30: 30 Ethereal Encounters (AVOT)

30 Ethereal Encounters (AVOT)

Rhain and Daisy, along with all the guests, were led to another ballroom to celebrate the wedding. The room was lavishly decorated with hundreds of shimmering crystal chandeliers, casting a romantic, twinkling light throughout the room. The high ceilings were adorned with cascading vines of ivy and roses, mirroring the ceremonial arch under which they had exchanged their vows. An array of round tables draped in ivory linen were arranged spaciously around the grand dance floor in the center, each adorned with a stunning centerpiece of red and white roses.1

At one end of the ballroom was the elevated podium where the newlyweds would be seated, with an extravagant backdrop of silk drapes and roses. To the side was a long table, laden with an impressive variety of foods, ranging from delicate appetizers to robust main courses. A live orchestra was situated on a stage at the other end of the room, playing soft, classical music that added to the enchanting atmosphere. 

The guests were a dazzling array of nobility, dressed in their finest garments. The men donned their best suits and cravats, while the women shone in gowns of silk, satin, and lace, their hair intricately arranged and adorned with delicate accessories. 

Daisy's family were the first to come and congratulate them. Helena was holding back tears, her eyes shimmering with unshed emotion as she looked at Daisy and Rhain. "You both look beautiful together," she managed to whisper, her voice choked with emotion. 

Thomas stood next to her, his typically stoic face softened by the proud smile playing on his lips. He looked from Rhain to Daisy, giving her a nod that seemed to say 'You've done well.' He then looked at Rhain, saying in a gruff voice that barely concealed his emotions, "Take care of our Daisy, Lord Blackthorne."

As they accepted the congratulations and well wishes, Daisy couldn't help but observe Katherine and her daughters. The trio had a strategy in place. Katherine, with her keen eyes, was scanning the crowd of nobles, her gaze narrowed as she evaluated each eligible bachelor.

She would then subtly nudge one of her daughters in the direction of the chosen nobleman. The daughters, having been drilled on the art of charm and persuasion, would approach with a bashful smile and a demure curtsy, engaging the gentleman in a conversation, or a dance if the opportunity presented itself.

Daisy found her gaze continually drawn to the assembly of noblemen and women from Rhain's side. There was an ethereal quality to them, perhaps a byproduct of their impeccably tailored attires or the unblemished fairness of their skin, a complexion mirroring Rhain's own. The similarity was puzzling; she'd been under the impression that Rhain's condition was rare.

Their reception line was a bustling stream of familiar faces – close neighbors, friends of her father, and of course, Katherine's vast network of acquaintances. If not for the limitations imposed by the venue, Daisy suspected Katherine would have invited the entire town.

Throughout the ordeal, Rhain's hand maintained a soothing presence on her back, grounding her amidst the whirlwind of festivities. Her legs felt on the verge of collapsing beneath her from all the tension, yet the weight of the greetings was only just beginning. Now, it was the turn of Rhain's acquaintances.

Among the crowd of guests, Daisy spotted Edric approaching alongside a man and a woman whose looks and aura were akin to that of Rhain's. The man's dress was a rich velvet, adorned with intricate gold embroidery, while the woman shimmered in a flowing gown of iridescent silk. Their arresting attire only added to their mystique. Daisy felt a twinge of curiosity. 

Edric, with a flamboyant persona, dressed extravagantly and seemed to enjoy attention all too much. 

"I am pleased to see you in such high spirits, Daisy," he remarked, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before it darted back to Rhain. "And you, Blackthorne, finally married."

Rhain, seemingly unbothered by Edric's comment, introduced the pair. "Daisy, this is Lord Alistair and Lady Isolde," he said, his tone one of measured courtesy.

Alistair bowed slightly in greeting, his words sincere as he congratulated them. "A beautiful wedding for a beautiful couple," he said, his gaze moving between Rhain and Daisy.

Lady Isolde, with a warm smile, added, "We wish you a lifetime of happiness."

They were polite, their words devoid of the teasing undertone that characterized Edric's congratulatory message. 

As the procession continued, Daisy was greeted by more of Rhain's kin, their conduct a combination of polite reserve and regal aloofness. To Daisy's unease, they evoked the same alarming response in her as Rhain, and their skin tone – that was definitely something she needed to question. She just needed a quiet moment with Rhain.

