Chapter 47: Possible Choices
"It has been a long time since you danced, your majesty. I am honored." Gabriella’s facial expression did not change but he could see ridicule in her eyes.
"What can I do? Even at this age my son did not stop worrying me. And here I thought he is ready to take his responsibilities. What! Are you mesmerized by her charms? Enough to forget.." She looked around and did not continue. Even the air had ears in the royal palace. And this much warning should be enough for his foolish son.
"I have confirmed a meeting with the daughter of marquis Grienelia. You are going to dance with her next." her words were resolute with no place for argument. Edward felt a stifling feeling in his heart.
Even if he wanted to explain, this was neither the time or place and he himself did not know why he was feeling like that.
Looking at his face, her eyes hardened.
"Foolish child, she is the spawn of barron Witherland. A ruined family. There is no guarantee that Duke Aykroyd would support us. Though Grienelia is a marquis, Isabella is his first daughter and dotes on her too much. If things went well.. You should understand that beauty is not everything. And that girl has her own charms." Looking at her hard eyes, Edward could only bow and accept.
Finally her eyes softened a bit and she smiled at him as they finished their dance.
Edward followed his mother closely as they left the dancing stage and greeted various guests. They stopped in front of the marquis table. A tall and athletic young girl was sitting there. She had no charms of a girl but her actions were more suited for a knight. Even the gown did not suit her enough.
"Your majesty." the girl bowed her head at once. "May the blessings of the moon goddess be shown on you." Gabriella tilted her head to meet the eyes of her son who nodded.