Chapter 473: Fantasy Hall
Tuesday, February 14th, Evening
Even though they lived on the grounds of Fantasy Hall, they weren't near the manor house. On nights like this, they would drive up to the front of the manor. This could be done without leaving the ground.
As they pulled up to the front of the manor house, Kayla looked out the window. The whole front of the manor was lit up, which included reddish and pink lights. Kayla nodded; Barnett had gone all out for this. Also, she noticed he brought in extra staff.
The car stopped by the front steps. One of the hired gun staff opened the door and helped Kayla out. A valet replaced Christian behind the wheel. Christian walked over to Kayla, taking his place by her side. They locked arms and started to head up the front stairs.
Once they passed through the front doors. The massive entrance hall is made with local marble and several large crystal chandelles. Christian led Kayla through the house to the ballroom. Two hired staff opened the doors to the ballroom and allowed them to enter.
The ballroom was a decent size, made with the same marble as the entrance hall. There were even large columns of some classic style that Kayla couldn't place. On the balcony bulwark were statues in the classic style, which meant some of the pieces were naked.
Christian was the youngest son and second youngest of seven; Barnett was the oldest son and oldest overall. Kayla looked across the ballroom. Kayla saw one of Christian's brothers, one of identical twins; Kayla believed it was the older one, Richard. That meant Rolf, the other twin, was nearby. The twins were seldom separated at social events.
Kayla and Christian separated as Christian went to speak to his brother. Kayla grabbed a flute of champagne from a passing waitress. She looked over to see two of Christian's cousins talking, Devon, the cutthroat talent agent, and her brother Brady, both children of Christian's late Uncle Ian.
"Kayla, how are you doing?" a woman's voice asked.
Kayla turned to see a woman who could pass as a cousin to Kayla's brother and sisters, except she was of average height. The woman had auburn hair, blue eyes, and freckles; she very much had the Kelly family look. Kayla smiled and looked at her sister-in-law, Gwendolyn Hollands, also called Gwen. She was the fifth of the seven children.
"Gwen, how are you?" Kayla asked.
"Can't complain," Gwen said, "How are things going on down at Vitoria?"
"It's going well; the kids are great," Kayla said.
"It's going well; the kids are great," Kayla said.
"How's the label?" Gwen asked.
"Busy, we shouldn't have to worry about supporting Tacit Blue next month, but that means time to have discussions," Kayla said.
"Why is that so, I don't know, exasperating?" Gwen asked.
"Things have been rough over the past few years, especially with Keith deployed," Kayla said.
"That should be ending soon," Gwen said and took a sip of her champagne.
"Well, with that shooting incident not too long ago, who knows," Kayla said.
"I fear that it will heat up, and Leta will have to deploy," Gwen said.
"Speaking of your baby sister, how is she doing?" Kayla asked.
"She's back in a squadron, said something about working on the staff, but she's flying her warthogs again, so she's happy," Gwen said.
"Sounds like her; what's her call sign again?" Kayla asked.
Gwen laughed, "Duck," she said.
"Duck?" Kayla asked.
"Yeah, she said because her last name is Drake, and a drake is a male duck," Gwen said.
"I thought it meant dragon," Kayla said.
Gwen shrugged, "It does; we like to play that up, but most people, if they do know what it means, think ducks," Kayla said.
Gwen chuckled, "Well, she embraced it, her plates say J-Ducky, and she calls her kids her ducklings," she said.
"I'm not surprised," Kayla said.
"Read sent me a video of her flying," Gwen said, pulled out her smartphone, and showed Kayla. Kayla nodded as the aircraft went through several maneuvers. Once it was over, Kayla looked at Gwen.
"Impressive," Kayla said.
"Leta was always a bit of a showoff," Gwen said.
"Speaking of sisters," Kayla said.
"You mean the princess," Gwen said.
"I wouldn't exactly call her that," Kayla said.
"My daddy only favored one other person, like her, and that was Aurora," Gwen said.
"A bit bitter?" Kayla asked.
"The only reason we're here is because of her," Gwen said and adjusted her glasses.
"We could just enjoy it," Kayla said.
"Kayla, you mean to tell me you wouldn't rather be somewhere else with Chris?" Gwen asked.
Kayla looked at her sister-in-law and nodded. "Yeah, there are other things I'd rather do," she said.
"Yeah, at least Leta is in Georgia and away from this, and Barnett disowned cousin Erich," Gwen said.
"I see…" Kayla started to say.
"Shh! The princess arrives," Gwen said.
The oldest sister of Christian's family was walking into the ballroom, Carolyn "Carrie" Garland nee Drake. Once glamorous looking, the past few years since her daughter Connie's accident has taken a toll on her. Her husband, a plain-looking man named Dean escorted her. A few of their children followed behind, some with dates, but most were single.
Kayla could see her niece, Destiny, called mostly Dusty, walking in alone. Dusty looked like her aunt Gwen, their looks coming from Gwen and Carrie's late mom. Kayla observed that Carrie only seemed half-engaged, and Dean looked uncomfortable.
"How much would you like to bet one of the kids have her phone?" Gwen asked.
"I wouldn't," Kayla said, not being a fool since Kayla agreed. Christian also appeared at the same time.
"Sister," Christian said to Gwen, then turned to Kayla, "Wife."
"Brother," Gwen said.
Kayla rolled her eyes, "Husband," she said.
"Dinner is about to start; let us find our seats," Christian said.
Kayla put her arm into his. "Let's," she said.
They started walking towards the tables. Kayla leaned closer to Christian. "You owe me big time," Kayla said.
"I know, believe me, I know," Christian said as they reached the table and found their seats.
