Chapter 28

Chapter 28

ANDREAS

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Lady Grace, true to Aiden’s warning, is accustomed to having her desires fulfilled. Her triumphant smile adorned her face as we made our way towards the dance floor.

Undoubtedly, most of the bachelors at this ball would vie for the opportunity to dance with her or present themselves as potential suitors.

“You look dashing, Sir Andreas. One would think you’re not a warrior with how good you dance,” she remarked

and I peered down on her.

“Thank you, Lady Grace. You look marvelous as well,” I said, reciprocating the compliment. A blush stained her cheeks as she looked down, clearing her throat.

“I’ve spent weeks preparing since my brother and father informed me of your attendance,” she admitted shyly. “I’m delighted that you appreciate it.” We exchanged smiles as we gracefully moved across the dance floor.

While some guests danced, others engaged in conversation over drinks. It was only a matter of time before eligible bachelors approached Lady Grace for a dance. I need to hurry and glean the information I need.

“Your father, the Lord Alfred, must have prepared much for this too. Considering this is his only daughter’s

debut.”

“Your father, Lord Alfred, must have made extensive preparations for your debut, being his only daughter,” I commented, attempting to steer the conversation.

She frowned slightly and sighed. “I’ve been urging him to host my debut sooner, but alas, my age was not suitable. Frankly, Sir Andreas, I was frustrated. If only I were a bit older, I would have asked my father to have your as my husband. That is, if you agree, of course.” Her awkward laugh followed after.

I tried to school my expression into surprise and responded with a flattered smile.

“Why must a lovely lady like you want to marry a warrior? One of your stature should marry a nobleman.”

She shook her head. “I care not for social standings, Sir Andreas. It matters not as long as it is you. I wouldn’t mind even if you were a merchant,” she confessed, fighting off embarrassment.

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“And besides, you’re not just any warrior. You’re the most formidable one. I would feel incredibly safe with you as my husband. News about the attack that happened recently frightened me so much. It would be a relief to have someone as remarkable as you by one’s side.” She looked up at me. “Lady Henrietta is one lucky woman.”

“Lady Grace, you must realize the age difference between us–”

“I am of the right age now, Sir Andreas.”

“And I am engaged, as you are well aware.” Her face darkened.

“Why Lady Henrietta? She has nothing now that her father’s gone-“I interrupted her, placing a finger on her lips. Her eyes widened, her face turning crimson. I know of her attraction towards me and I am using it to my advantage. While it concerned me how easily she could be swayed by manipulation, my focus was on extracting the information I needed.

“Let’s not discuss other matters. Tell me about yourself, Lady Grace,” I said, lowering my hand to her waist, and guiding her to move as the music quickened.

The sadness lingered on her face as she stared at me, wonder evident on her face. “I fail to see the point in sharing more about myself when you’re already promised to another, Sir Andreas. Unless you intend to break off your engagement with Lady Henrietta and propose to me instead.”

On second thought, she is more resilient than I thought.

“It’s wise to build good connections. You never know when you’ll need my assistance, Lady Grace.”

“Or when you might need mine,” she replied with a feline smile.

“Precisely.”

She gazed at me for a long while before sighing. “But what do you want to know about me?”

Not about you, I thought. I sought information about her family’s involvement in the vampire surge in the

Kingdom.

“Just about you in general, your troubles, your preferences,” I continued, and a smile graced her lips.

“Well, I enjoy tea ceremonies. I once invited Lady Henrietta for a tea party, but…it did not go well. Lady Yvette, on the other hand, was easier to get along with.”

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I nodded, understanding Henrietta’s sour at the mention of Lady Grace’s name back at the carriage. Something happened between them.

“I’ve been hosting tea parties frequently, and she hasn’t been invited. I mean no disrespect to your fiancée-”

“Of course. Her affairs are no concerns of mine.”

A curious expression crossed her eyes, and I added, “Nor do mine concern her.”

“That’s a rather strange setting considering you are about to wed.”

“As you are aware, we were merely arranged to wed. There are no…feelings behind our arrangement.”

A smile curved her lips, but before she could say something, I made her twirl on her feet, nearly eliciting a yelp. Her giggle followed afterward as we glided across the dance floor once again.

“It gets lonely in this house, especially when my father and brother are mostly away.” She frowned. “Tea parties. are my way of coping with loneliness.”

“Well, your father and brother trade gems. It’s understandable with the nature of their work.”

She rolled her eyes and let out a bitter laugh. “I do not know if I should be saying this, but I think the business is

failing.”

“What do you mean?”

They’re not trading as much in Veridia anymore. I think they’re attempting to revive the business, but with little success,” she confessed, looking at me. Seeing sympathy in my gaze, she continued, “That’s why they wanted me to marry. A union with a prominent family could save the business.” A bitter chuckle. “Or at–least that’s what they thought.”

I nodded. “Then hearing you say it to me means you have accepted the fact that you and I can’t wed. There is no way your marriage to me would revive your family’s business.”

The song had neared its end, and a touch of sadness lingered in her gaze as she looked at me.

“I meant it when I told you I would marry you even if you were a merchant, Sir Andreas. Even if it would mean sacrificing my wealth.”

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This time, my smile was genuine. The music concluded, and we locked eyes. Despite her youth, Lady Grace already carried the weight of responsibility on her shoulders. I could say the same for Henrietta.

“You’ll find a worthy man, Lady Grace. Not just a man to save your business but a man you’ll love as well,” I said as I stepped back. She smiled before giving a polite bow.

“It was a pleasure, Sir Andreas.”

As expected, a suitor approached her for a dance the moment I stepped away. I turned to Aiden, only to discover

Henrietta missing.

“Where is Henrietta?”

Aiden looked at me and then jerked his chin to where Henrietta was. Herbert was standing next to her, his hand comfortably resting on her waist. Looking at Henrietta, she does not seem to mind the touch. It looked like Herbert was introducing her to his peers who looked at Henrietta like hungry vultures.

“It appears you have competition. And you’re already engaged. Imagine the competition if you weren’t.”

The thought made me want to throttle him as his words fueled a surge of frustration within me.

An unfamiliar and unpleasant feeling rose in me as I continued to watch Henrietta covering her mouth as she laughed at whatever Herbert was talking about. What could he be saying to her for her to laugh like that?

As much as I wanted to go over where they stood and whisk her away, I had a task to do– more important things that needed my attention.

“Keep an eye on her. I am heading to the second story.”

Aiden gave me a serious look. “You confirmed it?”

I nodded. “We’re dealing with this tonight.”

Aiden nodded, and I turned, making my way towards the grand staircase.

I did not dare look back in Henrietta’s direction. Because if I did, I feared I might not be able to resist the impulse

to take her hand and kiss her in front of everyone to let them know who she is to me.