Secret Lady
The debut
The grand ballroom buzzed with nobles and royals dressed up in fancy gowns and sharp suits. Tonight was a big day for all the guests.
On the side the Duke of Gallaway stood with a glass of wine as he greeted each guest.
The Duke of Gallaway suddenly caught everyone's attention as he spoke...
Duke Rowan (fl father)
Ah, my friends, always a pleasure to see you! Tonight is one of celebration, and I have some exciting news for all of you.
Duke Rowan (fl father)
My daughter, Evelina, will make her grand debut tonight. She is ready to enter the world of power, politics, and… love.
The duke of Rowan raised his glass as finished his sentence. The crowd started murmuring as Evelina stepped in front.
Prince Victor
(to his companion, whispering)
That’s Evelina? I’ve heard she’s a beauty, but... she’s a vision.
Lady Ariana
She’s perfect. Just look at her. It’s no wonder the Duke is so protective. Every noble in this room will want to claim her.
Evelina reached the center of the room commanding everyone's attention towards her.
Duke Rowan (fl father)
Ladies and gentlemen, my daughter. As many of you know, she has been kept in the shadows for reasons beyond her beauty. But tonight, she steps into the light. And now, I make an announcement.
Duke Rowan (fl father)
I will arrange a marriage for her, but only the one who can prove himself worthy will have her. Let him win her favor with deeds of valor, wit, and strength. Whoever pleases my daughter shall be the one to claim her.
The room went silent as everyone stood listening before erupting into murmurs as they spoke of what the Duke had just spoken about.
Prince Victor
A challenge, eh? This will be fun. I’ll prove my worth before any of these fools.
Prince Alistair (ml)
I’ve heard of her intelligence and beauty. A test of deeds, you say? I’ll do whatever it takes to win her favor.
Prince Damian
She’s not just another prize. I’ll play my cards carefully. Her father’s favor is one thing, but winning her heart... that’s the real game.
Evelina stood still and unbothered by the commotion.
Duke Rowan (fl father)
Evelina, my dear, why don’t you say a few words to our esteemed guests?
Evelina (fl)
I am honored by your presence tonight. But I must admit, I’ve never been one to judge others based on their words. It will take more than promises to win my favor.
Prince Victor
Well spoken. She’s not going to make it easy.
Lady Ariana
She’ll make them work for it. A true test of character.
Prince Victor
(to Prince Alistair, confidently)
I’ll make sure she sees my worth first. This is a game I know how to win.
Duke Rowan (fl father)
There we have it! Let the games begin, my daughter. May the worthy man step forward.
Evelina (fl)
(under her breath, as she turns to leave)
We shall see who is worthy.
Evelina slowly but confidently walked as she felt the countless eyes on her. Suddenly...
Prince Damian
Your grace, might I have the honor of a dance?
Evelina (fl)
I am flattered, Your Highness. But tonight is not the time for dances, only for decisions.
Prince Damian
A woman of substance. I’ll remember that.
Prince Victor
Evelina, a word?
Eveline turned to her jade as she faced Prince victor. She slowly followed him to another corner
Evelina (fl)
Your Highness...?
Prince Victor
A word of advice. If you’re looking for a worthy suitor, don’t look at mere promises. Actions speak louder. And I’ve always believed in showing my worth rather than simply saying it.
Evelina (fl)
We shall see, Your Highness. The actions of tonight will speak louder than any words you can offer.
Eveline gave a list cold smile before she turned away. The night was young and a lot more was to happen
The test
Prince Victor
My lady, such beauty should not be hidden away for long. I believe your father is mistaken—he has created a test too easy for one of your caliber.
Evelina (fl)
Your Highness, I believe that only those with true worth will find themselves worthy. It is not a test of beauty, but of substance.
Prince Victor
Of course, my lady. You speak with wisdom beyond your years. I shall prove my substance... in time.
Prince gave a bow to Evelina before he walked away
Evelina (fl)
(to herself) Empty words. Every one of them. But I’ve seen his kind before. He believes titles are enough.
Prince Alistar stood on the side as he watched the exchange with a smirk of amusement.
Evelina (fl)
Prince Alistair, you seem to enjoy the spectacle, but you do not join in.
Prince Alistair (ml)
I find the spectacle... interesting. But I prefer to watch the game before I play it. I believe the true challenge isn’t won in a moment’s show of power, but in what one does over time.
Evelina (fl)
And what is it that you think will prove your worth, Prince Alistair? What deeds do you have in mind that would impress me?
Prince Alistair (ml)
I believe the question is not what will impress you, but what you value. If I can prove to you that I understand what you seek, and that I can offer more than just promises... then perhaps, you will begin to see my worth.
Evelina (fl)
Interesting. So, you're not just here to win a challenge. You're here to make me think.
Prince Alistair (ml)
To win your favor, my lady, I must first understand what you truly desire. And that is not something that can be won in a ballroom.
