"It's finally day of Ynnefer's birthday party.
Since my brother Ned Van Bloodrune is also coming here I would rather not show my face at all. Watching the scene from distance should be plausible.
"Look she is here."
Men around turn their attention to banquet hall when Ynnefer enters.
Indeed her entrance into the grand banquet hall of the Valmont household was nothing short of a spectacle.
She's wearing a stunning white dress that fits her body perfectly, showing off her curvy figure. The dress looks expensive and elegant and that white rose on her chest area was a nice touch.
I can see her lips full and shiny, as if she just put on gloss. The way she walks in confident and smooth manner displayed her elegance.
The men in the room can't take their eyes off her—some are even speechless.
A small blush appears on my cheek as I try to brush it off.
'Calm down Ran! You have seem this woman is a bad news.'
I say as I calm down my beating heart.
"Hey look there is our star of today's banquet, Ynnefer Valmont"
"She is extremely beautiful."
"Lord Osiris is really lucky man."
"I wonder where is lord Aldric?"
"Oh there he is."
"Why is he so gloomy though? Has his illness worsened?"
"Didn't you hear? I heard they had a big fight few days ago."
"How did you know?"
"It is hot topic among servants of Valmont household."
"That explains it. He is not really interested in talking to anyone."
I hear these bitches taking about her from distance.
Seriously can't you just shut your trap?
I glare at those noble women but I can't do anything about it.
"Whoa look there he is! Lord Osiris,"
"He is so handsome."
My attention shifts to their pointing fingers and turn to the direction.
Indeed he have arrived but it seems he is not that happy. Oh? Even my eldest half brother Ned have arrived.
Both of them are ogling at her plump breast and figure.
"Hmm? There he is."
I turn my attention to my prey, Dupari Valmont. You are my central attention today.
I will make sure you will have eternal slumber.
Once again with out knowing, an evil grin curves my cheek. When I realize it, I calm down and recover my composed manner.
3rd person POV....
"Happy birthday lady Ynnefer. As your fiance I have brought one of the most luxurious locket of the world. I have put extra effort in acquiring it. Surely you won't deny to wear it always right?"
Ynnefer replies with warm smile.
"Yes! I am more than happy."
She takes the locket and wear it around her neck.
"I will treasure it."
She says as she shifts her attention to patriarch of Borgouis clan, Pedo Borgouis.
A/N: I am not changing that name.
He gives her elegant dress as a gift. Ynnefer accepts it with a warm smile.
"Since my daughters are at academy, I can't bring them along. i am sorry if it made you offended."
"No not at all lord Pedo. Your shining presence in this banquet is more than enough. I am deeply happy to accept your gift."
She bows.
"Lord Somes has bought a delicate hour glass for lady Ynnefer. Please take this sign as a symbol of friendship and forget our past grudges."
Ned says giving his usual poker face. But even he had a hard time holding back his blush when she accepts it with a warm smile.
"It's lovely. I will try my best."
She says before she hears a small sharp voice.
"Sister!!! Its been a while."
Her smile twiches when she looks at her cousin approaching her. The one she hates to death. Her cousin, Dupari Valmont.
He was not someone you'd notice right away and that was precisely his strength. He was average in height, with a lean, wiry build that gave no hint of his true ruthlessness. His dark brown hair was cut short, slightly messy, like someone who didn't care much for appearances.
His eyes, though they were different. Cold, calculating, like a predator measuring the distance before biting. His kind and warm smile that would make anyone fall under his charms but only Ynnefer know he was a beast hungry for blood.
He was accompanied by his father Eldrin Valmont and other members of same bloodline under him.
Trying her best to keep her elegant manner she smiles softly and replies.
"Indeed brother!! I am extremly delighted for your presence in my birthday."
"Of course I would. After all, it's one of those days we forget enmity right?"
Ynnefer weaken her smile a bit which remained unnoticed by others.
"Yes, indeed brother."
"I have brought an extremely expensive band you. I hope you will keep it for rest of your life."
Behind that smile he was clearly giving even murderous grin. Only Ynnefer and Osiris knew his true intention behind those words.
"Now now Dupari it's unwise to say such ungraceful things in this occasion."
His father Eldrin intervenes but his sly smile said otherwise.
"Yes father, I am sorry if it offended you sister. For today, let's forget everything and enjoy ourselves."
She just gives a fake smile unwilling to continue the conversation any further.
'I have to more careful.'
She ponders as she turns away to give a brief birthday speech.
_______
She claps her hand and everyone's attention turns towards her.
"Good evening, everyone,"
She says, her eyes slowly moving across the room, meeting a few gazes.
"I want to thank each of you for being here tonight. Your presence means a great deal to me."
There's a small pause, just enough to keep the room hanging on her words.
"Today is not just my birthday. It's a celebration of family, of friendship, and of all the bonds we've built within this house. I'm proud to share this night with those who have stood by me, believed in me, and helped to
She gives a soft, graceful smile not too big, but warm enough to make everyone feel mesmerized.
"So let's not keep the night waiting any longer."
She says, lifting a glass of wine that a servant has handed her.
"Let the music play, the food be shared, and the joy begin. Tonight, we celebrate together."
Everyone claps. The music starts and the party begins.
'Up until now it's going smoothly.'
Ran ponders holding a glass of wine.
'It's time.'