Large and dazzling chandeliers hung in the ballroom of Greyford's mansion.
Elain's eyes swept across the entirety of it, realizing it was more than twice the size of Blythmor's, with a kind of extravagance befitting royalty.
Gold and silver ornaments adorned every corner of the ballroom, with daffodils dominating the flower arrangements.
Daffodil was the flower that symbolized Halcyon, a celebration of rebirth and prosperity. The ladies' gowns were of various beautiful colors with fine detailing, while the gentlemen wore their best ensembles, showing off their status and wealth.
"You are finally here!" Lady Mary's face brightened at the sight of her dear friend, Cynthia. She gave the woman air kisses. "It's been so long since the Greyfords hosted a ball, so it feels like the first time coming here. Splendid, isn't it?"
Elain gave a curt bow to the lady and her companions, all of whom were women her age. In the meantime, Mr. Blythmor had gone to approach his male acquaintances, leaving the ladies to their business.
Not far away, Lady Mary's daughter, Amber, stood with a group of young ladies.
"Look at that gown, so dull and annoying to the eye," Amber muttered, eyeing Elain's gown with disdain.
"It doesn't complement her pale skin very well," another lady remarked. "Isn't she sick? Why is she here?"
"Don't tell me she's here in hopes of finding a wealthy husband?"
Amber chuckled, finding the thought ridiculous. "A man of high standing would be insane to take a sickly, dull country bumpkin for a wife. She doesn't hold a candle to us ladies, but it would amuse me to see her try and fail. After all, a bit of entertainment does no harm."
While Cynthia was pulled into a group of older ladies, Rory and Elain left her side after receiving a look from Cynthia, allowing them to wander on their own.
"This is the first time I've been amazed by a mansion," Rory giggled, her arm linked with Elain's. Her brown eyes were filled with mirth as she took in the interiors of the mansion.
"From the front yard with that enormous dragon statue, if that's even a dragon, and then to this… I've been to many mansions for soirées and balls, but everything pales in comparison to this. Every corner has exquisite and unique detailing, not just the same designs used by other families."
"Indeed, it is unique," Elain commented with a smile.
She had been to a ball once before, back when she was much younger, but she didn't remember much about it, so she found this moment to be beyond enthralling. If only she weren't a nobleman's bastard and had been born his legitimate daughter, would things have been different for her?
A bitter smile crept onto Elain's lips, knowing well that dwelling on such thoughts was of no use.
Elain looked up at the high ceilings with meticulously painted artwork, and though she found it pleasing to the eye, she couldn't recognize some of the figures whether they were living beings or part of nature.
And there was a black, smoky presence surrounding the ceiling's artwork, similar to shadows, yet blending in harmony with the rest of the subjects, creating the illusion of a sea of art.
When her gaze fell on the tables of food, where all sorts of delicacies were laid out, her mouth watered. She wanted to taste every kind of pastry and meat, but remembering her aunt's warning beforehand not to eat more than three bites at tonight's ball, she quickly darted her gaze away.
Someone suddenly exclaimed, "They are here!"
The chattering toned down, and everyone's attention shifted in a single direction. Elain and Rory stopped in their tracks, curious about what was happening.
"Is that Lark?" a lady chirped in excitement, almost bouncing on her feet to get a better view, completely forgetting her etiquette. "He has returned?"
"Oh, it has been a while since I last saw his handsome face!"
It wasn't long before Elain found the people who had captured everyone's attention. The Greyfords, she immediately realized when she saw a young woman with long burgundy hair, as rich as dark red wine, flowing like silk.
Despite never having seen the woman before, the unique physical trait she was famous for made it easy to recognize her at first glance.
Leah Greyford, the third child and only daughter of the Greyfords.
She held the arm of a handsome young man, whom Elain assumed to be the second son, Lark Greyford, as she heard several people mention his name.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," said Lark with a dashing smile that could melt a lady's heart without effort. Yet at the same time, his silver gaze, devoid of warmth, would make one think twice about approaching him, especially given his questionable reputation among women. "I hope you were not having too much fun without your hosts. Wouldn't that be impolite?"
Lark's words earned a ripple of laughter.
"We apologize for being a bit late," Leah said with a sweet smile, her dark purple gown hugging her slender figure exquisitely.
People of the highest status among the crowd stepped forward to offer their greetings.
One of them, a marchioness, spoke first. "It is a pleasure to attend a ball in your family's mansion, Lady Leah. You cannot imagine my surprise when the invitation was delivered! I even had to ask others if they had received one as well. I was wondering if it was Lord Greyford's idea to host the first ball of Halcyon?"
"It wasn't his idea. As we speak, my father is across the continent and will not be making an appearance in this year's Halcyon. He has grown fond of his travels, you see."
"Was it your idea, then?" another person asked.
"My brother's," Leah replied. As it was obvious what the next question would be, she quickly added, "Not the second or the youngest, of course, but my eldest brother, Rafelius."