Chapter 45.1

Claudes gaze travelled to where the ladies were gathered. Marilyn felt the smile freeze on her face as she followed his gaze.

If Wade, who was devoted to Rosina, hadnt stopped, Claude might have walked right past her. He would have walked straight to Canillian Vale.

Her pride stung, and she couldnt help but question herself. Just how much longer do I have to feel second best? But jealousy did not become a lady, and anyways Why did it feel as though she was in compet.i.tion for Claudes affections, and with a man no less?

Marilyn tried to calm her frayed nerves and regain her composure. Wiping all traces of frustration from her face, she stepped in front of Claude and gave him her best smile.

h.e.l.lo, Sir Claude.

Claude nodded at Marilyn, but his features remained neutral.

Its been a while, my lady.

You must have been busy. Its so hard to meet with you, Marilyn said, trying to keep her tone light, despite her hurt.

Golden sunlight streamed through the many arched windows of the great hall, and they stood together in a dappled patch of light.

I have had many things to attend to, my lady.

Marilyn put her arm through Claudes, and he smiled politely as they took a turn around the hall.

Everywhere they went they were followed by the curious eyes of the court. Claude, who only moments before had seemed to be on a collision course with Canillian Vale, now followed her lead. Marilyn felt a thrill at the small victory.

I was worried when I didnt see you at any of the parties after you visited with Prince of Geore. I hope you werent hurt?

Im perfectly fine, as you can see.

Well, that is a relief. We were all quite worried. I was worried.

Each time they pa.s.sed by the long gallery windows their images were reflected to them. The perfect couple. Marilyns mood improved with each view.

Satisfied with their appearance to the court, she switched topics, There has been great debate among my ladies in waiting, but perhaps you can put an end to it, my dear duke. Are the diamonds from the neutral land truly as beautiful as weve heard?

Its my parents who oversee the diamonds. I have little interest in them myself.

Oh my, really? What a shame. I heard they are incomparable in their clarity, and when jewelers place them in an engagement setting, the stones.

Youll have to ask my parents about that, he interrupted.

Marilyn felt her usual composure slipping at his courteous, but disinterested tone, and she found herself speaking faster and faster out of nervousness, until she was babbling like a school maiden.

Is the Duke well? Its just The d.u.c.h.ess invited me and mother to the north. We cannot make the trip now, but we were thinking about visiting before the weather grows hot.

Marilyns smile grew more radiant with every onlooker they pa.s.sed.

No matter what the dukes current mood was, she preened under the stares from the other n.o.bles, proud to walk with her arm through Claudes. That included the glares from the daughter of another family who had also talked of marriage with the duke a few times. They were lower rank than count, a viscount family that grew wealthy through business, rather than through ties to throne. Common money, she thought.

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It seems as though Marchioness Vale cares deeply for Sir Canillian. She coddles him like a protective mother. It seems my concern from earlier was unfounded. I was worried that he was being scolded.

Claudes gaze finally went to the corner at Marilyns statement. There was Canillian, standing quietly like he was the Marchionesss servant. He stifled a yawn and looked as though he was trying hard to hide his boredom amongst the ladies.

Claude smirked at the sight, and just then turned to see that Wade had approached him.

From time to time, the image of Sir Canillian in womens clothing enters my dreams, Wade said playfully, Dear Rosina, I must say that if Sir Canillian was a lady, then you might not be the flower of the Empire.

Wade turned to Rosina as he spoke, and with her arm around Kierans she covered her mouth and laughed.

Then I should be so lucky that hes a man, Rosina said.

Do not underestimate a mans beauty. In the animal kingdom, the male is more likely to be beautiful and fancy.

Humans are not animals, Wade.

Rosina spoke as she tightened her grip on Kieran. Kieran kissed the back of Rosinas hand and wrapped his arm around Rosinas waist.

Thats correct, Princess.

Kieran responded to Rosina but kept looking over at Canillian. He seemed worried and scowled in that direction whenever the ladies laughed loudly.

Rosina spoke as she was looking around, and then pointed. Is that Sir Tholin, over there?

Tholin stood where the princess pointed. The young count had been staring in Canillians direction, and as they looked on, he approached Canillian with flushed cheeks and anxiously clenched fists. Unlike Canillian who was frowning, the young count was blus.h.i.+ng and smiling as though he was in the presence of a lady.

That moment, the expression on the faces of the men near Wade all went grey. Everyone blankly stared.

Oh my. This cant be, right? Marilyn spoke in a hushed tone and observed Claudes face, but he only shrugged and smiled casually.

The young Count that approached and talked to Canillian turned around, apparently discouraged by Anastasias reaction. From the groups vantage point across the room, it appeared as though he had asked Canillian to speak with him, but the Marchioness stepped in and refused his request.

Kierans face grew stern as he watched the interaction between his mother and brother.

It was Claude who finally broke the groups silence.

My lady, if youll excuse me, I have to meet someone for the northern region business. Will you join us, Your Highness?

He politely took Marilyns hand off his arm.

Oh my, is there something wrong?

Its regarding family business.

His tone was soft, but Marilyn felt the hardness of his rejection. Again, Claudes behaviour indicated that he did not value her presence, and that he did not plan to ask for her hand. The engagement had been pushed back several times now, and each time the dukes family put the engagement off, Marilyn felt the sting of humiliation.

Her only consolation was that the young Duke seemed even colder and less interested in the other women of the court. She felt confident that given enough time he would propose to her, and they would marry.