The Ball

The maids hurriedly enter while Eleanor is still asleep. "M'lady! Today is the ball, and there's a lot to get ready for!" Matilda exclaims urgently.

"Matilda's correct! We have dress fittings, makeup, hair, and more to attend to!" Eloise adds quickly. Eleanor sits up, still groggy and yawning.

Before she can fully wake up, Josephine seizes her hand and rushes her to the bathroom for a quick wash, with Eleanor barely registering her surroundings.

Later, Eleanor is in a random room of her mansion where the shop owner is also present. She tries on her ordered dress while the owner takes measurements simultaneously. Charlotte is also brought along for the dress fitting.

Afterward, she manages to have brunch. However, soon after, she is whisked away again for various tasks before finally getting a chance to snack. Then, she has to go through hair and makeup before putting the ball gown on.

Today has been relentless for Eleanor, and she's at risk of dozing off at the ball due to exhaustion. The Lockhearts head outside to board their carriages. Charlotte, William (the father), and Victoria (the mother) occupy one carriage, while Alexander, Charles, and Eleanor take another since the entire family can't fit into one carriage.

In the carriage, the three siblings engage in conversation.

"Eleanor, you look quite lovely today. I almost didn't recognize you; usually, you're lounging around without a care for your appearance, both in the mansion and around town," Alexander remarks teasingly, prompting chuckles from Charles.

"Oh, is that so, dear brother? I must admit, I was taken aback as well. You typically resemble a tipsy uncle, but today you appear quite refined and sophisticated," Eleanor retorts with a playful slapback. Charles gulps and subtly shifts away from his seat beside Eleanor, while Alexander and Eleanor exchange smiles while glaring at each other.

After the tense exchange, they finally arrive at the Ravenswood mansion. Stepping out of the carriage, the knights assist Victoria, Charlotte, and Eleanor to ensure they have a steady hand to hold onto and avoid any mishaps.

As the announcer calls out their family name, the entire family enters the ballroom, drawing awe from the attendees due to their esteemed reputation. Charles wears a smug expression until Eleanor playfully slaps his head and delivers a silent lecture through her facial expression, causing Charles to look away in a grumpy mood and making Charlotte chuckle.

Amelia rushes over to hug Eleanor briefly before letting go. "Ellie! Your gown is stunning!" Amelia exclaims cheerfully.

"I love yours too, Lia," Eleanor responds with a playful chuckle.

"And I detest this delightful atmosphere," Alexander interjects, abruptly spoiling the mood as he walks away towards the ladies' area.

Amelia shoots a playful glare at Alexander as he walks away, sparking a chuckle from Eleanor.

"Oh, Charles, look! Pastries!" Charlotte exclaims excitedly, causing Charles to salivate at the sight of the treats. "I suppose I'll join you if you insist, not that I actually desire them or anything," Charles says in a disbelieving tone, prompting a chuckle from Charlotte, who then grabs Charles' hand and hurries off to the pastries.

"May I have everyone's attention?" The announcer's voice booms, causing all eyes to turn in his direction. "I am pleased to announce... the Ravenswood family!" Anticipation fills the air as their name is called, although this moment only adds to Eleanor's nerves, evident in her gulp.

As they make their way out, Merlin's mother stands at the front beside his father, with his older brother and sister by their side. However, it's Merlin who catches Eleanor's attention the most. In that moment, she becomes certain that he is indeed Merlin.

His hair shines like gold strands, enhancing his captivating appearance alongside his stunning attire. His eyes, a radiant shade of purple with a touch of sadness, add depth to his perfect look.

In this scene from the book, Merlin enters the room and his eyes immediately lock onto Amelia. His sadness vanishes, replaced by a lovestruck expression. Now, all Eleanor can do is wait for that pivotal moment.

Merlin moves to stand beside his father at the front, preparing for his father to discuss Merlin's future wife selection.

"Thank you all for gathering," his father begins. "We are hosting this ball for our son, Merlin, to choose a wife!"

The crowd gasps and exchanges glances, with whispers filling the room. "Oh no, I should have worn a prettier dress!" one person frets. "These ladies don't stand a chance against me," another boasts. Yet another voice threatens, "I'll make life difficult for any lady he chooses who isn't me."

It's safe to say the atmosphere is chaotic and tense.

Amelia leans in to whisper to Eleanor, "I already had a heads-up about this, thanks to someone."

Eleanor's attention sharpens, suspecting that Sebastian Delacroix, known as the Information Czar, might be the one who shared this information.

Sebastian and Amelia share a childhood friendship, which theoretically gives him an advantage in winning Amelia's affections due to their long history together. However, as is often the case in stories, the childhood friend rarely stands a chance against the primary romantic interest.

After Merlin's father announces the marriage arrangements, numerous females approach Merlin as his father steps away. However, their hopes will be dashed soon because as in the story, revealing that Merlin's heart belongs only to Amelia.

Merlin feels uncomfortable with the attention and scans the room for an escape route, his gaze landing on... Eleanor. Eleanor flinches, unsure if their eyes truly met or if it was just her imagination.

As Merlin approaches them, Amelia introduces herself, "Merlin! Hello, I'm Amelia De Montfort, the princess of this kingdom," she says with a slight bow.

"Good evening, your highness," Merlin responds respectfully, bowing in return before turning his attention to Eleanor. "And, who might this be...?" he inquires, his eyes resting on Eleanor.

"Oh, this is Eleanor Lockheart!" Amelia replies eagerly.

"Hm, from the Lockheart family? It's a pleasure to meet you," Merlin says as he takes Eleanor's hand and kisses it. "Ah! No, the pleasure is all mine!" Eleanor responds, feeling a bit flustered by the gentlemanly gesture.

Merlin's prolonged gaze at Eleanor leaves her feeling perplexed.

What's happening? Shouldn't he be engrossed with Amelia by now? she wonders to herself.

To be continued.

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