A Plead Of Affection

TRIÁNTA

I could not sleep after all the thinking I had gone through, my head felt like a hammer was continuously pounding my head, only to realize that I was sitting on the couch as gifts appeared in front of me, "Foivi," I called my Abigail, "Yes, My Lady?" I looked everywhere and saw flowers, ensembles, boxes, and presents were placed everywhere.

"What's happening?" With my head pounding, I could not understand what was happening at the moment, "There has been an official announcement of your engagement, as soon news spread, several Houses brought gift to congratulate you,"

The servants started opening the presents and showed them to me one after the other; my thoughts wandered as moments passed, not until Foivi called me out, taking me back to reality, "My Lady?" She called my attention, "Do you not like these?" I looked at the gowns, bags, shoes, and jewelry that were laid out everywhere.

"No," I stood up, gesturing my hand, "They are all pretty," I said, forcing a smile.

How did word get out so fast? With all of these presents, it feels like everything was already prepared. The gifts all suited my preference; there was nothing I did not like. How much do all of these costs of these all were summed up?

I could not afford to buy everything like these at once; my owned stuff was already too much. Would my closet overflow with these new items? As congratulatory gifts, this is already too much; receiving all of these feels like a burden.

"Are all of these for me?" Foivi and the servants nodded, "Yes, My Lady." They said in unison.

Every item looked expensive and fragile to touch. How can they even afford such prices? Just as I thought, opening and looking at every gift felt endless. My hand could fall off at any moment if I continue to open packages.

I did not know that I could get tired besides paperwork, and what? Opening presents? As I was having my tea time, Foivi informed me that I had a guest making their way towards me, "Who is it?" I questioned, "Lady Rabellino," As I heard her familiar voice, I immediately placed the teacup back to the saucer and stood up facing her.

"Lady Vasilas," I lowered my head and bowed slightly, "You look beatiful as always," She complimented, making me shy and flustered with what I heard.

"Thank you," Composing myself, I turned to Foivi and told her to prepare tea for the Lady, "Please, have a seat."

Lady Vasilas chuckled and sat on the opposite chair, "I thought the House of Schleswig and the House of Vasilas is off limits, how come I can saw guest from the rival Houses making their way towards the Residence," I smiled bitterly, "To tell you the truth, Lady Vasilas, even I do not understand what is happening at the moment, I woke up and heard that there was an announcement regarding my official engagement with Alexios,"

She nodded in anticipation, "Initially, I planned to quit my job at the Bureau of Public Works, however, that all changed when rumors spread around town that there was a forbidden love unfolding at the moment," She scoffed, sipping her tea after, "Confirming the rumor, I did not know that it would someone I have ties with, namely, the House of Schleswig and it's rival House, the House of Rabellino,"

"And with that, seeing you work at the Bureau makes me want to get to know you more, there is a certain question that makes me think that of all women in the world, how come Alexios chose you?" Lady Vasilas asked, "A forbidden love indeed, well we cannot stop ourselves, and for that, I want to see how your lovestory unfolds, I never get sick of these issues, that's why I stayed."

I did not expect that she was thinking all of that; I cannot really judge a person by appearance. After she told me what she thought about us seriously, I felt embarrassed, making me feel flushed; I could feel my face getting red.

Soon, a group of men entered the drawing-room in a line, with suitcases at their hands; I was again confused about what was happening, "What's this for?" I question Foivi, "They are the best craftsman in Ylury who handles jewelry at their finest, they all work for Mister Tristan Emmanuel Savoia, the third generation heir of Celssiolite Bauble," My eyes brightened with what I heard.

"They are tasked with the engagement ring, Lady Rabellino," Foivi added, "Oh, I see,"

I did not expect that they would send a group of craftsmen just for the engagement ring; I expected only a few, "Please show to the Lady your finest rings," With Foivi announcing, they slowly opened their suitcases where a velvet box containing the ring sits inside, "You can chose anything that you desire, My Lady."

As I observed the rings, I noticed that they did not have a stone or a gem with them, only the base of the ring made of gold. Even without it, the shining jewelry made my eyes feel blind for a second.

All of these are at such a high price based on the luxurious materials that they used, "These are not the complete output of the ring, Lady Rabellino," One of the craftsmen stated, "We are yet to receive the stone that will be used for the engagement ring," Is there a need for these many processes only for an engagement ring?

"The House of Schleswig will provide the stone, today, you will chose what the design and form of the ring would be," One explained, "Oh, I see. Thank you."

Every artisan was anticipating which design I should pick. I do not want something so extravagant or simple; something in the middle will suit me well. "How about this?" The craftsmen who made the design had his eyes widened, "It's an honor for me to create your ring, Lady Rabellino. You will not regret this decision," He lowered his head.

A solid gold ring with a delicate spherical bound and a round brilliant cut stone with a cluster of ten natural stones. The ring is similar to the beauty of a cold winter wind, with a flurry of stones that cascade into the gorgeous center.

It was appropriate for winter. I can see how a snowflake would form with the central stone as its core when it is finished. It represents what can happen when millions of tiny, perfect parts are brought together by chance.