Many say being late is considered rude and disruptive, yet here we are, walking down the corridor that leads to the ballroom, escorted by a royal guard.

Gene and Lady Bernadine followed a little way behind me, on either of my sides, while our five rather handsome men, followed behind us.

Gene had eventually said yes to Adionis, and now they are both matching in the most beautiful shade of midnight black. Her V neckline floor length gown, matched well with his black custom made suit. Her long hair pulled back in a updo French braided style, make up kept very light and simple, gold being her highlight color for jewelry and heels, so she can have something that matched with me.

Lady Bernadine on the other hand, true to her love of the 18th century fashion, she wore a Victorian designed off shoulder v cut red velvet corset dress, with black lace details on her sleeves and a similar lace used for her shawl. She was truly the only woman who still embodied the style, and was not ashamed of it in our more, modern era.

The house of Phillia has and always will be a pinnacle of beauty. Some even say I have hired only good looking men and women to work with me to withhold that standard, not entirely true, yet the essence of beauty that surrounded me, deemed it to be.

I tried my hardest to get Jeromy to come, but he was adamant on remaining at the house, but I think I knew exactly why, because a particular chef decided to stay home as well. Seems I'll be having more than one couple from the household.

The two guards at the doors eyes widen when they see us, and they rush to open the doors. Upon our entrance, all attention turns from the front towards us, the silence of the room, making me smile inwardly.

Stopping at the top stairs, I scan the room for the man I have been eagerly waiting to see again. I find him standing next to the crown prince, on the right side of the King. His eyes already on me.

A short, fair skin, middle aged man frantically rushes up the stairs to us, even almost losing his balance.
"I do apologize your ladyship. Truly I am.  I thought everyone had arrived. I didn't- I must have-"

"It's quite alright darling. You're not at fault here." I softly spoke, trying to ease his worries. His ears turn a faint shade of red, and he nods.

"Y-Your names so I may introduce you my lady." He shyly says, not being able to meet my eyes.

"The House of Phillia will do just fine. I hope that is not a problem with you Lady Bernadine?" She shakes her head.

"It's a honor to be considered family My Lady." We both smile, and he nods, turning to the front, fixing his jacket and holding his head high.

"Your Royal Highnesses, Ladies and Gentleman, all esteemed guests, I give you The House of Phillia!" He turns gesturing to us.

"Such a grand entrance." Gene murmurs and I chuckle, nodding to the announcer. Indeed it was.

Jones comes forward taking my hand, Hernandez and Adionis doing the same with Gene and Bernadine, while Hector and Lex remained behind. Slowly making our way down the stairs, the atmosphere of the room varying in different emotions. Some stared in awe, others clearly annoyed, but oh the irony of the beauty of the night.

The crowd disperses as we make our way towards the king to greet him, following tradition for every ball. Jones and the others moving to walk behind us once more as we get closer to their Royal highnesses.

I feel my dress moving to go between my legs again, and I slightly hold the side; after the trouble I had getting up the main steps of the castle, it was necessary. Yet, such a dreadful thing those stairs. Why so many? It's as if they have us exercise before hand, so we wouldn't become tired during the night.

Stopping in front of the King, the old man stared at me with an unreadable expression. Him and his wife matching in royal blue attire, embroidered with the finest gold thread I'm sure. His grey hair slicked back making him slightly look younger, while her majesty was the epitome of beauty herself.

"Your majesties, please pardon our tardiness." I say, before we all bow in acknowledgment.

"You look absolutely lovely, Lady of Desire." The Queen speaks first, the bright smile on her fair face, causing one of my own. The King however did not look too pleased by our interaction.

"Thank you your majesty. You look as lovely yourself." The King clears his throat, making us look towards him.

"I do not appreciate your tardiness, or your flirting with my wife."

"Not flirting your majesty, simply acknowledging her beauty, and indeed beautiful she is." I glance at her, and she shyly giggles, causing the poor man to tense even more.

Let me put his worries to rest.
"I think we all know the schlong is the member I deeply desire, your majesty." A few gasps and giggles fill the room, the King's eyes widen in horror, the Queen covering her laugh with her matching fan.

"You are dismissed." He quickly waves us off, excusing us to our table. Curtsying once more, I turn making sure to glance at Lutalo, who looked at me amused.

As we made our way to our seats, I realized our designated wasn't as far back to the nosebleeds as times past. Seems my title has truly upgraded my seating area.

"I can not believe you said that to the king." Lady Bernadine giggles.

"I can't believe the Queen reads your books." Gene adds, and I chuckle.

"I'm sure half of them in here does." Jones adds, and we all laugh.

Looking around, it was obvious some were talking about us. They didn't necessarily hide their looks of disgust, and I believe if the music was much softer, you would be able to hear their murmurs.

