Claude had once believed that he could keep Canillia all to himself until they entered the palace, vowing to keep anyone from getting close to her. But as soon as they stepped foot into the ballroom, his resolve began to crumble under the siege of threats. People stopped what they were doing and paid their respects to the couple, some even sending flowers. Claude’s fur bristled at the impure gazes of those reveling in their wild dreams.
As they walked through the crowd, Claude was reminded anew of Canillia’s stunning beauty. Even the dozens of chandeliers in the room paled in comparison to her. People naturally cleared a path for them, and Claude strode forward, determined to reach the emperor and Wade at the end of the path.
The emperor’s gaze flickered when it landed on Canillia. The dress she wore was the same one Jasmine had specially prepared for her own debutante ball. The sight of Canillia in that dress brought back a flood of memories of his beloved sister, and the emperor couldn’t help but smile. Just the fact that Jasmine had given Canillia that dress was enough to quell any opposition he had to this marriage.
With a benevolent expression, the emperor gripped the armrest of his throne and extended his hand to the duke. “Your Grace, Duke Ihar,” he said.
“I am honored to meet His Majesty the Emperor,” Claude replied, kneeling down and kissing the emperor’s ring. Canillia followed suit, bending her knee with a stiff and tense posture.
“I am Canillia Vale, the Grand Duke’s fiancée,” she said.
“Vale?” The emperor’s gaze lingered on her, noticing the similarities between her and Jasmine. Canillia possessed Gliad’s eye and hair color, and the emperor couldn’t help but feel a sense of fondness toward her.
“I see,” he said, standing up. Everyone bowed their upper bodies and lowered their gaze.
“Lady Canillia, may I look forward to the Del Casa that you will arrange,” the emperor said, his words met with a burst of applause and cheers.
Lia’s head snapped up in surprise, and Claude kissed the emperor’s ring once again with a strange expression on his face.
“Lia!” Rosina dashed towards Lia and embraced her tightly, overjoyed at seeing her. Lia’s voice, however, was rigid and unwelcoming. Seeing the reason for Lia’s coldness, Rosina gave Claude a sharp look and pressed her lips together.
“Is it about the letter?”
“It won’t be easily forgiven, Your Highness,” replied Claude.
“Did you have a quarrel?”
“Thanks to the letter, we did.”
“Oh dear.”
Confused by their cryptic exchange, Canillia pushed away the princess, who was clinging to her. With a fierce glare, she demanded an explanation.
“Have you nothing to say?”
“Lia,” Rosina began.
“I’d like to think that you did it for my sake,” Lia said.
“Of course, I… I mean, I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you.” Flustered, Rosina was at a loss for words.
Lia hugged Rosina’s shoulders tightly, as if on the verge of tears. “Thank you, Your Highness,” she said, and Rosina relaxed, embracing Lia’s back with a look of relief.
As Wade looked on, he gestured and the orchestra’s sweet melodies filled the hall once more. The ball had recommenced, and the nobles who had paused in their revelry now resumed dancing with elegant grace.
“I followed my convictions, even though I knew how deeply it would wound you. I am sorry. Truly, I am sorry,” Rosina confessed. Lia nodded slightly, a small smile playing at her lips. Her past anguish was now a distant memory.
“Well then, would you care to dance with me?” Claude extended his hand between the two.
“Of course,” Lia replied, her nerves tingling like the first time she had attended a ball. Dancing with the man she loved made this day unforgettable, akin to her own debutante ball.
They stood in the center of the room, surrounded by the glittering chandeliers, greeting each other before moving to the rhythm. They twirled around, their fingertips within reach, sometimes moving away only to return, as if on the brink of a kiss.
Each time they did, Lia recalled the woman from long ago who had gazed enviously at such couples—a woman garbed in men’s clothing, smiling wistfully from afar, hoping for a chance to dance with a partner like this.
The memory of that day filled her heart, swelling with longing to be like those women, even if for a fleeting moment. Their tender glances were more precious than any jewel, and the intimacy of their movements sent tremors through Lia’s heart.
With a gentle tug of his pinky finger, Claude drew Lia towards him, enveloping her waist with his arms before pressing his lips deeply to hers. As they parted, he whispered softly, “I love you,” and Lia found herself overcome with emotion, tears spilling down her cheeks for no apparent reason other than pure, unadulterated love.
***
Prince Wade was the second to request a dance, followed by Kieran. The other men who had hoped to sway with Lia were left disappointed, thwarted by the formidable walls of Claude and Kieran.
Despite their best efforts to win her favor with flowers and flattery, these suitors could only watch in longing as the high walls surrounding Canillia kept them at bay. And it wasn’t just the men who felt the sting of rejection; even the ladies and noblewomen who had hoped to seize their moment in the spotlight returned to their mothers’ arms without a word, denied their chance to shine.
What was most interesting, however, was the reaction of the young ladies who had long admired Canillia from afar. With vain expressions on their faces, they sat down in denial of the reality before them, feeling as if they had been betrayed by their own lovers.
As the three-day-long ball came to a close, the people were treated to a dazzling fireworks display.
“Quickly,” Canillia exclaimed, tugging Claude’s hand with a bright smile on her face. They dashed up the narrow staircase, her heart pounding with excitement. In the distance, fireworks lit up the night sky with a loud boom, urging her to hurry even more.
At last, they arrived on the top floor and opened the door to the Secret Room. Blue fireworks burst like a giant flower through the window, illuminating the room with a dazzling glow.
Lia let go of Claude’s hand and approached the window, captivated by the colorful display. She turned to him, and he pressed his lips against her neck, sending shivers down her spine. His arms enveloped her trembling waist as he licked the sweat from her neck and smiled.
“Do you remember?” he whispered, his breath hot against her skin.
She tried to remain calm but could feel her face flushing at his touch. “How could I forget? You said it here, that it doesn’t matter if it’s a beast or a man…”
“That was the first time I kissed you,” he interrupted with a nonchalant tone.
Her coy smile betrayed her embarrassment as she replied, “And then you told me to forget about it. That it was a mistake.”
“I thought I was going to die on the battlefield. Revenge was everything, for honor… but that changed because of you, Canillia. You gave me a reason to live, to see you again.”
Her heart sank at the thought of him risking his life in battle, and tears welled up in her eyes as she turned away.
Claude let out a soft sigh and kissed her wet eyes. “You saved me, Lia. You…” The warmth of his hand against her cheek sent a thrill through her, and the Secret Room became a place of secrets, both warm and exciting.