Vision Of Ardiane

MEMORY 1: Meeting The Main Character (Pt.1)

"My lady, Lord Julian is waiting for you downstairs."

"Please tell him I'll arrive in a bit."

"Yes, my lady."

*Thud-! *

The sound of Mina – my personal maid – closing the door of my room rings into my ear. Eyes glancing once more at the reflection in the mirror, I smile in satisfaction. The reflection of 'me', wearing an extravagant navy blue tulle dress, sewn with sparkly white chiffon and a dozen of blue roses, matched with pearl-designed jewelry accessories. It suits exceptionally well with 'my' radiant silver hair and deep mysterious purple eyes.

"Finally, I can meet you, the true heir for the throne, Azher." I mumble, can't wait to start the show.

*****

I fasten up my pace like a little child merely running as my gaze lands on Julian, 'my' brother, who is patiently waiting and standing in the lobby of our mansion. Julian notices my edgy appearance and turns to me. I stop right in front of him, catching my breath.

"I-I'm sorry… Did you… Wait long?" I ask, panting. It's hard to run in this kind of dress and I definitely deserve an award for my success.

"No, I just arrived." Julian answers with a smile of reassurance.

"Liar. You called for me after waiting for at least 30 minutes, didn't you?" I accuse, totally aware of the hidden truth behind his words. "Next time, call me as soon as you're done. I don't take eternities to get ready, you know?"

"Don't ladies usually take a long time to get ready?" He asks.

I shrug nonchalantly. "Depends on the occasion, but how can I make my handsome appealing brother wait long? That's just cruel."

Julian smiles hearing my response and tenderly pats my head to ensure not ruin my hair. It took almost an hour for Mina to style it – long neat braids with pearls and flowers stuck in between.

"That's the least I can do to return your favor, Airis. You hate attending balls, yet you agreed to my request. Thank you."

I chuckle looking at this brother of 'mine'. He's handsome. Very handsome. Shining silver hair with deep purple eyes, he's the exact male version of 'myself'. Wearing a navy suit to match with mine, adding a suit pin of our family's emblem proudly displayed – he'll make people think he already inherits the duke's name without announcing it to the public.

As I'm lost in my thoughts, I notice Julian's eyes move at me up and down, as if thoroughly scanning my appearance. "Is there something wrong with my dress?" I ask.

"No. You look gorgeous."

Feeling somewhat satisfied, I grab his hand and walk forward to the mansion's door. "Shall we go now, dearest brother?"

"Sure."

*****

"Entering the young master and lady of house Absalom, Lord Julian Absalom, and Lady Airis Absalom."

As the guard announces our arrival, all eyes automatically focus on us. To Julian, yes, they're the admiring and respecting gazes, but to me, the mocking and insignificant gazes. I clearly feel the heat of the nobles whispering about me.

"Is that 'the' Lady Airis? I didn't think she would show up."

"She never attended any balls or social gatherings after her coming-of-age ceremony, no?"

"Maybe she has finally come to her senses."

"Or she's trying to find an ideal husband."

Daringly, I glance at those gossipy nobles. I hear you loud and clear, speakers!

Julian's grip on my shoulder tighten. "Don't bother about them. Let them talk about what they want. Only cowards talk behind peoples' back."

Hearing Julian's comfort, I nod. My mind gets back on track. There's only one objective as to why I came and I must achieve at His Majesty's birthday ball tonight.

"Though, that doesn't mean you can let them mock you." Julian adds, furiously glaring towards them.

Noticing our glares, the nobles instantly stop chattering like their mouths had been sealed.

"Don't worry. I'm not that weak-minded. Go meet the other houses' sons." I say. "Or perhaps find a pretty sister-in-law for me?" I add in a joking tone, pressuring him to find a bride.

He flushes to beat red. I let out a small laugh since I came here with a reputation – can't let it hit rock bottom after the ball ends. Who'd expect the mighty Julian Absalom, the heir of the glorious Absalom duchy, would easily flush to his little sister's tease?

"Stop teasing me." He says.

"Oh, trust me. I'm not even trying."

A dissatisfied look appears on his face as I laugh again. Man, I can't get enough of this!

Our conversation comes to a stop as we hear the arrival announcement of the imperial family. "Entering, the honorable Ardiane's imperial family, Alexander Ambrose!"

All the guests that attended bow down. I slightly glance up to the terrace where the imperial family will be entering. The first one to make the entrance is none other than His Majesty, the emperor – someone in his 60s, ready to pass the throne to his 3 sons. Despite his old age, his face isn't that wrinkly or bad. Next to him is the empress – a woman who has no strands of white hair in her middle 50s. Behind them, followed the rest of the imperial family, the second, third, and fourth princes with the emperor's wives.