My eyes go to the throne again, the view from our table very clear. Only high officials and Lords and Ladies sat this close to the royal family. The Queen smiles at me, giving me a small wave, while the King glowers; the same identical look upon the eldest princess's face, when my eyes meet hers.

"I wonder what has her panties in a twist?" Gene asks, recognizing it as well.

"She had not to long entered when you arrived." A woman says walking up to our table.
"She tried to make a grand entrance as well to catch my son's eye, but oh did you do that completely." I stare at her confused.

"Oh my apologies, Edrina Obasi." My eyes widen in horror, Gene gasping next to me in shock.
How did I not realize?

I stand immediately to my feet, stretching my hand out to her.
"It's a pleasure Ma'am."

"Oh cut that out. Edrina will do darling." I chuckle, nodding.

"Pleasure Edrina."

"You dear have a very strong presence about you. I absolutely love it." I smile, thanking her.

"This is my agent, publisher and closest friend Genevieve Bathwell." She stands to meet her.

"It's a pleasure to meet the woman who gave this exquisite young woman her chance." Gene proudly smiles.

"It's a pleasure to meet the woman who birthed the handsome General." My eyes widen in embarrassment, while the others around the table chuckled.

"Gene!" I quietly scold her, but she doesn't pay me any mind.

"It's quite alright dear." Edrina chuckles.
"I like her boldness. It's better than the fakery others use to try to butter me up to get close to my son. You know what, let me go get him." She excuses herself, walking away in the direction of the front.

I turn to Gene, trying to maintain a calm look, knowing many were watching us right now.
"I can not meet him."

"Why not? You have dreamed of this." Hernandez says but I shake my head. Hector and they smiling fondly.

"I might faint, or worse-"

"Become a puddle of arousal. Either way, I'm sure the fine specimen about to reach us, will catch you. So fall forward, into his arms." Gene taps my back, forcing me to turn back around.
"Confidence Lady of Desire." She whispers.

I swallow for no reason, drinking up how mouthwatering he looked in his official suit.

~*~
General Lutalo Obasi Inspiration🤭

~*~

He is the first man to ever wear his hair this long, seeing as the King only gave him permission. All others had to cut their to a short length, as a knight, even the Prince.

"Agatha dear, this is my son Lutalo Obasi." He stretches his hand out to me, and I force myself not to shiver as our hands touch.

His hand was rough and quite bigger than mines, but it was expected from the man of war. His gaze that held mine seemed to be calculated, as if trying to decipher my thoughts.

"A pleasure to meet you, Lady Agatha." My word. I had never actually heard him speak up close until now, other times were from a distance. Yet from those times and now, his voice was low and very articulate.

There was clear authority and confidence entwined in the way he spoke; an authority I would love to hear in other forms.

"I have no official title of Lady my Lord, but truly the pleasure is mine." I could see Gene giving me a sour look from the corner of my eyes, but I ignore her.

He raises a perfect brow at me.
"I must have misheard the Queen then. I'm sure she acknowledged you as such."

"She is a lady by all means son. Title given by us the people." His mother tells him, and he looks to her smiling warmly. He truly is so handsome.

Realizing our hands were still together I slowly let go of his, managing to draw his attention to our now separated hands and then back up at me.

He goes to speak again, but is cut off by a high pitch voice,
"My Lord, I have been searching for you." Princess Maliana says, glancing at me with a put off look.
"Shall we go dance." It didn't quite sound like a question, more so a statement, and being the gentleman he is, he excuses himself, taking her hand and leading her towards the dance floor.

A frown appears on my face but I quickly replace it with a blank look.

"I'll take my leave as well." His mother says, and I smile.

"It truly was a pleasure meeting you Edrina." She smiles.

"Don't worry dear. We shall see each other again." She reassured me, before walking off.

Everyone looked on at the dancing couple, a bright smile on the princess's face as danced with him. He wore a kind smile, listening carefully to her as she spoke to him. I look towards the king, watching as he seemed pleased with the sight.

"Oh why can't the wretch find another man to wed." Gene huffs out in irritation.

"It is expected Gene." I turn to sit down. I couldn't help the green feeling I felt inside, watching them together. His hand placed securely on her waist, the way she rambled on and he quietly listened.

"You sound low of self esteem." I look towards Gene, and she raises a brow at me.
"Confidence, Lady of Desire." I give her a small smile, fixing my solemn posture.

I look towards them again. She was the perfect match for him in many's eyes...yet I could never allow myself let him go.

John suddenly stands, coming over to me.
"We have a night of fun ahead of us, let me be the first to ask her ladyship to dance." He stretches his hand out to me.
"Shall I have this dance my lady?" A smile comes unto my face, and I nod, taking a hold of his hand.

"Of course kind sir."