The Chronicles of Van Deloney-Chapter 7: THE CROWN PRINCE OF LUXTONIA

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CHARLOTTE and Helena stared at each other before looking at the short petite young lady wearing a maid uniform while also wearing a hood that covered her entire body. Did she just trespass through the guards of the mansion?

"The name's Lindice ... Madame Dorothea has a message for you, fair lady." The young woman uttered with a cold demeanor. Helena, who had a recollection of Lindice being Madame Dorothea's servant, acknowledged the message by nodding her head and accepting the letter that was handed to her.

"I'll be back later before the clock strikes midnight..." She uttered with a low tone, making sure no one would hear their conversation towards their plan. The young woman then proceeds to leave in front of them, making sure that they will cooperate for the plan they have discussed earlier at the carriage.

"Remember our plan at midnight." The countess' words echo through Charlotte's mind and gently take the letter from Helena.Helena then shuts the door; Charlotte directed a quizzical gaze towards the letter, with a raised eyebrow, she did not hesitate to open the small envelope that was sent by the countess.

"That servant of Madame Grimoard, who had assumed a different visage to inconspicuously pass through the doors. I swear she looks very strange and that gives a chilling sight through my veins." stated Helena shivering her shoulders as it creeps her out while looking at Charlotte with the letter on her grasp.

Once she opened the envelope, she took the paper inside it.Charlotte held the parchment enclosed in a seal, and delicately unsealed it to peruse the message within. As she started to absorb the contents of the letter, hope filled her eyes. She glanced at the clock beside her bed, observing the approaching hour of midnight with an air of anticipation.

"Midnight, then..." she murmured to herself.Out of the blue, there was another knock on the door. "Mí lady, Mr. Knox wishes to have a conversation with you in the guest room," spoke a voice of a lady behind the closed doors.Charlotte spoke, professing to the maid behind, "I shall be with you presently." She then entrusted the letter to Helena, and proclaimed, "Prepare yourself, I'll just go to the guest room." Charlotte commanded Helena, who offered a respectful bow, prior to her lady's departure from the room.

Charlotte proceeded to the guest room and came across a gentleman consuming tea on a lavish couch. The man, known as Zephyrl Knox, was one of the four retainers of the Ruthania royal family. He was working at the side of one of the sons of the royal family. He was devoted to work with him as his right hand man, though he is also loyal to his master.

"Lady Charlotte, it is indeed an honor to make your acquaintance." Zephyrl greeted cordially, placing the teacup back down onto the coffee table and bowing towards her."Greetings, Mr. Knox. Might I inquire as to the reason for this meeting? Do you perhaps communicate with myself?"

Charlotte inquired while sitting on the opposing couch, facing the retainer."The Crown Prince desired me to extend a few words to you." He uttered while softly blowing the tea in his cup, cooling it down to a comfortable level."Just a brief remark, perchance?" She responded with a raised eyebrow.

"His Highness has disclosed that upon joining in union with him, you shall be elevated to the title of Crown Princess of Normaine." Zephyrl explained her projected role as a Crown Princess of Normaine as a consequence of becoming His Highness's wife.

He informed her that she will take on the role of consort to the ruler. In the meantime, she will play a key role in representing the monarchy and supporting her husband-to-be in his official duties.

She is expected to maintain the dignity and prestige of the monarchy and act as a role model for women in the nation.She may also be involved in diplomatic and charitable activities, and her actions and decisions can have a significant impact on the country.

"Is there no alternative recourse for opposing this agreed-upon matrimony?" Charlotte queried with a serious and stern demeanor.

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"Mí Lady, both sides of the engagement have given their consent to the marriage. Furthermore, your father, who serves as the Earl, bestowed a significant contribution to the royal family aside from acting as a counsellor and confidante of the King. Otherwise, if you wish to disagree, I'm afraid that everything won't turn out well for you, your family and this country in the end."

Zephyrl articulated as he took a sip from his teacup with a calm and composed demeanor.Charlotte sighed with vexation, for it appeared that there was only a single path for her to pursue. This entailed carrying on with the devious ploy of evading the wedlock and migrating towards the realm of Albiana.

Once the sun made way for the moonrise, a sense of solemnity and serenity filled the space. After a discourse with the Ruthania family's retainer, Charlotte had a feeling of being constrained by the confines of her chamber. The maidservants dressed her in fine garments, she was unable to shake the feeling of gloom.

