I looked at mom and dad who were as nervous as I was, I felt like crying at the thought that they were leaving for good after this.
“Shall we proceed?” the man asked.
“No wait! Could you give us a minute?” I requested desperately.
The man was startled but nodded giving me consent.
I walked not far away but was still in eyesight of him, and then mom and dad followed me not far behind. I was pacing back and forth, and breathing heavily.
“Are you okay honey?” mom asked sounding worried.
“Just terrified,” I responded while still pacing.
“Ellie,” dad stopped me then placed his hands on my shoulders and looked at me straight in the eyes and said, “you’re better than them, remember that.”
I looked back directly at him, his eyes told me that I could do this and I just had to believe then I took one deep breath and let it out.
“Okay, I’m ready.”
We went back to the man who was waiting for us. I could see that more people were arriving in their very fine and expensive gowns and suits. The man held the thin white fabric at the entrance motioning us to enter. I came inside first as instructed and I was holding my breath and mom and dad followed. The structure from the inside had a high white ceiling carved with elegant designs and breathtaking crystal chandeliers designed with elegant silver like tree branches were dangling from the ceiling illuminating more brightly than white stars and when you looked around, no tables or chairs could be seen. Everybody was extravagant that I felt underdressed for the occasion. The people inside were standing and talking amongst themselves but when some of them noticed that I was entering, they fell silent, so silent that it was eerie. They made way for me to pass while continuing to stare, I couldn’t make out what they were thinking but some gave a cold and piercing stare, and some of disgust that made me so uncomfortable that I wanted to hide or run away. But I tried not to look down, determined to show that I was unmoved by all of these and that they cannot break me. They were not the only ones who knew how to be indifferent. I walked slowly to the front where the judge was waiting. Were all ceremonies like this? Silent and cold? I recalled Sarah shared to me once about what her own ceremony was like and she said hers was simple and brief, and it was not a celebration. Was this worse than hers? I was halfway and they continued to stare, and not a familiar face in sight. This would have been easier if some of my friends were here. I reached at the Pledge area and I saw at my right side, a Lord with sandy brown hair and dark brown eyes sneering at me. Mom and dad took their place to the left. As I approached the Pledge table, I saw a tall man standing in front of the judge with his back towards me, he had a long black hair and wore a silver tailcoat made from the finest fiber with a white soft undershirt under a smooth dark blue collared vest, silver pants tucked in his long black boots. Everybody was looking at me except for him. He was facing the judge all the time, but when he finally turned his head to glance at me as I stood beside him, I saw that he was one of the most gorgeous man I have ever seen but his piercing blue eyes were cold and distant, deprived of any signs of emotion and he seemed unhappy as I was. I was not hoping for anything before I met him but I couldn’t help being disappointed that he was just like any other Elites present there, heartless, and his presence screamed every bit of it. I stood in front at the Pledge table beside him facing the judge who was unwelcoming as the rest of them. He began the ceremony with the introduction on the purpose of why we were gathered and read parts of the law that required us to be together and reminded us of the consequences if we broke this pledge. He kept on reading about the laws and there were so many of them but I didn’t hear him because I was preoccupied with my own thoughts.
“Miss Gertrue, how do you respond?” he suddenly asked.
I was puzzled staring at the judge then I realize he was referring to me and then I started to panic. What was the question? Was there something that I was supposed to say?
The judge cleared his throat uncomfortably and repeated slowly, “With the words I have read, will you abide by the laws of the Empire with all your power and without doubt, and accept your match as chosen by the Numen for you?”
So I was supposed to respond to this? It was silly that they needed to ask such questions when there was only one answer allowed.
“I will,” I responded.
I could hear a low sniffle from behind me and I could tell that it could only be mom.
The judge nodded at my answer then turned to the man beside me, “Lord Curtis, with the words I read, will you abide by the laws of the Empire with all your power and without doubt, and accept your match as chosen by the Numen for you?”
“I will,” he said in a serious voice.
