Duchess of Ravensdale, Aria Noir, patted her shimmery silk gown again.
Its cheapness made her feel hyperaware of the hostile gazes trailing her back as she strode into the Royal hall, unaccompanied.
The only jewelry Lady Aria could afford was a pair of simple pearl earrings that belonged to her mother; the only really valuable thing she had left.
Inside this hall was a dizzying array of luxury.
Tonight was the crowning ball, a lavish ceremony that lasted just one night, where the king of Eldoria crowned the kingdom's elites for their various achievements and realigned the season's alliances.
"I got this…." She whispered to herself despite knowing this party was filled with nobles who hid their malicious intents and catty comments under false smiles that gleamed.
The Hall was covered in the golden glow of massive chandeliers across the marbled floor that illuminated her shimmery gold dress.
"Oh, look, the pauper Duchess has arrived."