Despite the sumptuous attire they presented her with, her heart was filled with a profound sense of disarray and anxiety, her mind wandering to thoughts of the morrow.The maidservants labored to groom Charlotte, diligently brushing her hair, improving her appearance with makeup, and ensuring that her outfit was the most captivating of all on her birthday.

Yet, with a somber mindset in place, Charlotte's lips were downturned, sorrowed by the outcome of her exchange with the retainer.She was unenthusiastic about the upcoming developments, her emotions ranging from frustration to disappointment. With the thoughts of tomorrow plaguing her mind, she was unable to appreciate the present and the efforts of those who had been working so hard to make her day special.

"Mí Lady, your ebony locks are as smooth as your mother's," Delphine, one of the maids, commented upon the young Charlotte's luscious tresses.Charlotte offered a subdued smile to Delphine, who was perhaps aware that the young lady was in dire need of some emotional support and wanted to lift her spirits.

Charlotte's smile, although small, was a genuine display of appreciation for the effort of the kindhearted maid."Mí lady, here's your necklace," Helena uttered, handling the box of the necklace featuring an Amethyst gemstone. Delphine, by her side, aided Helena in placing the necklace around their lady's graceful neck.

"It's been years, I used to spend my days outside with my brother while I watched him doing fencing." Charlotte spoke as she looked at the necklace that was placed on her neck. "I bet Lady Eleanor felt happy to see you all grown up after she has been assigned to be a nanny by His Lordship." Delphine said.

Suddenly a gentle knock from the door appeared, "I'll go get it!" Delphine then opened the door and found Lady Eleanor with a soft smile on her face.

When Charlotte saw who it was, she immediately stood from her seat and approached her. "Auntie Eleanor, you look elegant today." She said with a hug. "Oh dear, you are more elegant and beautiful than me, Lady Charlotte." She said with a smile on her lips as she looked at her face while holding Charlotte's chin.

"You flatter me, Auntie." She said with a warm smile that glows with innocence.

While the ladies are engaged in a warm conversation, another maid enters and announces something to them.

"Good Evening Lady Charlotte, the Earl's discourse is likely to commence in around five minutes," the other maid declared, as she made slight adjustments to Charlotte's attire.

"I see," she answered in a frigid manner, devoid of any kind of enthusiasm towards the oncoming celebration. Suddenly as the maid from the door bows, her brother suddenly appears and the maid bows once again to greet him.

"Is there something wrong Charlotte?" He said as he greeted her with a firm stand and warm smile. He wears a tailored burgundy tailcoat embroidered with silver ivy patterns, layered over a black brocade waistcoat and a ruffled white blouse fastened with a sapphire brooch. Ivory high-waisted trousers and pristine white gloves complete his refined, noble look.

"Callistopher..." Charlotte muttered as she turned herself to see her brother.

Callistopher Lumiere Frederick Deloney was a figure of repute in the realm as the heir of Earl Marcus Dallas Deloney. He was the eldest male child and the solitary son of House Deloney, inheriting his father's rank and the vast properties of the noble family.

He also bears the burden of overseeing the management of the family estate and is entrusted with providing guidance to his father, ensuring that the legacy and customs of the House remain intact and are properly entrusted to future generations."You are truly radiant this evening, Charlotte," Callistopher uttered, as he gently positioned the young lady's hair beside her earlobe, which accentuated her beauty and captivating looks.

"No need to offer such compliments," Charlotte exclaimed in a bashful manner, feeling embarrassed in front of the maids. However, Callistopher merely offered a light chuckle, as if to reassure her that his words did not bother him in the slightest.

Lady Eleanor chuckled as she watched both siblings converse with one another. "Oh dear, I bet you two should go ahead, your father might be waiting for you two." She said to both of them.

"She's right, complimenting me might take our time before we reach the ballroom." She said with a chuckle.

"Is it improper to bestow a compliment upon my youngest sister?" Callistopher responded, seemingly unconcerned about her embarrassment. "Well, if you wish for me to remain silent, then I shall do so without a protest."

"I am easy to converse with, after all." He added, extending his arm to Charlotte, offering to escort her through the festivities. Exasperated by her brother's unperturbed behavior, Charlotte accepted his extended arm and took a gentle hold of it as they ventured through the party in the ballroom.

