Chapter 27

Chapter 27

HENRIETTA

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My body moved smoothly as Andreas led the dance–seamless connection had already claimed the entire dancefloor, our feet moving with practiced precision. His eyes, an enchanting shade of blue, remained locked onto mine, and I found myself captivated by their depth. The surge of adrenaline within me threatened to reveal my admiration for that remarkable hue.

At that moment, it was just us, lost in the melody of the enchanting song that filled the entire hall. The presence of others on the dancefloor became insignificant, their gaze unnoticed. The initial reason for dancing was a distant memory—I had forgotten that Philip was even there. I had forgotten that the dance was supposed to be an act because Philip was watching. However, I stopped caring.

As the music reached its end, both of us found ourselves breathless, our eyes still entwined. The world faded away, and I couldn’t suppress the smile on my face, mirroring his own. Unbeknownst to me, the applause of spectators filled the air but my heartbeat was beating too loudly it was the only thing I could hear. Perhaps it was because of the dance. Or perhaps it was more because of how his hand held mine while the other was on my waist. Or how our faces were so close to each other that I had the shameless thought of kissing him right there.

“I expected nothing less from a Lady,” remarked Andreas, and I didn’t hide the genuine blush that graced my

cheeks.

“You dance well for a warrior,” I answered as he helped me stand straight.

He let out a scoff and placed a hand on his chest as if he was seriously offended by what I said. “We dance in battlefields. Grace our enemies‘ eyes with our graceful movements. I learned dancing that way. You’d be surprised how many wars we’ve won.”

I rolled my eyes and laughter escaped my mouth. “It’s just that I never saw you dance when you were still at the

Palace.”

He offered his hand for me to hold. “That’s because your attention was undivided towards Philip.” Then he gave me a sidelong glance. “Then again, if your attention was undivided, you wouldn’t have noticed everything I did not do while I was at the palace.”

I blinked. Suddenly embarrassed at his interpretation.

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“You were observing me those times?” The smile on his face told me there was no use denying it. However,

before I could say something, someone spoke in front of us.

“That wer

rather a wonderful performance, brother.”

I

We both turned to Philip. I did not even notice him there until he spoke. I clung my hand to Andreas‘ arm and Philip’s gaze followed it.

“It was all Henrietta, brother. She dominates everything she puts her heart into.” He looked at me and his loving smile was so convincing I forgot this was just an act.

I cleared my throat and faced Philip. “I wonder why Yvette is not here, Your Highness.”

“Ah. She’ll only complain the whole time we’re here so I decided to come alone. And please, just call me by my

name, Henny,”

I looked around and saw some ladies stealing glances in our direction. But the moment I heard Aiden behind us, I instantly knew why. Aiden waved his hand and the ladies giggled, covering their mouths delicately while batting their lashes.

Andreas gave hir

a blank look and said, “I’m glad your social skills have not gotten rusty.”

“It’s never getting rusty, Andreas. I’m popular wherever I go.” He eyed one lady from a bunch and deliberately licked his lip, exposing his tongue piercing. I heard the ladies giggling even more.

“Can I get you something to drink, Henny?” Philip said and both me and Andreas looked at him. “It’s just with all that dancing you did earlier, you must be thirsty.”

“Thank you, Philip, but I’d like to stay here with my fiance for a couple of minutes.”

Philip eyed Andreas and said, “I doubt you’d enjoy it. He tends to engage in conversations on rather mundane subjects, especially politics–a realm you’re not particularly knowledgeable in. Are you certain you’re

comfortable with that?”

A tense air e

enveloped us as Aiden and Andreas stiffened, their attention fixed on Philip. I fought the urge to clench my hand, sensing a storm brewing within me. Pain gnawed at my heart as if something was tearing it apart from the inside.

The man before me was the one I had once fallen deeply in love with. Yet, in that moment, it was apparent–his

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condescending gaze, the way he failed to see me as an equal. A woman, unable to match discussions deemed fit for men. But the heart, often blind, only perceived what it desired. I had overlooked Philip’s shortcomings as a partner, fixating on fleeting moments of happiness. Choosing only those fleeting moments as my basis thinking we are both a good match. It took time for me to realize that a fulfilling relationship transcends mere moments

of joy.

