Stand By Me Darling

Her Grandpa wasn’t supposed you attend. Even this morning, he said he was not going to attend due to his health and other reasons. His health was pretty fine the past few days and Talia guessed it should be the ’other’ reasons.

The Spring Ball of Rosandale is an annual event and the only invitees are the nobles and select citizens of Rosandale. Surely a Duke of Esteria cannot attend and her grandpa who is a traditionalist won’t barge in breaking traditions, even if he was invited. It is for the same reason, Talia didn’t ask to invite Arthur and she asked Arthur if he was invited, out of curiosity. True, she wanted Arthur to be invited since he’d be her life partner, but she didn’t think too much when he assured her that he was not invited.

The Duke of Oakley!!!

Her grandpa’s arrival was announced, prompting chatters among the crowd. Talia found that the Nobles are staying at a distance as if they were standing in solidarity with the Duke of Luxxenshire, who attended the Ball with the Duchess. It seemed like he wanted to fight for his place and not give up it to Walter yet. But Cordelia’s family, Celine and Jolene’s family socialised with her and Talia didn’t mind the others.

Talia herself didn’t know why the Royal family has to subtly announce now that her grandfather is part of their family too, but she was glad he was here. Talia walked to him and hooked her arms around his arms before he bowed to her. "I’m glad you’re here, grandpa!" She smiled gleefully.

"Did I surprise you?" he asked kissing her cheek and Talia nodded. "You look so beautiful... I’m..." Jerome couldn’t let his words out as his eyes clouded. Sure he has seen his granddaughter all dressed-up, but never in such a formal setting. "I wasn’t fortunate to see you Debut, but now my heart is pleased seeing you like this.."

Talia hugged her grandpa. She forgot she never débuted into the society like other Noble Ladies since she left Esteria at sixteen. She didn’t Debut in Rosandale either since she left for her studies. She felt like today was in a way like her Debutante Ball too.

Just as they were speaking, Lambert entered the Hall. In his navy military dress uniform with golden braids and a bunch of medals pinned on his chest, he very well looked like a Prince from fairytales. "You didn’t bring her?" Talia asked as he greeted her and he looked to his side with a smirk.

"Or did I?".

Talia once again wanted to bang her head for being too curious. Jolene and Celine were closely following her and Talia passed a tissue to Jolene who suddenly had a bout of coughs.

"Are you sick? Do you need medicines?" Celine was worried and Jolene assured she was fine.