Vanery had known the duke since childhood. Their families had been very close, since their grandmothers were best friends. But the Varyns were too powerful to be tied to anyone else. Even her father had once warned her not to get too close to the duke, because the emperor was watching, waiting for a chance to force the duke into marrying the princess.
Despite that, it was known among Tenusa nobles that she was the only noble lady he ever spoke to. A few days ago, they were even seen at a silk shop. They barely talked much but he paid for the dresses she had ordered.
"Greetings, Your Grace."
Vanery dipped low, a proper curtsy. Dorian's obsidian gaze only watched her over the rim of his wine.
"Dry your face. It's not worth the trouble," he said evenly, his expression giving nothing away. Then, from a passing waiter's tray, he lifted a second glass and held it toward her.
"Thank you, Your Grace," she said with a shy smile, taking the wine,
An old nobleman approached.
"Your Grace, I thought you wouldn't come at all," he told the duke. "I originally wanted to call on you at your place in the capital. It's about that residential project we talked about?"
Dorian's face remained a still, unmoving pool. Only then did his gaze drift, slow as smoke, to Vanery, who had not yet moved from where she stood. His brow arched.
"Can you manage by yourself?"
Thinking Lady Kissell was the duke's rumored woman, the nobleman spoke, "Oh, I didn't mean to interrupt something here—"
"Oh, no, my lord. Please, Your Grace, go ahead," Vanery said with a small smile. "There's no need to stay here. I'll be alright."
Dorian said nothing.
He left with the old man.
Yet since then, the noble ladies were much more careful with Lady Kissell, who was clearly favored by the Grand Duke, one of the most powerful men in Tenusa. Some even believed she was soon to be the duchess.
From afar, Young Master Fenrir Oshen was seething with envy. The drink must have gotten to him, but when he saw Vanery Kissell talking to that man, his chest twisted.
'What's so good about him? He only has a good face and a good background! I've won more battles than him. And I'm a swordsman champion! So what if he's a duke? I'm an Oshen by blood. My cousin is the First Prince!'
...
THE THIRD PRINCE still wondered why the duke was here, of all events. He had prepared himself in the past whenever he went out to events, but the duke was always absent. Now, surprisingly, he was here. 'His close friendship with the Rashet heir must not be underestimated, after all.'
"You think the duke remains cold toward the First Prince? We could use this opportunity," an old nobleman said in a low voice.
"That'll be obvious. Let's remain cordial. For now," Derrik replied with a stiff, dismissive tone. 'I must first befriend the Rashet heir.'
His gaze shifted to the aisle, and just as he did, Levon Ares Rashet entered the hall. On his arm walked a young woman. She was breathtakingly beautiful, wearing a long, flowing dress.
"That girl..." His voice trailed off.
The hall had gone quieter the nobles saw the woman's face and they listened as Young Master Rashet introduced the woman beside him—his sister, Nyasia Sofia Rashet.
The whispers began.
"The Rashets have a real daughter?"
"I thought they're just rumors."
"Look at her beauty! Why did the Rashet keep her all these years? The marquis is too protective."
But Nyasia Sofia seemed unbothered by the admiring gazes on her. She stayed indifferent, polite, and the corner of her eyes stayed calm.
From a corner, Dorian watched the prince stare at Nyasia, and his lips curled into a cruel smile.
'How bold.'
...
AT THE CENTER AISLE, Nyasia curtsied as the Third Prince approached and smiled politely at her. He then turned to the marquis. He wanted to talk to the Rashet heir, but the heir was already talking to another crowd.
"His Majesty has long known of the second lady. He sends the finest silk dresses for her," he said. "My men will bring them in shortly."
The marquis replied with gratitude.
Nyasia did the same.
"I hope Second Lady Rashet will attend the Queen Dowager's banquet soon," he said, finally turning to her.
"If I am fully well enough to travel from here, I may come, Your Highness. Thank you." Nyasia's face remained politely composed.
Derrik glanced at her. 'Most girls stammer or show obvious excitement. But this one... she's just indifferent.'
Meanwhile, Nyasia remembered her father's words back then: that the emperor was interested in her marriage, and the Third Prince, who was greatly favored, was here tonight. 'Got to be careful, here.'
Just as she had never been so calm and sure while experiencing a banquet for the first time, her heart stopped. Just like that. Because Dorian Alexei was walking forward. Toward her.
She recalled that shameless thing he had done earlier in her bedroom. She hoped—God, she hoped—this man wouldn't do anything to irritate her even more!
*