The judge declared that our bond was legal and to validate it, he showed us a contract which was too long to read then he requested us to sign our names on one of the blanks below the document. We both obliged then the judge signed his own name after and affixed his seal with red wax at the bottom then rolled the paper and kept it.
“Before the ceremony ends, it is time for Miss Gertrue’s ascension to the Elite station,” the judge proclaimed looking at my direction. He explained briefly the responsibilities of being a Lady and others until he finally said, “Do you swear upon your life to pledge allegiance to the Duke of Pinewood and to the House of Bermule and give your unconditional loyalty?”
It was bad enough that I had to marry one of them but I had to declare my undying fidelity to a person who I did not know or to the family I knew nothing about, and I doubt they would do the same for me. But again, there was only one answer allowed, “I do,” I responded deprived of all truth in it.
The judge then took another contract and had me sign, “Please sign your new name Lady Elaine Bermule.” I hesitated, the name sounds unnatural to me. I didn’t want it, my name was all I had and even that they were taking it away from me but I told myself that it was only a name, you may have a new name but it doesn’t change who you are. So I unwillingly signed the paper.
“Now my Lords and Ladies, may I present to you Lady Elaine Bermule of Pinewood,” the judge formally announced.
There were a few soft claps, they seemed unsure if they were even allowed to then eventually died down.
“The ceremony has ended,” the judge declared to the crowd behind us then he faced me, “You may say your goodbyes,” he told me specifically in a low voice. I went to where mom and dad stood, disregarding everyone else’s glances. Tears started to form in our eyes. I hugged them both as tight as I could and whispered I love you.
“Take care of yourself Ellie,” mom said sobbing.
“You’ll always be my little Ellie, no matter what,” dad lovingly said wiping a tear away from my cheek.
The man who brought us here suddenly appeared, “It is time Mr. and Mrs. Gertrue.”
I wiped away my tears and held their hand one last time, not wanting to let go as they started to walk away.
“Goodbye,” I told them.
They looked at me one last time and whispered goodbye as well then left with dad’s arm around mom as he comforted her when she sobbed some more.
I felt lonely being there. A stranger who did not belonged. They all seem to know each other but neither one of them had a friendly face. None of them would ever feel the way I felt that night. I was different, and for the Elites, that meant I was unworthy. I stood alone while everyone else took their time to talk to one another. It was amusing to watch them though, they converse with such grace and were very reserved, probably trying to be agreeable. Still each of them had different personalities and those who lavished the attention were the most pretentious of them all. Curtis was having what seemed to be a serious conversation with a blond hair and gray eyed man and the way he stood and his appearance, which was better than others, could no doubt be another very wealthy Lord. They looked unhappy though while conversing and Curtis face was gloomy as ever. The Lord that sneered earlier when I passed came o
ver where I stood.
“Lady Elaine Bermule, how does it sound?” he asked grinning and I didn’t like the sound of his tone. I could tell that this man was distinctly obnoxious and provocative.
I didn’t answer right away, instead, I gave him a hard look, gauging him and showing no signs of fear.
“No complains here yet,” I responded coldly and sounding bored yet annoyed.
“Hahaha,” he laughed, “You’re a headstrong woman aren’t you?”
“Only when provoked,” I responded irritated.
“Well let me tell you something,” he sounded suddenly serious and grim, “You may have an Elite name and a title but never forget that you were nothing before all this,” he coldly stared like I was the lowest form of creature in this room. Then like a switch, he changed his mood, he smiled at me as if he was only kidding and said, “Anyway, welcome to Pinewood my Lady, I hope you don’t get lost in the woods.” I had no idea if he said it out of concern or out of spite but I didn’t bother responding to him and I grew tired playing his games. Then I realized that Curtis and the Lord beside him stopped talking and was staring at my direction. The man who accompanied mom and dad returned then bowed at the Lord who was talking to me and said politely, “Your Grace, may I?” It dawned on me that I was talking to the Duke of Pinewood, and then I felt my blood drained from my face. He could have thrown me in prison if he wanted to for the disrespectful way I treated him. I should have stayed quiet and minded my own business.
