The atmosphere of the ball is lively and calm, the guests are expectantly waiting for Bera's entrance to the ballroom. But the voices of people talking behind my back make me feel uncomfortable and nervous, the veil that covers half of my face is the only thing that prevents other people from seeing my uneasiness. I just hope it will all be over soon and I can leave. I raise my head to the stairs of the great hall when they announced Bera's name by opening the doors. I smiled as I saw that our previous efforts yielded wonderful results, she looked beautiful. The blue color of the dress brought out her eyes and her red hair was to be admired. She walked down the stairs and smiled modestly before beginning her rehearsed speech, but leaving people amazed at the impeccable way she expressed herself. After a wave of applause the celebration began.
Bera approached me after receiving what seemed like hundreds of congratulations from each noble family and the people in attendance. She conversed with each person without making a mistake. Although I stayed out of the way as much as possible it was still exhausting to converse with some people who initiated a conversation with me and I had to keep my composure until the end. I couldn't imagine how tired Bera must be.
-Larissa, come with me to the balcony -says the girl next to me smiling with barely perceptible tiredness.
I nodded as I walked with Bera to the balcony overlooking the garden and we both allowed ourselves to relax for a moment. The cold wind was blowing like the day I met Bera in that dangerous forest when we were little girls. She saved me from dying and I was very grateful to her for that.
-Congratulations, Bera," I said with a smile that could not be seen because of the veil covering my face, but it was completely sincere.
-My little sister is so corny," Bera joked, hugging my shoulders as she laughed.
-Stop teasing me," I replied complaining at her playful attitude.
-I'm sorry, I'll behave myself," added Bera repressing another smile, separating from me to lean on the balcony.
I looked at the garden and the flowers that were visible from above. The sound of music could be heard clearly, but the silence that accompanied us was enough for us who were looking for a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle. I spoke again when I saw that the dancing would start soon.
-We should go back now," I said, looking around the room carefully.
Bera accepted my suggestion and together we returned to the ballroom when we were about to leave we heard a man's voice approaching. I was surprised to see that it was the crown prince. We both bowed and listened to the prince's soft laughter as he began the conversation.
-It is a pleasure to meet the daughters of Duke Drahorts," said the man with a smile looking at us before focusing on congratulating Bera directly, "My congratulations to Miss Bera on her coming of age.
-Thank you very much, your highness," says Bera with a bright smile and genuine joy.
The characteristic music to start the dance inviting people to join in was heard playing in the great hall. The prince looked thoughtful and contemplated something he didn't know what exactly it was. I didn't really know him, but rumor had it that he was a womanizer and was always seen with a different woman each time. I had the impression that he was unreliable and just when I wanted to ask Bera to leave it was the prince himself who extended a hand.
-I would be honored to start the first dance with Miss Bera," the man invited her with a kind and confident smile.
It was too late to tell us to leave. And Bera really seemed surprised by the sudden invitation. It would be rude to refuse, especially since it was the crown prince.
-Of course, your highness," answered Bera, accepting with a slightly embarrassed smile.
In the middle of the hall and in front of the expectant eyes of those present, they walked to the center of the room to start dancing. The tall golden-haired man was undoubtedly radiant when he smiled and his blue eyes showed his royal lineage, he was a being blessed with attractiveness, talent and strength to take care of Ehnrok's empire. The daughters of the most important families looked with ill-disguised hatred at my sister as the dance piece continued. I was sure they all had the same envy-filled thought, wondering how the duke's adopted daughter could catch the eye of the prince they coveted.
A shiver ran down my spine as I saw their gazes darting like daggers over Bera's back almost fearing they might hurt her. But she didn't even seem to notice the tense atmosphere of the great hall or the dramatic whispers. Her smile never disappeared and every step on the floor was taken with the same calmness from start to finish. She radiated happiness even when she was judged by people for not carrying my father's or mother's blood. My heart was filled with insecurity at the thought that I could never do that and that perhaps my destiny was to go unnoticed in the crowd.