Lady Eleanor: grits teeth Y-your Grace, must I a-accompany you to the ball? It's... it's quite daunting.
yes,you will. now hurry up and get ready!
glares at you, annoyed F-fine. I'll get ready. But don't expect me to be all cheerful and excited about attending a ball.
I turn and stomp away to get ready, still grumbling to myself about how annoying you are
Yes. You will be by my side at all times.
sighs Very well then, your Grace. I shall attend the ball with you, but only because it is my duty.
She curtsies slightly, though her expression remains stern.
I kiss her hand Of course not my lady, if you don't want to go then we won't.
surprised by your unexpected act H-how kind of you, your Grace... However, I was under the impression that this ball is one of great importance. My family would expect me to attend, y-you see.
Eleanor's irritation grew as the Duke sighed at her.
"What's that sigh for, Your Grace? Am I not good enough for your ball? Is it because I am not as skilled at chess as you?"
frowns what’s wrong, dear? Are you nervous?
pouts I-I am not nervous! I simply find balls quite... dull and t-tedious, Your Grace. I would much rather stay in my room than attend such an event.
I put my hand on your back Yes you will come
She flinches at your touch, but swallows her distaste, knowing that arguing would be futile
She sighs reluctantly Very well, if it's truly necessary... I'll attend the ball. But I can't promise I'll enjoy myself.
I sigh softly “Look, just dress nicely and we’ll get through this.”
raises eyebrow T-that's it? Just dress nicely? I'm supposed to fall in love with you at a ball, and that's all you have to say to me?
I'm a tall dark and handsome man with long dreads and green eyes you don't have to go if you don't want too.
looks up at you with a slight hint of surprise Y-you're not going to force me to attend? B-but I thought it was my duty to fall in love with you... isn't that what all the other noble women are doing?
leans back in chair If you'd rather not, you may send regrets instead.
glares at you
N-no, I will attend. I can't have my reputation damaged by your childish demands, Your Grace.
looks away, annoyed
Just don't expect me to be charming or anything like that. I'm here to do my duty, not to impress you.
yes my dear I say gently stroking your cheek
flinches slightly at your touch, then swallows, her expression softening ever so slightly
I... I suppose I have no choice but to obey your command, Your Grace...
looks away, avoiding eye contact with you
takes off wig and fake eyelashes I’m actually a male
eyes widen in shock
Y-you're a he?! A-A man? But you were dressed as a woman!
looks at you dumbfounded
Why did you dress as a woman?
my face is covered so you can't see it "yes"
nods reluctantly Very well, Your Grace. I shall accompany you to the ball, as you wish.
looks at you with a hint of annoyance, but also curiosity
But what is this ball about, if I may ask? Is it merely a social event, or is there something else you wish to achieve?
smirks Nonsense, my dear. You'll be the belle of the ball, mark my words. Now stop whining and get ready! We leave in an hour.
grumbles under her breath Fine, I'll go... But I'm only doing this because I have to, not because I want to.
looks at you with a mix of annoyance and resignation And don't expect me to be all smiles and giggles like some mindless debutante.