However, before she could seize a moment of solitude, she was struck by a cold shiver, her instincts firing a warning signal.

"Rhain," a voice called out, prompting her to swivel around.

What met her gaze was a man whose ethereal beauty was unsettling. His skin glowed with an uncanny radiance, shimmering between shades of pure white and luminescent silver. His hair, a waterfall of shimmering silver, cascaded to his shoulders, and his eyes - a hypnotic shade of blue, flecked with hints of violet under the thousand chandeliers, captivating all who dared to look. He was older, perhaps in his early forties, yet his enigmatic aura was a magnet to both younger and older women. 

As he neared, a wave of coldness washed over Daisy, intensifying the alarm bells ringing within her. His presence was even more unnerving than Rhain's, the man's polite smile failing to conceal the inexplicable fear he instilled in her. Unconsciously, her hand tightened around Rhain's sleeve, clinging to him as if he was a lifeline. The lesser of two evils. What an odd thought to have about her own husband, she thought, but her mind spoke its own language. 

Daisy's eyes flickered between the approaching figure and Rhain, her nerves suddenly on edge. As the stranger neared, Rhain's grip on her hand tightened reassuringly, grounding her amidst her growing anxiety.

"Lord and Lady Blackthorne," the man greeted them. His voice was deep, but there was a softness to it, a strange gentleness that clashed with his intimidating presence. He had a unique aura, one that exuded danger, yet commanded respect.

Rhain nodded in acknowledgment, his composure never wavering, "Tiberius." He said, addressing him casually. 

Tiberius turned his attention to Daisy, and the intensity in his gaze softened. "I've heard much about you, Lady Blackthorne," he said, a small smile playing on his lips. "But words fail to do justice to your elegance."

His compliment, unexpected and sincere, left Daisy momentarily speechless. He had a charm about him, one that was strikingly different from Rhain's. Tiberius radiated a warm charisma, one that made it hard for Daisy to remain guarded. Despite her initial fears, she found herself returning his smile.

"Daisy, Tiberius is an old friend," Rhain introduced the ethereal man, a sense of shared history in his voice.

"Not that old," Tiberius interjected smoothly, a grin playing on his lips.

"I am honoured to meet you, My Lord," Daisy responded, offering a practiced curtsy.

"The pleasure is indeed mine," he replied, his gaze unsettlingly intense.

Her attention drifted momentarily, scanning the room. Daisy spotted Lila engrossed in a dance with Edric, while Cassandre swayed with an unfamiliar man. Katherine and Thomas were dancing in perfect harmony, and even Anna was on the dance floor with her husband. However, her mother was alone, seated at a table, an image that tugged at Daisy's heart.

Rhain seemed to trace her line of sight.  "Perhaps we should sit. I'd like to introduce you to Daisy's family, Tiberius."

Tiberius nodded in agreement, and they made their way toward Helena. Daisy observed her mother's reaction as she took notice of them approaching. She stood up, her eyes going from Daisy and Rhain to Tiberius. Daisy knew her mother, she seemed to sense something as well, not as strongly as Daisy did, but there was uncertainty in her eyes. She kept her composure and curtsied. 

"Lady Helena, this is Tiberius, a very close friend of mine," Rhain introduced.

Her mother curtsied again. "It is a pleasure to meet you, my lord." 

With a swift, elegant movement, Tiberius took Helena's hand, raising it delicately to his lips for a chaste kiss. His voice, a warm, rich timbre, flowed through the room as he said, "Lady Helena. Such grace and beauty you possess. It's no wonder your daughter has turned out to be such a radiant blossom."

Helena, taken aback by the compliment and the sophisticated demeanor of Tiberius, blushed. Her cheeks turned a soft, delightful shade of pink, and she was at a loss for words. She stuttered a flattered thank you, her eyes shyly lowering. Tiberius's attention remained on Helena for a moment longer, his smile deepening at her reaction.

Helena was indeed a true beauty, a mesmerizing blend of elegance and charm. Daisy often thought she hadn't inherited her mother's entire beauty but was rather a mix of both her parents.

"Perhaps we should dance," Tiberius suggested, his eyes still locked on Helena. "Lady Helena has been seated for a while. It's only fitting that a woman of such captivating beauty shares in tonight's revelry."

He extended his hand towards Helena, his gaze shimmering with undeniable charisma. "Lady Helena, may I have this dance?"

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