyes and the color that Amaranth family color symbolizes.  I decided to put my sunset colored hair up so it can emphasize my neck. The jewelry also matched my outfit. All of them came from my father. He said these accessories are his gifts for me. At first I didn't want to take it but he insisted that it’s a gift. I accepted it and decided to wear them today.

“My lady, you are so gorgeous!” Maia shrieked out of excitement.

“I think so too, Maia! You are a goddess my Lady!” Amber said and I laughed.

“Thank you, girls.” I said and smiled.

“You two! Stop admiring my lady not until you two finished your tasks. We must make sure she is the prettiest in the party!” Rose said and they both nodded.

It’s good to see them being so worked up into helping me with the preparations. To be honest I’m still nervous. I saw the list earlier and it was endless. There’s too many names and almost all of them are from high society. The family heads will be coming as well and I don’t know how father was able to invite all those people in just a short period of time. I’m sure this part is a great opportunity to expand connections with the families. One of the reasons why I checked the list is in the hope of finding Asher. But, there’s no one listed under that name.

It’s been months so I guess he must have time now. Why is he not sending me letters anymore? Is it because he doesn’t want me anymore? I was stupid for sharing my first night with him and now I’m waiting for him. It’s a pain in the ass to have mixed emotions. Will he find me anytime soon?

“We are done, my lady. Please stand up and look at the mirror.” Maia said and I nodded.

I stood up and glanced at the mirror. I am amazed. Is this really me? I’ve never felt this beautiful. I am beautiful?

“Oh my holy! My lady is the prettiest in the land!”

“I am sure you will break necks at the party. Look how beautiful you are, my lady!” Amber said and sobbed. “I am thankful that I was the one who helped you.” She added.

“Now, now. Please calm down. I still need to put my shoes on.” I said and smiled at them.

“The Master will be here in a moment. I will inform them that you are done with preparing.” Rose said and I nodded, “Thank you, Rose.” I said and she went out to see Sir Mon.

I sighed heavily.

“Are you alright?” Maia asked.

“I am fine. Do we have any snacks I can eat so I can calm down a little?” I asked and Amber immediately gave me a full plate desert.

“Absolutely!” she said and I started nibbling sweet tarts and pie. This really helps.  I really need to calm myself. If I get too nervous I will make mistakes. I don’t want to embarrass myself!

“Always raise your head, my lady. You can do this! Remember that you are the one and only daughter of the Master and the sole heir of the Amaranth Family. Walk with pride and honor, my lady.” Maia said and fixed my hair. I smiled and thanked her. She is right. I need to face this head on!

A knock from the door and I saw Rose coming over with Sir Mon. “The Master has arrived.” Sir Mon announced and Father came in. I stood up and smiled. My father is a good looking man! No wonder Mother fell for him. With his looks he could have many women in her life. How amusing she only has eyes for Mother.

“You look amazing, Celeste.” He said and I smiled.

“You look dazzling as well, Father.” I said and he smiled back.

He offered his hand, “Shall we go now?” he said, I took his hand and nodded. “Yes.”

My father is my escort to the party. Usually I can invite someone from other families but I don’t have friends yet and Father is not allowing that option as well. I was a little nervous so I held on to my father's arms a little tighter. I think he noticed it.

“Don’t get nervous and calm down. If anyone tries to trouble you I will kick them out of the party, I promise.” He said and I laughed.

“You don’t have to go that far, father.” I said and I feel like all my troubles were washed away.

We stepped behind the closed door and waited until our entrance was announced, “Viscount Oscar Amaranth and Lady Celeste Amaranth are entering...”

Suddenly all eyes are on us.

I watched as their gaze turned to us. I stiffened a little when I realized how many people were in this hall with me. I can’t even have an idea of how many they actually are. Everyone is dressed well. They wear different gowns paired with jewels that I have never seen before.  They all look so exquisite! It’s my first time meeting this many people.

“Celeste,” my father called, “Walk slowly.” He whispered and we both walked towards the center.

There are people who smiled at me, some are showing an intrigued look and some of them are staring blankly at me. I didn't know what to do so I just held my head high and walked towards the center without looking around me too much. I can feel the tension in the room!

We stopped in the middle, then father spoke, “I want to greet everyone a nice evening and thank you for coming all the way here for my daughter’s welcoming ceremony. Your presence is deeply appreciated.” He said and looked at me, “I would like to introduce to you my daughter, Celeste Amaranth.” He announced and everyone cheered. I smiled upon hearing their welcoming remarks.

“What a beautiful daughter, Viscount.”

“I am sure the Viscount is delighted to have a daughter like her.”

“Where has she been all along? You have kept this beautiful daughter of yours for years, Viscount!”

My father smiled upon hearing those comments. Sir Mon came to my father’s side with a tray of wine, “I would like to raise a toast for the welcoming ceremony for my daughter, cheers!” he said. Ladies and gentlemen raised their toast and I smiled. I feel okay now. Everyone is welcoming.

“Please enjoy the rest of the night.” Father declared and the party continued. The music started playing and the guests started to dance. I hope I don’t get a dance request. I haven’t mastered dancing yet! I don’t want to step on the toes of someone on my debut night!

After greeting some guests, I was noticed by the group of young ladies and they invited me to join in. I gladly accepted their offer since Father said that I must enjoy this party. I want to make friends too.

“Greetings, Lady Celeste. My name is Aira Ossori, daughter of Duke Ossori. He’s a good friend of you father.” She said and I smiled. Of course I know her, she is the daughter of one of my Father’s great investors.

“Hi, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” I said and she smiled.

“Lady Aira, invite Lady Celeste here!” some of the girls said and smiled. I sat with them and they introduced themselves to me. They all came from prestigious families! Lady Jane Gardens, the daughter of Marquis Gardens, are known for their mining business. Mari Gravel, daughter of Duke Gravel and they are well known for their cloth business.

“It’s nice to meet you all.” I said and smiled.

“It’s a pleasure. How about a tea party at my place? I will send you an invitation, Lady Celeste, please come.” Lady Mari said.

“Gladly.” I said and smiled.

They all seemed nice but they asked too many questions. They are tiring me up. I guess even being this tired I must remain composed and practice etiquette. This is really hard! After chatting with them I told them I will rest and I excused myself. It was late and I was tired so I decided to go. There were many guys who asked me for a dance but I refused. I was ashamed that I couldn’t dance well yet. I will do better next time.

When I was walking alone in the hallway, I felt so tired. At the party, my eyes are frequently searching for someone. It’s tiring to look at everyone so I decided to stop. I guess he’s not coming anymore. He must have found someone else.

I opened my room and saw a big bouquet of red roses. There’s also a box beside it and a note. What is this? It’s impossible for the guests to reach my room and place this. Is this from Father? I opened the letter and I gasped.

“I congratulate you for your debut, my lady. You never fail to captivate my eyes, the most beautiful woman I know. Please accept my gift, it reminds me of you.” -Asher

What?! He came to the party? Should I go back? No. I shouldn’t. It’s this late already.

I opened the box and I saw a beautiful necklace designed with green jewels. It’s the same color as my eyes. Asher, you i***t! At least show yourself!