Chapter 81
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
“You are beautiful no matter what you wear. So, let’s go with this dress.”
Mrs. Chevron gestured to a maid, who quickly brought forth a pristine white dress for Leah.
“Wear this. A softer color suits you better than something bold. This one has silver embroidery throughout, shimmering like jewels in the sunlight, just like your hair.”
“Really?”
“Of course. Trust your mother’s word. Leah, no man could resist you upon seeing you.”
Leah knew her mother would always see her as the most beautiful, but her spirits were lifted nonetheless.
Her anxiety was likely due to the article in that morning’s newspaper.
Muven Newspaper, the premier gossip outlet in Bartsch Kingdom, always filled with the juiciest stories, reported:
A woman at the Elta Club. Duke Heinrich brought his wife, Emilia von Heinrich, adhering to the dress code that day.
Speculations arose suggesting the event was a playful gesture, showing his reluctance to part from her even for a moment.
Meanwhile, those present at the club that day have remained silent, fueling public curiosity even further.
‘What’s so special about that woman.’
Emilia von Loren, once the sole lady of the Loren family, now known as the wife of Duke Heinrich.
Leah realized there hadn’t been a day recently when Emilia’s name hadn’t appeared in the newspaper.
It seemed everyone’s attention was fixated on her.
After changing into her dress, Leah looked at herself in the mirror, quickly adjusting her suddenly solemn expression.
“I’ll be going now.”
“Yes, you are the only cousin of our current King, Adrian von Konrad. You are one of his closest supporters.”
“Exactly. I am close family to the central figure of the current power.”
Mrs. Chevron nodded in satisfaction.
* * *
Adrian’s visit was as unexpected for the Chevrons as it was for others.
The carriage carrying Leah soon headed for Duchy Heinrich, and the unplanned visit stirred the household into a state of disarray.
“It seems futile to claim His Grace is not present.”
“Lead them to the drawing room.”
“And the Madam?”
“Leave her be.”
Mikhail rose slowly from his chair.
“Did the King come alone?”
“No, he… he’s accompanied by Miss Chevron.”
“A thorn with him, I see.”
The reason for Adrian’s unannounced visit was likely to see things with his own eyes.
“Byne.”
“Yes, Your Grace?”
“Keep an eye on the shadows. Ensure Dahlia cannot leave.”
Byne promptly disappeared down a secret passage.
Meanwhile, Mikhail leisurely finished his preparations and made his way to the drawing room.
‘Leah von Chevron, huh… Interesting.’
He had an inkling of what Lady Luther might be planning. Sometimes, in her haste, she made moves that were all too visible even to him.
As he was about to leave his study, a servant approached with a letter.
“Your Grace, a letter from the royal palace has arrived.”
“That was quick.”
He returned to his desk and retrieved a paper knife. Peeling off the wax seal revealed the message inside.
[I wanted to discuss the marriage so I’ll be visiting.]
Making arrangements in advance was a matter of courtesy. Although Adrian was exempt from such expectations, it was still unwelcome.
The hurriedly sent letter seemed merely a formality to avoid criticism. In any case, it served as a kind of safeguard for him, asserting that he had indeed given prior notice.
Mikhail set the letter aside and continued towards the drawing room.
* * *
Emilia tightly drew the curtains before peeking through the gap outside.
The sight of a carriage bearing the royal crest arriving at the Duke’s residence without prior notification was peculiar.
‘What’s going on?’
She wondered if the shadows had noticed something off and reported it.
Especially peculiar was Adrian bringing a woman with him.
Even from a distance, her strikingly white hair shimmered in the sunlight, blooming like white flowers with every step she took into the residence.
“Who is that?”
Emilia squinted. Scouring her memory, she could not recall ever having seen this individual.
Observing her striking a casual conversation with Adrian suggested they were quite close.
The question lingered: why had he visited the Duke’s residence with that woman?
What could possibly be so amusing? She burst into laughter, her smile radiating beautifully.
Caught by the carefree joy in that smile, Emilia found herself captivated.
“She’s beautiful.”
Her hand touched the window. That smile tickled her heart.
When had she last smiled like that?
Though it was not clearly visible, the excited gestures caught her eye.
‘It can’t possibly be that pleasant chatting with His Majesty.’
To her, Adrian was an unpleasant figure, the one who had driven her to this edge.
Moreover, his habit of scanning her body with serpentine eyes, having a sinister grin, attempting to embrace her at any opportunity, only added to her distaste.
Recalling that day, a strong rejection surged through her, causing goosebumps and a shiver down her spine.
Discussion
0 CommentsNo comments yet.