Attending a debutante ball should be classified as one of the greatest moments in a young lady's life. It is their debut into high society and their chance to secure a proper marriage betrothal if they are not already arranged to be married. Young and respectable men flock to these gatherings as well as a way to mingle and make business ties. Strengthening alliances and starting new ones. The season for balls has started and everyone who is anyone is excited.
Well, all except for Kaia. As the youngest of four and not even the actual daughter of a Baren, she is used to being put on the backburner. Her father passed away when she was a mere child of barely four. The young Kaia's mother was said to be in such distress over the passing that it only for her mother to marry within months to a man who barely even cast her a glance. All because his children needed a mother and he needed someone to run the house while he was away. So, what of taking in another extra mouth, it's not like he was ever really home, to begin with. She needed financial security for herself and Kaia. Although Kaia was pretty sure she was just extra baggage with the harsh looks she receives from her mother when she does look her way.
Breaking from her thoughts, Kaia blinked at her reflection in the mirror as she listened to the twins giggling as they passed her room. This will be their third time at a debutante ball. The girls wore matching dresses like usual, and the only thing to be able to tell them apart from the slight high difference was how they had done their hair today. One with a blue ribbon, Melody, and one with a green ribbon, Clarissa. To Kaia, both girls had vulgar personalities because they were so spoiled, but to her mother and stepfather, they were the picture-perfect daughters.
"You look lovely, my lady." Maria, a servant from before her mother's marriage to the baron. Shifting her gaze towards the mirror once more, a small smile playing along her lips before she lowered her eyes towards the
dress that she wore. "Thank you, Maria," Kaia said quietly, as she looked down once more and brushed down the dress with her gloved hands. "It is quite lovely." She murmured quietly. Then, the loud voice of her mother calling for her to come downstairs interrupted Kaia's small moment of happiness. "It is time, Miss. Have fun tonight." Maria said to Kaia as she stepped back and then curtsied to the young Lady.
"Thank you," Kaia said quietly as she cast a small glance at the maid in the mirror before turning towards the door and heading towards the front landing. A small sigh escaped from the young Lady's lips as she descended the stairs and spotted the twins and her supposed older brother waiting for her. "What took you so long? I told you we were to leave at eight." Baron Alfred said as he allowed his eyes to take in Kaia's appearance. A small scowl appearing upon his lips. "My apologies, I didn't realize the time." Kaia apologized and lowered her gaze as her whole family's attention was on her. The oldest Whitiker hummed and then turned his back to Kaia as he headed towards the open doors. "Don't make that a habit tonight, girl. It's an important night for your sisters." Kaia winced at that, knowing very well that she had angered the Baron. "Yes, father." She murmured quietly, before following after her family.