Katerina Stokes

Dear reader, I find that there is a certain lack of drama this year that hasn’t shown up since past social seasons or Astercalias. This Astercalia has been as dull as they come, simply lacking any spice or an interesting bone in its metaphorical body. Hence why I have tasked myself to write a column reporting to you the most dramatic things I could get out of this dreadfully boring Astercalia. Sincerely, Katerina Stokes - - The Debutantes Her Imperial Highness, Lorena Thedosia The cursed princess, so they say, but dear reader I truly believe that Princess Theodosia could be a wonderful underdog story. Though it is certainly odd to consider a princess an underdog, especially one being the daughter of our lovely Empress and Emperor, but she is the epitome of an underdog. She will prove everyone wrong in the end, as even her own mother didn't believe she had what it takes to be the Ruby. Tough break! Lady Octavia de Sarkozy The de Sarkozy, sister to the late Baron is a rather tragic story. After losing her brother in the recent few days to the Coalition, I must say I was surprised to see her unique face grace the halls for Astercalia’s debut wearing no hint of black in mourning. As they say, the show must go on. Lady Heloise Halcourt What an astounding entrance given by Miss Heloise as she waltzed in on horseback unannounced. Despite her bravery, she has certainly made a fool of herself and House Halcourt de Artois by such a brazen display of a lack of social cues and etiquette. Miss Fable A strange creature sponsored by the Aster Court. I fail to see how any man in their right mind would marry a creature that is entirely inhuman. Perhaps she has come to make her creator proud, but I imagine any mindful suitor would understand they’d be breaking more than just laws if they attempted to court this young clockwork creature! Lady Louise Ashford de Savoie A woman with grace, favoring the looks of the de Savoie family. My heart goes out to the young debutante as many of her kin have died or lost their homes in the recent years past and she was brave enough to continue onwards despite her hardships. Admirable. Miss Keishara Daystar Yet another brave woman who entered the palace for Astercalia today, younger sister of the crowd favorite Clairessa from the last Astercalia. After the tragic passing of Miss Clairessa, it seems Keishara has moved on to a brighter, better future with Sir Solomon Obedia who has taken her in as his own. An inspiring story from an inspiring woman who is destined for greatness if she only sets her mind to it, but how dreadfully awkward for Her Imperial Majesty to loudly announce the old canonist rule of not diluting Human bloodlines with elf blood, that has got to be an absolute embarrassment to be put on the spot like that. Not to mention, mid debut there came turmoil with an unarmed man who was ruthlessly slain outside the court. Princess Catherine of Huntshill shouted about how he should’ve been given a chance and Miss Keishara could only stand and await her dismissal amidst all of the chaos. Poor poor, Keishara! Miss Esme Luthier At first a seemingly inconspicuous nobody, though she seemed to rouse something in the future Baroness of de Rosius, Lady Chloe who made a rather annoying ruckus to let everyone know it was her house who sponsored the young lady. I cannot imagine the embarrassment she too must feel over the graciously big deal that Lady de Rosius made over this fact and her sponsor's obvious lack of decorum. Miss Esme held her own despite this, with a graceful presence and a proper showing of etiquette from the girl. I can only pray for this girl with the lack of people viewing her presentation as others were still occupied with the murder mentioned beforehand. Lady Ember Munnel A fresh lady of the court, formerly Miss Ember Munnel, her father’s rank rose to allow her to become Lady Ember Munnel which I must say dear reader, is a wonderful achievement to boast as a debutante. If it weren’t for her nervous and clumsy manner, I imagine she’d have made quite a contestant for that Ruby title as new nobility is always oh so shiny. Even the Empress herself comments on how lovely it is to see a new house rising to nobility. Watch out Lady Ember, I imagine these power hungry bachelors will stick to you like mosquitos with all those compliments you’ve received. Miss Isabelle Bennett Sponsored by the Viscounty of Vuillermoz, Miss Isabelle has a sense of beauty to boast about. Entering in a red outfit that was very much her color, her etiquette was perfect down to the very last flutter of lashes as she curtsied before the Empress. If there is any woman this writer could imagine rising from commoner status to join the ranks of nobility, it is this one. I cannot explain it, but there is something about her that begs the question. Just who is Miss Isabelle Bennett? Miss Lynette Bennett Presumably the relative of Miss Isabelle, this brunette wore the dress of a common harlot. Shoulders all in view for everyone to see. What happened to ladies leaving things to the imagination dear reader? Where is the mystery? The chase? Though a suitor seemed to give her a look of interest, perhaps he is a playboy who likes his women easy and on display for everyone to see. GOD is the only one who could tell us, and he would likely be very disappointed with this woman’s display. Miss Rose Obedia A ward of Her Imperial Majesty, Anastasia I. That title alone is surely enough to draw the attention of any man this girl could want and why shouldn’t they be attracted to her? A pretty title indeed for a commoner. Though she seemed to misstep on introductions, calling Her Imperial Majesty “Your Imperial Highness” instead, a mistake made far too often I’m afraid. Despite this, I cannot foresee this taking any sort of toll on her as she is the most privileged of our long long list of commoners debuting in total. Lady Katerina de Sarkozy After speculation of if Lady de Sarkozy would debut after the passing of her husband John Aurelian, it seems the woman both pregnant and widowed made the executive decision to try to find a replacement father for her unborn child. The idea itself is admirable and understandable that you would only want the best for your child, but if you read this Lady Katerina. It is ok to take time to mourn before you put yourself out there again, no one would judge you for choosing to remain a widow for a time. Though I admire her courage, I am sure the suitors will not find Lady de Sarkozy a suitable match as she is with another man’s child and formerly married. A sad fate for Lady Katerina, but one that can only be expected of a widow trying to re-enter into Astercalia. Losing her oldest brother and her husband in the span of a month, one’s heart can only ache for the de Sarkozy lass. - The Matter of the Ruby The two rubies contestants worth noting were Miss Isabelle Bennett and Lady Katerina de Sarkozy, both wonderful choices for the ruby. Of course I’d be remiss not to note that Princess Lorena was in the running as well, but it feels biased and so very like the other social seasons I hold my breath to hope they do not repeat their history of playing favorites with their own children. During the announcement, Miss Fable was incredibly rude, shouting “Who is this child?” of the announcer, the youngest member of the Imperial Family, Princess Octavia. The ruby ended up being Miss Isabelle Bennett, I can certainly say I saw this coming with pride. A better ruby there could not have been, an apt choice instead of picking a widow who will never get a suitor and your own family member. What can I say though? I do love an underdog. Sincerely Yours, Katerina Stokes