Prince Magnus stood in the grand receiving room, awaiting the presentation of the debutantes to the queen. He stood up near the front near to his mother’s throne, but off to the side so as not to take too much of any of the ladies’ attention. He was dressed in a resplendent tailcoat of deep navy blue, intricately embroidered with golden thread, which exuded an air of regality as he waited for each lady to debut - and that wait for him always felt long and arduous.
Of course, he had attended this ceremony countless times before, but this year held a sense of dread and fear. As he knew deep down, that this was the year he had to settle. He had been told enough time to find a wife for him to obtain what was rightfully his, but he feared this year would be last chance. But whom would take that position next to him.
With each debutante’s name announced, Prince Magnus’s gaze focused on the young woman as she made her way towards the queen. He observed their poise, their grace, and the elegance with which they curtsied before Her Royal Highness. Some radiated confidence, their smiles bright and their eyes sparkling with excitement. Others displayed a touch of nervousness, which didn’t seem quite so endearing.
Prince Magnus found himself captivated by three of the sights he saw before him. Of two he knew, one of whom he knew overly well, while the third he had never met nor talked to. Then as the line of debutantes continued, Prince Magnus’s attention was suddenly drawn to a young woman near the end of the line. There was something about her, an understated elegance and a hint of mystery, that intrigued him. As she curtsied before the queen, her eyes briefly met his, and a spark of curiosity ignited within him.
After the presentation came swiftly to a close with the Queen’s quick departure, Prince Magnus had a few hours to himself before attending the ball. Retreating to his chambers, his mind filled with thoughts of the season held for him ahead. He pondered the possibilities, wondering if any of the ladies would live up to his standards and keep him interested long enough to tie him down. Probably not.
As the hours passed, Prince Magnus prepared himself for the evening ahead, changing into a in a tailored black and gold ensemble. The anticipation grew, as did a sickening feeling, knowing that he would soon have engage with the debutantes on a more personal level at the ball. That feeling of nauseous only grew when the time came to go speak with his mother, hear of the plan she had formatted for her son for this season… at least there was one thing he knew, the diamond, Miss Adeline Grace Delaney, would be atop her list.
Prince Magnus made his entrance amidst a hushed murmur that rippled through the crowd. He scanned the room, noticing the faces have a mix of excitement, nervousness, and disdain to be here. There was only one that Magnus agreed with. Debutantes, prepared to make their grand entrance into society, were the focal point of the evening, and Prince Magnus was eager to see who would captivate his attention.
With each step, Prince Magnus exuded a sense of confidence, his eyes gleaming with a mix of curiosity and intrigue. Scanning the faces for any of those he wished to talk with, all of whom were female, as the first ball upon only just walking in, was not one to immediately initiate conversation with male comrades. But which of those ladies would be see first?
- Possiblities for those to talk with first:
@novella - Lydia
@sunflowerjm - Adeline
@Bluecookies - Bridget
@CrazyCaliope - Phoebe