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Andreas chuckled and placed a hand on mine. I know he’s about to say something to defend my honor but this is my fight and I don’t want him to protect me when I can handle it.

So I said, “We should not forget, Philip, that I am a Lady in the House Silvana. The only Silvana with the Silvana blood. I was born with politics and I am bound to run the House in the future. It’s rather quite surprising how a Prince would find such topics mundane.” My eyes widened. “Perhaps with all that studying you did when you were younger, you got sick of it altogether. Then, I couldn’t blame you for that, Your Highness. I agree it is rather an unexciting topic.”

Philip looked like he could not believe what I just said. But then before he could say something, a familiar approached us- the Lord Herbert Suan, the brother of Lady Grace Suan.

He elegantly placed his hand on his stomach before bowing to greet both Philip and Andreas. “It is a pleasure to have you grace our home, Your Highness, Sir Andreas,” he addressed them, standing upright as he shifted his attention to me. Extending his hand for me to hold, he leaned in to kiss the back of it, never breaking eye contact. “And Lady Henrietta, I’ve heard so much about you. All remarkable, of course. I was even more impressed when I saw you on that dancefloor.”

As Herbert’s words lingered in the air, I felt a subtle tension. Andreas, though maintaining composure, looked like he did not want the man to be there.

“It’s a grand ball, Herbert,” commented Philip and Herbert smiled politely before thanking the Prince. Then he turned to Andreas. “My dearest sister, Lady Grace Suan is officially debuting today. As her brother, it is my duty to help her choose the suitable man to be in our family.” He grinned and then added. “It is unfortunate, Sir Andreas, that you are engaged. I would have chosen you as my sister’s future husband.”

My brow rose at his statement. Aiden cleared his throat and Andreas….well, I could not read his expression.

“Even as I am not engaged, Lord Herbert, I will decline your invitation, unfortunately.”

My jaw almost dropped. That was rather a direct statement. As much as I wanted to feel bad, it took everything

in me not to burst laughing. Andreas, as if sensing Lord Herbert’s dry smile, went on.

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“The nature of my job would just be torture for the Lady Grace. You wouldn’t want her to be crying all the time as her husband goes away for war.”

But Herbert waved a dismissive hand. “She’s had her eye for you, Sir Andreas. She wouldn’t have minded. However, it is truly unfortunate that you are betrothed to Lady Henrietta.”

This was the first time meeting Lord Herbert but I could already tell I was not going to like him just as much as I

don’t like his sister.

But before I could retort to his statement, a delicate voice made all of us turn in its direction.

Lady Grace Suan stood behind her brother. She shyly stole a glance in Andreas‘ direction and I am not naive enough to not know that what Herbert claimed was true.

“I am glad that you could come, Sir Andreas. I was looking forward to your arrival.” The shy demeanor was gone and she was instantly in front of Andreas, batting her lashes. She did not even bother to spare me a glance or even greet me. Grace is not someone I get along well and she’s showing it in front of everyone. Not that I mind.

But then she extended her hand for Andreas to kiss. My fiance obliged and that’s when I cleared throat that

my took her attention. Her eyes widened, as though she just noticed me standing there right next to Andreas.

“Lady Henrietta! I am so sorry for your loss and I heard the news about the Crown Prince rejecting you for Lady Yvette. That was rather unfortunate.” Her condescending smile disguised as sympathethic made me want to

break something.

Then she turned her flirtatious gaze towards Andreas and said, “Will you dance with me, Sir Andreas?”

Aiden choked on his wine. Lord Herbert was grinning from ear to ear. Philip was looking at me, studying my reaction. But I did not need to pretend that I was not pleased with it. I am genuinely not pleased with Lady Grace asking Andreas for a dance.

I was expecting Andreas would politely decline but to my surprise, he nodded and smiled.

“It would be a pleasure, Lady Grace.”