Thinking carefully about Delilah's situation ended up completely diverting Cain's attention toward the ballroom's balcony window, through which the pale moonlight filtered. From that moment on, it was impossible for him to remain calm. His eyes stayed fixed on the darkness outside while his mind stirred in silence. If anyone had paid true attention to his face, they would have noticed the expressions he was trying so hard to hide.
—Delilah was chosen for her qualities. In reality, the fact that the Baroness has released her of her own free will will facilitate many things in the future.
Marquise Lathasha's voice sounded calm, almost indifferent, as if she were speaking of a matter that was already completely decided.
—Lathasha —Lucrecia intervened, without hiding her unease—, you speak of her qualities, but I want to know exactly what they are.
The announcement had affected the young woman differently than the others. Inside, she tried to convince herself that the Baroness's decision must have something to do with Delilah's personality. After all, it was difficult to accept that someone so different from the other four candidates had been chosen by mere chance.
—She is discreet and intuitive —Leroy responded after a brief moment of reflection—. In a way... she seems trustworthy to me.
The young man's words caused Lucrecia's eyes to turn immediately toward him. The blue-eyed blonde seemed to realize too late what he had hinted at. His words, however, managed to make Cain finally look away from the window.
—I dread to tell you, Leroy, that a noble like you is not allowed to have that kind of taste in women.
Lucrecia's comment fell upon the young man with cruel precision. The youngest candidate flushed immediately, his face showing evident embarrassment at that misinterpreted remark.
—You are misunderstanding things, Lucrecia —Raguel intervened calmly, crossing his arms as he observed the scene with his usual tranquility—. Tonight, Delilah is not the only one who has been abandoned.
A slight smile appeared on his lips before he added softly:
—Don't you think?
The ever-meddling young man with green eyes looked at the brunette beauty with a surprisingly compassionate expression. He didn't need to say anything else for Lucrecia to understand what he meant. Raguel wasn't trying to provoke her. His warm expression only accentuated the feeling of loneliness that the so-called "glass doll" experienced every time she remembered her own family. The family relationships of Lucrecia and Raguel were fragile, and that night, neither expected to receive pleasant news.
In a way, the three of them had been chosen against the expectations of their own families. Perhaps those who shared their blood would have preferred to send more capable children, according to their own interests.
Lucrecia's complaints began to turn toward Raguel, but the voices soon ceased to hold importance for Cain. He had returned to looking out the window. From there, he saw the guest of honor leaving the mansion's main entrance. Walking beside him was the woman who occupied all his thoughts.
Andrea Bathory.
The same blonde young man Delilah had met during Neil's birthday party. Cain could barely stay on his feet. On that occasion, he hadn't paid true attention. However, this was not the first time his eyes had seen Andrea's face. The young diplomat handled much of his family's affairs, and for that reason, it was much easier to encounter him than the primary heir.
Kind. Attractive. Charming from every angle.
How was it possible he hadn't recognized him before? Delilah had never entered the Grand Ballroom. Andrea hadn't intended to take her there, either. It was better that no one could get too close. A Bathory always drew attention. The chances of a member of that family attending a celebration were considered almost impossible, and even when they were the ones deciding whom to speak to, avoiding interruptions was difficult.
Especially now. Andrea's companion was precisely the young woman who, within a few days, would become the center of all gossip.
The atmosphere seemed to synchronize with the events. The sky darkened slowly, and a cold wind began to sweep through the mansion's gardens. Soon, the coldest of rains would fall.
Delilah and Andrea were finishing their tour of the mansion when the first drops began to descend. It was early to leave, but Andrea had already fulfilled the most important purpose of his visit.
—I must go now —he said softly as he observed the cloudy sky—. I want to let you rest.
Delilah looked at him attentively. The day had passed too quickly, and hearing his farewell took her by surprise. Only then did she realize something she hadn't noticed before. They had never entered the Grand Ballroom.
—Then I have a request to make of you.
One of the escorts handed Andrea his black coat. The young man took it without saying anything, but instead of putting it on, he placed it gently over Delilah's small, bare shoulders, wrapping her carefully.
—From now on, you will receive two letters —he continued in a calm voice—. In one of them, you will be ordered to meet with me.
He paused briefly before adding:
—The other you must send to Lathasha Zehren without opening it.
Delilah's eyes darkened slightly.
—The Marquise knows of this matter —Andrea explained naturally—. It must only remain a secret to the others.
If this was a trap, Delilah thought seriously that she would have no way to escape. The idea of meeting Andrea again was inconceivable, even now that she knew she had been chosen by the Bathory family.
—Understood.
Andrea's beautiful emerald eyes observed her with benevolence. It was difficult for him to decide if the young woman was naive or excessively cautious. In any case, her obedience simplified things. It saved him all the explanations he had prepared in case her reaction had been more natural.
She was being obedient. And Andrea found that strangely fascinating.
—Do you have nothing else to say? —he asked curiously.
Delilah had more questions than before she met him, but she was too tired to organize all the events of that day.
—Since I accepted this dress, it is too late to think about it —she finally responded with serenity—. Allow me to participate in this work as a form of gratitude.
She had no options. If she was making wrong decisions, no one could save her. She didn't even consider the possibility of refusing. After all... it was an order from a Bathory.
At the mansion's main exit, the automobile carrying the proud dark blue flag of the House of Bathory waited patiently for its young master. Andrea stopped for one more moment. With a gentle gesture, he pulled Delilah away from the entrance as the rain began to dampen her hair.
—Go inside now —he said softly—. You might get sick.
Only then did Delilah's lips draw a slight smile. What was this man talking about? He seemed not to have seen the worried faces of the servants waiting for him in the rain.
Delilah was completely sure of one thing. They would never forgive her for letting the precious youngest son of Liam Bathory get wet in the rain... just to say goodbye to her.
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