[BALL] strengthening bonds and finding love

Her guard stood outside her door while she passed back and forth inside her own room. Her son would hate her for this, that was for sure. Maybe she even hated herself for this. But it had to happen. He had to meet someone, for he needed to strengthen the family’s bloodline. What he did outside his marriage wasn’t her concern, as long as he produced heirs. And of course there was the matter of her own marital status. As the head of a grand family, Governess of a city, it was frowned upon to be an unmarried widow. But first her son. And this was the kind of event that should fix that situation. Her handmaidens secured her dress, making sure it looked as graceful as ever. Her hair was tied up neatly, with white locks falling around het face. She closed her eyes once more, recalling the conversation with her. He didn’t like it at all. But he wouldn’t refuse a dance. It was a relieve that he returned after he’d fled for Moonbright.

Of course she invited everyone from the family. And she’d send out letters to the other families. Surely there would be a suitable lady for her son and every family could do with a strong bond for alliance. Especially hers. For she knew very well that her position was a fragile one. She knew very well what she looked like in the eyes of the other cities and families. She was a woman, unmarried with a son who was a mute and she had raised her brother’s son who was received as a bastard child. At least het nephew was betrothed now. That was one thing she no longer needed to be concerned about. All she wanted for both the boys was stability, a strong foundation. Security, so that their and her families future was safe.

And so she left her room. Walked down the hallways towards the dining hall, which was completely decorated and already crowded with people from around. Aurelia took her place, raised a glass to start her speech. “ I welcome you warmly and thank you all for coming,” she begun. Her gaze studied her surroundings. “Some of you have travelled a long way to get here, so I'll be brief,” Aurelia continued. “My son, Myrddin, has been off-age for some time now, so it's time to find him a suitable wife,” she continued. “So this ball is in the theme of bringing families together, strengthening bonds and finding love,” she spoke, smiling and raising a glass. As the others raised their glasses too, music started to play. Her heart was beating in her chest, but her face didn’t give anything away. Oh dear, please let this play out the way she planned.