“Yes make the announcement Mr. Thistle,” Andrew consented sounding annoyed.
Mr. Thistle cleared his throat, “My Lords and Ladies, if you would be so kind to proceed to the manor, the banquet is about to begin. Thank you.”
Everyone started to leave and rode their cars going to the manor. The Duke who was still standing beside me smiled mockingly, “You’re riding with your new mate, my Lady,” he made a quick glance at Curtis who was nearby and could have overheard him then smirked and left. Curtis didn’t bother to talk. He glanced at my direction then walked passed me without saying a word. I didn’t know what else to do so I followed him. I was outside when I saw him ride the car that was meant for us, and I hesitantly got inside after him. The driver closed the door then we sat in awkward silence. I was at the other end of the seat while Curtis was on the other, staring out the window ignoring me. Then the car drove off. I didn’t mind the silence; it was welcomed for once since I didn’t want to speak to him too. But the only reason he was not speaking to me was because I did not deserved his attention or even his time which made me resent him more. We passed by magnificent gardens before we reached the manor. It was one of the largest houses I have seen, I found it hard to believe that that’s a house with the size and extravagance of it all. Its excessiveness and brilliance I was in awe but it disgusted me at the same time. Back home, Omegas had a hard time, and yet the Elites on the other hand, spend their wealth on things they do not need, and the sad part was that I was amongst them. Our car stopped at the driveway in front of the manor. A footman opened the car door and Curtis exited first then I followed. Lords and Ladies were pouring through the double door entrance and into a very large hall. Mr. Thistle saw us arriving then he walked towards us.
“Lord Curtis, it is customary for the Lord to offer his arm to his Lady in a social occasion such as this,” he reminded respectfully almost in a whisper then bowed subtly and left. Curtis didn’t say anything but it was clear that he was uncomfortable but he offered his arm to me nevertheless. Play the game and pretend to go with it, I told myself even though I was uneasy with this too. I unwillingly slipped my hand under his arm and we were walking side by side like the rest of the Elites there. He led me to a large banquet hall with layers and layers of extravagant glass chandeliers with yellow lights and gigantic pillars surrounded the hall that was as white as the marble floors and large windows covered the walls draped with majestic royal blue and silver curtains. When we entered, I noticed that there were more guest here than at the ceremony. I suddenly felt very nervous, I held Curtis’ arm tight even though I didn’t prefer it and I ignored his reaction to my sudden change in grip. A footman announced our arrival and as he did, everyone in the hall was now watching us in silence except for the orchestra playing at the middle of the banquet. We went down the wide stairs with dark royal blue carpet that stretched on it and it seemed like it took forever before we reached the bottom.
Don’t fall, don’t fall, I kept telling myself.
I sensed that all eyes were on me, staring through maybe hoping to get a piece of who I was. I was a display to them, there to be judged freely. I wanted to bury myself. We finally reached the end of the stairs and slowly made our way through a corner with less people, and to my relief, everybody stopped staring by then. We were near a large pillar when I finally let go of Curtis’ arm and I immediately hid behind it leaving Curtis where he was then I released my breath that I didn’t notice I was holding all this time. I leaned myself on the pillar and slouched on it, my feet were hurting from the heels I wore and my gown suddenly became tight making it hard to breathe. I wanted to cry but I didn’t want to be defeated or they would have thought of me as weak. Eventually, I composed myself and straightened my gown and fixed my hair then I emerged from behind the pillar and rejoined Curtis. He was joined by the Lord he was talking to at the ceremony. The Lord was grinning when he saw me approaching, and his friendly and welcoming smile took me by surprise then I stood not too close beside Curtis. I didn’t react to the Lord’s friendliness because I was not sure if he was sincere or not, or if he was there to mock me like the rest of the Elites.
