“Is it a dress I have to wear at the ball?” she asked.
Rosina nodded like it was obvious.
“As you know, the goal of this ball was very disappointing and impure. Honestly, it troubles me. Because I feel like my future mother-in-law is lowering the standards.”
Canillia picked up a diamond necklace in front of her. Rosina was looking at it earlier.
Even at a glance, it was a necklace with the utmost quality diamond—a diamond that made her teeth tremble.
“But I don’t want to be revealed like this. Just because I’m wearing men’s clothes doesn’t mean I’m an actual man.”
“Lia… Don’t wear it for yourself, but for Grand Duke. For a noble to have a rumour saying he’s gay… I know how detrimental it is.”
“For Grand Duke…?”
“Were you thinking of looking like a man the entire life?” Rosina raised her eyebrow.
Canillia shook her head, “No.”
“I’m not sure if you’re aware, but the grand duke is part of the royal family and the second in line for succession. If something goes wrong with Wade, Grand Duke Ihar will naturally take that position. But there was a rumor of him having an affair with a man and Marchioness Vale is hosting a ball coincidentally. With all the nobles in the capital. I can see her intention… Can’t you?”
There was nothing wrong about what Rosina said. Canillia also had to calm her anger several times as the grand duke was becoming known as a man lover. If that was the opposition’s cheap way…
“I hope it fits you well. Tell me everything I can do. Lia, you’re basically like my sister now.”
“Thank you…”
The Princess patted Lia’s pondering head and left. Rosina filled in the void of the prince’s spot for three years, so there were still many places that required her assistance.
Lia had some caramel. Then she stared at the dress in the closet for a long time.
The room dimmed as the sun gradually set. She slowly lit the candles around the room and added firewood to the fireplace. Then stared at the dress again.
She was touching the lace and imagined herself wearing it. She couldn’t help but chuckle. It was weird. She wore a dress according to Rosina’s taste before but it wasn’t to show off to anyone. It was like a secret hobby.
But to wear it in front of Claude?
Her face flared up. She slapped her cheek with her cold hands and turned around.
Someone had walked in.
Canillia slowly looked up. Claude was leaning against the door and stared at her.
Her breathing stopped. The servant that followed put down the plate full of food down and left. Then Canillia let out a deep sigh.
“You surprised me.”
“Try it on,” said Claude.
“Pardon?”
“That, try it. I want to see it.”
His face was red. It looked like he was a bit tipsy.
Canillia came to Claude and naturally tiptoed. As she smelled his lips, she could smell the alcohol.
“Are you drunk?”
As she smiled playfully, he wrapped his hand around her waist, bit the tip of her nose and shook his head.
“I’m not drunk. So try it. That dress… I want to see it, Canillia.”
Claude was definitely drunk.
He kissed Lia’s cheek again and sat on the sofa. Out of all the food that the servant brought, with all kinds of fruit, bread and turkey, it was chocolate covered strawberry he picked.
“Ian brought this from Geore. They could apparently have strawberries in the middle of winter. I can’t tell if they’re weird or smart.”
He spread his arms on the back of the sofa after putting the strawberry in his mouth. She could see the arrogance he had since his birth as he never had to lower his head to anyone.
Lia was scared of his power but also loved his softness within that power.
It was foolish pride for her to let him have all kinds of rumors circling around him just because of her.
“Don’t make fun of me even if it doesn’t fit me well.”
Canillia sighed and took her jacket off while staring right into Claude. As she opened the buttons to her cravat and shirt, he was staring right into her body. His deep blue eyes became even deeper.
She took off her pants and sox garter, and the sox. The only thing left the shirt that was bigger than her body.
Lia turned away from him, took her shirt off and took out the dress.
She was more mindful of him staring than being naked. Her pale skin showed the bruises even clearer today.
Lia felt her heart pounding like crazy as she put herself into the dress.
She felt him standing up. As she looked up, she could see the reflection of a man who was approaching her fast while not taking his eyes off of her.
As she took a deep breath, his hands leaned against the mirror in front of her. His hands were shaking.
“Ha, damn it…”
Hot breaths landed on her stiff nervous neck. Soon his teeth dug into her skin and his hand cupped her bre*st.
“Canillia.”
His heat swallowed her instantly.