Daughter of the North

After two days and one night of travel, their carriage finally rolled through the bustling streets of Bornia. Elenore had barely slept during the journey—her first time beyond the estate's protective walls. The unfamiliar sounds, the cramped quarters, the endless swaying of the carriage had left her exhausted before the real trial even began.

Their convoy came to a halt in front of a grand estate, where a tall, well-dressed man with graying hair and sharp eyes waited at the entrance.

As the Duke descended from the carriage, the tall man stepped forward with a broad smile. "Caballarius! So good to see you again, old friend!" Simone opened his arms and embraced the Duke warmly.

The Duke returned the embrace with equal warmth.

The shorter man in military dress approached and bowed respectfully. "My lord. I came as soon as I received word of your arrival."

The Duke nodded acknowledgingly. "Governor Thomas."

Simone clapped the Duke on the shoulder. "Congratulations on your conquest along the Karshan frontier."

Governor Thomas stepped forward and nodded. "Indeed, my lord. The conquest was easier than expected."

As Elenore stepped down from her carriage, both men stopped talking. She pulled her traveling hood lower, keeping her head down as she moved to her family's side.

Simone clapped his hands together and several maids appeared from his estate. "Please escort the Duke's family to their chambers," he instructed the maids. "They'll need to prepare for the events tonight."

He turned to the family with a warm smile. "My staff will help you with anything you need. Please, make yourselves at home."

The Duchess nodded. "Of course."

The maids led them through the estate corridors to their chambers, but the Duchess stayed with Elenore.

In Elenore's room, the maids had carried in the necessary luggage needed for the debut tonight.

The Duchess began giving instructions to the maids assigned to prepare Elenore.

She then approached Elenore with a smile. "Elenore dear, I know all of this is sudden but it is something that is inevitable."

"So today don't be scared no matter what happens. I know you are a strong child."

"You already know how to present yourself, so do what you see fit."

She touched Elenore's cheek softly. "I'm not worried about you, dear. I must go prepare myself now, but Maria will take excellent care of you."

After the Duchess left, Maria immediately began preparing a bath.

The warm water filled the room with gentle steam, scented with lavender and rose oils. Elenore settled into the bath, but the tension from the journey wouldn't melt away. Every time she closed her eyes, she imagined the ballroom—hundreds of strangers.

"Take your time to relax, my lady," Maria said softly, laying out fresh towels.

As Elenore soaked, she could hear the festival sounds growing louder outside—music, laughter, and the calls of vendors preparing for the evening's festivities. She couldn't relax, even in the warm water her body felt cold.

After finishing her bath and drying off, Maria began working on her hair, gently brushing the long white strands.

Maria then carefully helped Elenore step into the gown, lacing up the back with precision.

The deep sapphire blue silk shimmered in the candlelight, making her snow-white hair appear even more striking.

Maria carefully fastened a silver necklace with a teardrop sapphire around Elenore's throat, then helped her put on matching sapphire earrings that dangled below her jawline.

"Perfect, my lady," Maria stepped back to admire Elenore.

A knock came at the door. The Duchess entered, now dressed in elegant silk.

The Duchess stared at Elenore for a long moment. "You look... magnificent."

The Duchess took a deep breath. "It's time. Your father will be waiting."

The two made their way through the corridors toward Simone's grand ballroom. As they got closer, the sounds from the ballroom grew louder—laughter, music, the murmur of dozens of conversations. Elenore could feel her heart beating faster with every step.

They reached the ornate double doors leading to the ballroom, where the Duke waited. The Duke looked at Elenore and smiled, but she could barely return it. Her hands were trembling.

Simone appeared beside them. His eyes fell on Elenore for the first time.

He went completely still. His mouth opened slightly, then closed. He kept staring at Elenore.

Finally, he seemed to remember himself and looked away quickly, clearing his throat. "All the most distinguished families and high-ranking officials are here tonight."

The Duke offered his arm to the Duchess. "It's time."

Simone opened the ornate doors, entering first. He announced the Duke and Duchess, who followed after him.

The murmur of voices that had been drifting from the ballroom suddenly fell silent.

Standing alone outside the ballroom entrance, Elenore could feel her heart hammering in her throat.

As Elenore stepped into the ballroom, Simone's voice rang out. "I present to you the daughter of the North."