“Well Curtis aren’t you going to introduce me to the lovely Lady?” he spoke cheerfully.
I saw on Curtis’ expression that he was annoyed by what he said but obliged though, “Ambrose this is Lady Elaine.”
Ambrose was beaming gave a small bow and happily said, “It’s my pleasure to meet you my Lady. Curtis and I are very good friends and I hoped we could be too.”
“It’s nice to meet you too my Lord,” I greeted respectfully still hesitant of his intentions.
A footman holding a round silver tray served us glasses with wine. Ambrose took two and gave one to me which I accepted. Curtis took a glass for himself then we drank our wine. It was my first time tasting such expensive wine and I admit that it was beyond what I expected, and I liked the way it soothed my nerves.
“How’s the wine my Lady,” Ambrose asked.
“Very nice my Lord,” I answered shyly.
He smiled and came closer as if he was about to share a secret.
“Don’t worry, they’ll soon get bored of you and leave you alone, and you’ll get use to them around,” he assured me in a comforting tone. That was the only nice thing that anybody had said to me the entire night. He must had notice I was tense and it was then that I realized that Ambrose was not like any of the Elites, although he stood tall and wore fine clothes, he had an aura in him that made him seem approachable and reliable. He was handsome as well, in a different way from Curtis and he was easier to be with. I glanced at Curtis trying to get his reaction but he remained standing looking nowhere in particular unmoved by everything. Ambrose must have noticed that he blurted, “Oh, and you’ll get use to Curtis as well, don’t worry,” he chuckled. Curtis seem confused then annoyed by his words and I didn’t share Ambrose’s humor regarding this but I was grateful that he was trying to lighten the mood. Then Food came in small bite sizes on a tray that the footmen served. The three of us continued to stay away from the crowded parts and Ambrose took the liberty of talking out of earshot from the rest about some of the Elites who were there. He was telling me where they were from and their personalities and their background, and sometimes he would make funny comments about them. He made me feel relaxed and I knew he only did this to help me feel more comfortable but I was still careful around him, making sure I didn’t speak or show signs of what I thought about what he said. I stood there carefully listening
to him and smiled only when needed while he continued to talk about the Elites around us. Curtis didn’t joined the conversation though as he continued to be aloof.
“…. And that’s Lord Featherhorne of Novature. His lands are rich in salt,” Ambrose spoke in a low voice that I could hear as he discreetly pointed at a short plump Lord with an odd hair and wearing a tight and colorful ensemble, “He is very rich and guess where he spends his wealth on?” Ambrose asked excitedly.
“I honestly don’t have a clue,” I smiled while starting to enjoy his game.
“Buttons!” he chuckled as he revealed.
I tried not to laugh at his answer but I thought it was very funny though.
“Silly is it? I heard he has thousands of buttons in a room in all shapes and sizes, and no one knows why he collects them but I think he just wants to put buttons everywhere. Please don’t tell anyone I told you that,” he pleaded while grinning at his own jest. For a brief moment I was enjoying Ambrose’s company and forgot where I was, I always thought Elites to be silly in their fancy clothes and excessiveness but I had no idea they could be odd and funny at the same time. It all changed though when Curtis suddenly spoke angrily in a low voice, “What is he doing here?”
Ambrose and I were startled by his sudden reaction. I could see Curtis’ expression change to a look full of hatred and disgust. I realized that he was glaring at someone who was approaching in our direction. A Lord wearing a mocking smile was slowly making his way to us and Ambrose’s mood changed as well when he saw him. We remained silent until the Lord arrived to where we were, laughing and clapping in a teasing way.
“Well Curtis you have outdone yourself this time, the first to get married and with a Beta!” he teased shaking his head in a mocking way.
“Leave us alone Stephen,” Ambrose threatened him.
“Relax Ambrose, I just came to congratulate Curtis and his new Lady,” he spoke sarcastically.
The Premortals (The Premortals Series Book 1) Page 9
