( The Croft’s Palace, Los Angeles.)
“Where’s A…” She started but was cut off by the roaring engine of the latest A-mobiles upgraded sport car pulling into the driveway!
The midnight blue color elegantly glowed on the exotic convertible. Arian picked up his phones, left the key in the engine and stepped out of the car. A valet rushed over in seconds.
Unlike the average guest who dressed like formal businessmen in tuxedo and bowties, Arian looked like a dazzling movie star who just stepped out of Forbes fashion magazine… if that was possible.
He wore a dark blue suit and pants. His inner white shirt hung loose on a frontal part of his waistband. No bowtie, no waistcoat, no belt and definitely no socks. Even his designer shoes were custom made!
His long midnight black hair was styled backwards with sculpting gel, making it look shiny. A group of long strands fell to a side of his innocent face, partially covering the diamond earring he wore. He looked like a pro French Casanova with an extremely oppressive aura.
In summary, Arian was simple but enviously classy at the same time!
“Cheat.” Jeffrey sulked in envy and the rest chuckled.
“Where’s Selena?” Sir Argent asked above the insane noise as Arian walked over.
“She wanted to ride with dad.” Damon answered as they were led in. Emperor Miller welcomed them and the rest still coming.
A decor in the shape of little lightbulbs were hung above and connected together, giving the garden a magical feeling. The ball started with a brief welcome speech and an opening dance between the Emperor and his wife after which everyone else participated.
“You better, now?” Ricky asked Rihanna when they went over to get a drink.
“I’m trying to be. The girls are all broken. Look around, the party is only a distraction. That’s why they’re all here. We miss Bianca so much.”
“I’m gonna tell you what I always tell my sister… It’s gonna be alright, you’ll see.” He comforted and she forced a smile.
“The evening’s gonna be cool.” They nodded and looked at the crowded dance floor.
“Ricardo!” Felix Lorenzo beamed.
“Felix! What a pleasure.” Sir Argent smiled and hugged his loyal old friend. Selena who was wearing a daring black ball gown automatically glued herself to Arian’s arm.
Nicky, wearing a royal blue dress with silver designs came from the dance floor with Jeffrey. The first classical dance had ended and a short drama about the history of the Empire was next.
The excited guests stood around the spacious garden while the child actors and actresses took their place at the at the centre.
The lights were dimmed except for a bright stage light which was focused solely on them. But when it was time to perform, they faltered! It wasn’t because the kids had stage fright or cold feet but because of the loud, insane noise thundering from the crowd outside.
It was so crazy and loud enough to cause an earthquake!
The guests looked at each other in worry and started side talks. The Emperor whispered to his Head of security to check what the chaos was all about. But the guard had barely taken a step forward when the excited attendants guided in the surprise of the century!
The clinking of champagne glasses faded away in an instant. The side talks instantly came to an end. The giggles and laughs seized to be heard. The focus on the drama group was completely stolen and waiters in smart uniforms took a pause on their tracks.
In fact, the whole world seemed to stand still as every available pair of eyes flew to the entry at the top of the stairs.
Then as if jolted by a bolt of electricity, the flashes of the paparazzi doubled in frequency! The voices of famous reporters who were invited to cover the event began throwing words into their microphones.
The gasps and shock from the guests travelled round the open air party at the speed of light! All corresponded with the noble crest worn by the uniformed guards of Empire Astheria!
About a dozen of them marched down the stairs in formation and stationed themselves around the main grounds.
Unlike the other guards at the party, this group was sent in first to ensure a thoroughly safe environment for their Empress. The phoenix bird with a golden sword embedded in the middle stood out elegantly on their coat’s right arm.
After reports had been made through their transmitters, the flawless exciting beauty of the reigning Empress of Astheria graced the stairs with her most trusted entourage and a dozen other guards right behind her.
A glass shattering into a million pieces echoed throughout the open air party before my pleasant readers fainted…
***
“Holy crap. Those are real diamonds!” Unconsciously jumped out of Selena’s mouth. Her eyes did a slow dramatic crawl over the dress Natalia wore.
The designs were simply out of this world! Silver and cream worked wonders on her skin. The fabrics were veiled with a lighter material embroidered with flower petals and countless diamond stones. Like real, freaking rocks!!
The off-the-shoulder design was thicker and went all the way down her flawless back. The neckline curved smoothly and stopped at her chest. It wasn’t showing much but was enough to drive a normal man crazy!
Her long, gorgeous hair which was swept up into a stylish bun accentuated the creamy skin on her regal neck.
Instead of regular hairpins, a string of diamonds acted as both pins and a fashionable tiara! Two loose curls fell to the sides of her face.
Natalia’s makeup was moderate but sensual. Diamonds were her tassel earrings but the stones on her dress was enough jewelry. Her dress swept the pavement behind as she delicately walked down the stairs.
Elva wore an expertly cut, passion red gown which was curled up in the middle like a big red rose! Her jet black hair stood glossy in a high ponytail while Naomi wore a satiny, peach dress which flayed around.
Selena gaped at Jake who was guarding over Natalia like she was the moon goddess.
And then it clicked!
He was her chauffeur back in school!
Her heart skipped a beat as she connected the dots. If he was at the hospital that day, then it meant the bitch was also there with… with Arian?
She gagged and stared at Arian. Did they meet? And was that why he acted weird the entire day??
When they got back home after their trip to the mall, Arian wrecked his entire room looking for something. And when he didn’t find it, he drove out and didn’t return home the entire night!
As usual, Ricky and Jeffrey covered up for him.
.
Were they together??
She stared at Arian with misty eyes. He looked extremely pale and his hands were shaking. His champagne glass which broke minutes ago was nothing compared to how shattered her heart was, seeing the look of relief and intense love in his eyes.
Blinking repeatedly to stop her tears, Selena noticed the rest were staring at the bitch in a dumbfounded but pleasant way.
She clenched her fists refusing to give up! She’d fallen too deep to crawl out now and was gonna do everything… and anything to save her love. Arian was hers and hers alone!…
***
The Empress didn’t feel anxiety when the limousine came to a halt. She didn’t feel uneasy when Jake courteously opened the door. And neither did she feel intimidated by the fanatic screams and bright lights!
Instead, they fuelled her confidence to an extreme level and made her feel like she was born for it!
Security gathered around to keep the chaotic fans from running into the red carpet. She found it amusing instead of annoying when some wild ones pushed down the barricade and rushed towards her.
Jake had to double security to keep them back long enough to let her pass through. At the end of the red carpet, the paparazzi got enough pictures and waves to fill up their studios!
At the party, a large fountain was designed to carry a flower sculpture with “500th” written on it. The guests were beautiful. Some were familiar and most weren’t.
Jake helped her down the stairs or the strange stage light that was shone her way would’ve made her trip!
“Empress Alexis!” The Emperor of La Croft and his entourage met with her at the bottom of the stairs.
“Emperor Miller.” She returned his formal smile. Then they acknowledged each other with a slight bow.
“It is an honor to formally meet your acquaintance.” He beamed this time.
“The pleasure is mine, Emperor.”
“This is my wife, Loretta.” He introduced his Queen.
“Queen Loretta, it is an honor to be in your presence. Mother told me a lot about you.” She smiled as they kissed formally.
“I knew your mother well. She was the most virteous woman I’d ever known. Welcome to La Croft.” She smiled tenderly and Natalia politely nodded.
She came across as being motherly.
“And this is my son, Esmond…”