The soft glow of chandeliers spilled through the tall glass windows lining the corridor, casting golden patterns across the marble floor. Charlotte's satin skirts whispered against the tiles as she walked beside her brother, her gloved hand lightly clutching the edge of her dress to keep pace.

Callistopher, ever composed, adjusted his gloves as they neared the grand doors of the ballroom. The silver embroidery on his burgundy coat shimmered with every step, a quiet testament to the weight he bore even in celebration.

"You look like you're walking into a duel, not a party," Charlotte teased, glancing up at him with a playful smile.

Callistopher raised a brow. "Some would say they are one and the same—especially when you're the heir of an Earl and every noble in the room is either judging your posture or measuring your prospects."

Charlotte laughed softly, the sound echoing lightly in the corridor. "You speak as if you're forty and twice-widowed. You're twenty-one, Callis."

"Twenty-one, and expected to speak of land surveys, estate audits, and inheritance law before the orchestra finishes tuning," he said dryly. Then, glancing at her, his expression softened. "But tonight is yours, Lottie. For once, I can pretend the weight is lighter than it is."

She nudged him gently with her shoulder. "Thank you for dressing up like a storybook prince just to make my birthday perfect."

He smirked. "Only the best for the lady of the evening. Besides, I needed a break from the steward's endless reports on tenant disputes."

As the ballroom doors opened before them, revealing a cascade of candlelight, flowers, and the hum of strings and conversation, Charlotte took her brother's arm.

"Then dance at least once," she whispered. "For me. Not as an heir. Just as my brother."

He sighed with exaggerated dread, but his smile betrayed him. "Only if you promise not to step on my shoes again."

They stepped into the light together—siblings, nobles, and just for a moment, two young people caught between duty and delight.

The clinking of glasses, the hum of polite conversation, and the scent of floral arrangements filled the space below. Charlotte's heart thudded against her chest, her nerves betraying her composed exterior. Though she had been to many gatherings like this, tonight felt different, heavier somehow.

"You know, Lottie, if you're hoping for a grand entrance, you might want to stop lingering in the shadows," Callistopher's voice broke through her thoughts, his words light but laced with an underlying concern. He stood beside her, observing the crowd as though he could already feel the weight of their eyes upon them.

Charlotte turned to him with a teasing smile, the cool, evening air brushing against her cheeks. "You know I prefer to observe first, before diving into the sea of social expectations."

He chuckled, his lips curling into an almost imperceptible smile. "You'll drown in it one day if you're not careful."

Her gaze shifted back to the ballroom, the glittering chandeliers casting their golden glow on the sea of high society. Then, their father's jovial voice echoed through the hall, ringing with practiced ease as he greeted guests, his hand clutching a glass of crimson wine. "A most opportune moment to greet you both," he said, his smile warm and inviting. His eyes, however, betrayed a slight tension that Charlotte had long since learned to recognize.

Her father's words, although wrapped in charm, seemed to hold a weight beneath them, as if every moment here was a test—a negotiation of alliances, a careful dance. She didn't miss the subtle way his gaze flicked over her and Callistopher before turning to the rest of the guests.

Beside him, Carmelia stood—beautiful and poised—but her eyes locked onto Charlotte, her fan moving ever so gracefully, yet with a force that betrayed the animosity she tried to veil. It was as if every movement she made was a reminder of the competition between them, though it remained unsaid.

Charlotte, despite her earlier resolve to remain unnoticed, felt the full force of Carmelia's stare. Her breath hitched briefly, but she maintained her composure. In this world, even the slightest show of weakness could be exploited.

As the sound of a trumpet reverberated through the hall, announcing the arrival of the Crown Prince, the room fell into a hushed reverence. Charlotte stiffened, her pulse quickening as the familiar, dignified figure of Prince Dominique appeared at the grand doors. The air seemed to shift, the weight of his presence commanding attention, yet cloaked in an aura of mystery.

"Announcing His Royal Highness, Prince Dominique of House Ruthania, Crown Prince of Luxtonia, Firstborn of His Majesty King Decabrius, Heir to the Southern Crown of Albiana!" Zephyrl, His Highness's retainer, proclaimed with a bow in front of the entrance, before making way for the Royal Personage. Tons of noble made their cheerful applause through the crowd as they watched the prince set foot in the celebration.

"It's... The Royal Highness."