Evelina (fl)
I like your answer, Prince Alistair. But words are fleeting. We shall see if your actions are worth as much as your words.
Evelina didn't realize how much she enjoyed the conversation. She slowly stood up and walked away as she felt the yes of the other princes on her.
Prince victor suddenly approached the Duke
Prince Victor
The game grows more interesting by the moment, Your Grace. But I wonder—does your daughter truly understand what she’s doing
Duke Rowan (fl father)
She understands exactly what she’s doing, Prince Victor. The question is, can you keep up?
Evelina had stepped out of the ballroom to get away from the noise
Lady Isabella
You’ve captivated the room, Evelina. I must say, your father’s test has stirred up quite the frenzy.
Evelina (fl)
Indeed. But I wonder, Lady Isabelle... do they even understand what it means to prove themselves?
Lady Isabella
Oh, they understand. But they think it’s about grand gestures. To win your hand, they will try anything. And some of them will even risk everything.
Evelina (fl)
Some will always risk everything for power. It’s not the risk that concerns me. It’s what they’ll do once they’ve won it.
Lady Isabella
Well, then it seems you have your work cut out for you. And you will find that some risks are worth taking... even for someone like you.
Evelina (fl)
We shall see.
The first move
The sun streamed from the tall window in the dining hall. Evelina sat across from her father who had been flipping through the suitors envelopes.
Duke Rowan (fl father)
It seems your debut has stirred quite the storm, Evelina. Already, three princes and two lords have requested private audiences with you today.
Evelina (fl)
I imagine the rest are scrambling to outdo one another. Have they proposed anything beyond compliments?
Duke Rowan (fl father)
One offered to commission a portrait of you by the finest painter in the kingdom. Another promised to build a garden in your honor. Flattering, but unimaginative.
Evelina (fl)
Grand gestures are easy. What I seek requires more effort.
Duke Rowan (fl father)
You’re not making this easy for them, my dear. But that’s exactly what I hoped for. Keep them on their toes
Before Evelina could respond a servant entered before bowing to the both of them
Servant
Your Grace, Prince Alistair has sent word. He wishes to meet Lady Evelina in the library at midday, if it pleases her
Evelina (fl)
Tell the prince I will consider it.
Duke Rowan (fl father)
He’s bold, I’ll give him that. Not many would dare make a direct request so soon.
Evelina (fl)
Boldness can be a virtue—or a mistake. Let’s see which it is.
Later at noon- the library
The library was quiet as the sunlight scattered a glow on the wooden tiles. Prince Alistair was waiting near the shelves of ancient times.
Prince Alistair (ml)
Lady Evelina, thank you for granting me your time.
Evelina (fl)
I’m curious, Prince Alistair. What is it you wished to discuss away from the crowd?
Prince Alistair (ml)
I wanted to understand more about you. Beyond the spectacle of the ballroom. If I’m to prove my worth, it should be based on who you are—not just who they think you are.
Evelina was surprised and intrigued by Prince Alistair's response.
Evelina (fl)
And how do you propose to do that?
Prince Alistair suddenly pulled out a leather book from his jacket and placed it in front of Evelina
Prince Alistair (ml)
This is a collection of poems from my travels. Each one reflects something I’ve learned or experienced. I thought it might be a good place to start—sharing something meaningful.
Evelina (fl)
You think poetry will impress me?
Prince Alistair (ml)
Not at all. But I hope it will tell you more about me than any rehearsed words or lavish gifts ever could.
Evelina picked up the book as she flipped through the pages. The poems were simple yet meaningful each one of them filled with a mystery behind them. Evelina stopped as she read one out loud.
Evelina (fl)
“In a world of masks and shadows, / Truth hides in quiet places. / Seek it not in grandeur, / But in the stillness of a beating heart.”
Evelina (fl)
You write well, Prince Alistair. But words, no matter how poetic, still require action to back them.
Prince Alistair (ml)
I agree. That’s why I’m not here to win your hand in a single moment. I’m here to start a conversation—and to earn your trust, piece by piece.
Evelina closed the book and set it down softly on the table
Evelina (fl)
You’re different from the others. I’ll give you that
Prince Alistair (ml)
I’ll take that as a compliment.
Suddenly the sound of footsteps were heard. Both of them turned to see prince victor standing there with a smug smile.
Prince Victor
Ah, Prince Alistair. I didn’t realize this was a private meeting. Surely you wouldn’t mind if I joined?
Evelina (fl)
Prince Victor, if you had an appointment, you would’ve been informed.
Prince Victor
Apologies, my lady. I merely wanted to ensure Prince Alistair wasn’t monopolizing your time.
Prince Alistair (ml)
I believe Lady Evelina has no trouble deciding how to spend her time, Prince Victor.
Evelina (fl)
Gentlemen, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I have other matters to attend to.
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