The ride towards the capital was peaceful. Catarina did not throw tantrums like she would usually do. Lady Geneva did try to pick on her. Sydnee was glad because of silence.
She looked outside the window and watched as their car drove past other vehicles and establishments. It was her first time to visit the capital and she was nervous yet excited at the same time. The duke had asked her to do her best to appear humble and dignified in front of the officials. Of course she knew why. She would be the center of biggest power fractions in the capital and the duke had also warned her about the royals who would set eyes on her.
When they arrived at the capital, Sydnee was left in awe while watching outside the window. The teritories like Consolacion and Obando were nothing like the capital. The place was full of buildings that were so high, one could like at the sky to spot the end of the buildings. There were also a lot of people wearing revealing shirts and there was no distinction between a man and a woman.
She found it interesting. While she was still a commoner, she always wear a dress that reached below her knees. But the normal citizens in the capital could wear dresses that's mid-thigh. No one would bother to correct their clothing and no one would take time to gossip about the way they dressed themselves.
"Is it a bit too revealing?" Catarina suddenly asked while watching the people in the streets.
"The butler in the passenger seat cleared his throat. "It is, Young Lady Catarina. But last year, the king approved of this clothing to ease the women's discomfort because of the hot season. But they are only allowed to wear that style during summer."
"How about in Obando? The commoners are not wearing that kind of clothing?" Sydnee asked.
The butler looked at the duke before smiling at Sydnee in the rearview mirror. "The Duke did not approve of it. It is not mandatory for women to wear these clothings during summer."
"I see."
Then silence followed. About half and hour passed before the car entered a towering gate and stopped in front of the mansion. Sydnee frowned but did not say anything. It was Duke Theodore who exited the car first, followed by Lady Geneva. Sydnee wanted to hopped off but Catarian brushed her away. She scorned. This girl was really picking a fight with her.
Even though Sydnee wanted to stomped on Catarina's long dress so the girl would stumble out, she did not do it. They were not in Obando and she was careful not to embarass the duke in front of other nobles. In the end, it was Sydnee who exited the car last.
She tipped her head back to look at the huge mansion in front of her. Sydnee could not help but to stare in a daze. It was much bigger than the mansion in Obando.
"Look at the country bumpkin. Stop acting like a fool who did not see something like this mansion, Sister. Who knows what would you do if you visit the palace?" Catarina said while laughing.
Sydnee's cheeks flushed in embarrassment. She looked away and pursed her lips into a thin line.
"Stop teasing her," Lady Geneva said and followed Duke Theodore inside the huge mansion.
Catarina sneered at her before walking inside the mansion. She could see the gloating smile on the girl's lips but she did not counter the girl. This time, it was her fault for being overwhelmed. If there was nobles around, she would become the laughing stock again.
Sydnee then learned later on that the big mansion was the first property that the king gifted to Duke Theodore. When the king gave the Duke a teritory to rule, Duke Theodore decided to move into his teritory.
"The meeting ball will be held tonight," Lady Geneva said over breakfast.
Sydnee had adjusted herself in the mansion. She tried herself to not be overwhelmed by the riches in the capital so that she could remain dignified in the meeting ball.
"Mom, is Duke Anthony attending the ball?" Catarina asked.
She froze for a minute before she regained her composure. Anthony would attend later? She pursed her lips. She knew in herself that she could try to act dignified in the meeting ball, but she could not trust herself if Anthony would be there too. After that dinner, she could not stop thinking of that man.
"Yes, he is invited by the second prince." Lady Geneva frowned. "It's best not to tangle yourself too much with Duke Anthony. The second prince and the crown prince are vying for his loyalty but Duke Anthony seemed not interested with the power struggle in the palace."
"But I like him!"
"Catarina," Lady Geneva hushed. "Just wait for a while before approaching that young duke. Everybody knows that second prince is vying for our loyalty. If the crown prince could pull the young duke in his side, then things would be complicated. We can't afford to offend the two princes."
Catarina was sulking because of Lady Geneva's words. Sydnee was in deep thought. She didn't really put emphasis on the fight for the throne but when she thought about it, she could not help but frown. She was worried for Anthony's safety.
When evening came, Sydnee was ready to attend the ball. She stood by Duke Theodore's side while walking towards the entrance of the function hall.
She noticed a lot of guards standing outside of the hall wearing armors from head to toe.
"Husband, it should only be me by your side," Lady Geneva whispered to the Duke. The Lady was standing at the Duke's left while Sydnee at the right. Catarina was behind them and the girl's face was dark since earlier.
Duke Thedore patted Lady Geneva's hand on his arm and then turned his head to look at Sydnee. He smiled to the girl standing beside him.
Sydnee smiled stiffly and secretly gulped hard. She could not fathom why the duke made her stood beside him while Catarina was left behind with two maids in tow. But according to what she read, standing beside the head of the family means being his heiress. Her heart thumped wildly upon learning what it means to stand beside the duke.
Before she could utter a word, the nobles inside the function hall turned their heads on them. Her insides curled and chill ran down her spine.
Their gazes was full of malice hiding behind their beautiful smiles. She knew by then that Aleksander said the truth. She did not understand him at all.
"Duke Theodore, I am honored to have met you tonight," a man with a mask on his face stood in front of the duke and saluted.
Sydnee froze upon hearing his voice. Wasn't it Aleksander Tamarin?
Duke Theodore smiled at the young man. Lady Geneva beamed. "It's our pleasure to meet you too, Young Lord."
Aleksander grinned and looked at Sydnee. The ball was not a masquerade party, but some young lords and ladies were wearing masks to hide their appearance. But Duke Theodore did not intend to hide Catarina and Sydnee's faces so they were not wearing any masks to hide their beauties.
It was no wonder that nobody recognized Aleksander except for the ones he interacted for the past few months. Sydnee thought that it might be because the Marquis was ashamed of his illegitimate son, so he approved of Aleksander wearing a mask.
"The music is lovely and I have no companion. May I ask for this lady to grant me a dance or two?" Aleksander said while staring into Sydnee's eyes.
Sydnee fought the urged to beat up this young man standing in front of her. She could guess that he was teasing her and was so amused that his lips curled up.
"Of course. This is my daughter, Sydnee. Sydnee, you go and have fun," Lady Geneva said while beaming excitedly.
In the surface, it seemed like Lady Geneva was giving Sydnee a favor, but she knew that Lady Geneva just wanted to psuh Sydnee away so she could put Catarina beside Duke Theodore.
It was not difficult to know the intention of her so-called mother, but she did not want to incite trouble in the meeting ball. She put her hand on Aleksander's outstretched palm. The young man smirked and led her away from the duke.