Lumielle didn't realize how jarring it would be seeing Allard in front of her. Her composure had slipped as Allard tilted his head, "Are you alright, Princess?" he asked. It seemed he had realized that she was not acting normally. He seemed so innocent it made her stomach churn.
Asterias cut in, "She probably is hungry. You haven't eaten all day, have you? I know how strenuous it must be preparing for a ball. All of you ladies must have been up at dawn. Though, I can't say that it's a shame as for all of you look beautiful." He smiled and the ladies gushed warmly at his response. Indeed, he was the perfect charm speaker as Asterias laughed. His hand still held her own as Lumielle felt her own heart rate calm down.
"Thank you for your concern, but I'm alright," Lumielle said politely as Allard nodded.
Allard paused, "If you would like, would you like a refreshment?"
It was mere manners as Lumielle nodded, "That would be appreciated." She gave him a smile. How long had it been since the two of them had a normal conversation not filled with hostility? Lumielle wondered what she had done wrong. She had given him attention and love; she had done her best to support him. Then again, it was probably desperate. She needed him to love her back and validate her.
Asterias gently tugged on her hand catching her attention as Allard left to retrieve a drink, "If you ladies don't mind, I would like to talk to the Imperial Princess."
Vera quickly interceded before any of the other ladies could, "Of course! Mielle, we can talk later!" It was a sweet smile given to her and Lumielle gave a polite nod and curtsied.
"Mielle?" Asterias inquired as he guided her to the other side of the room.
Lumielle gave him a fake smile, "A nickname that Vera uses for me."
"You call me Rias, but I can't even call you by your name? Princess, you're too cruel." He placed a hand on his heart as if to accentuate the fact that she had wounded him somehow.
Lumielle felt the urge to hit him; "You were the one who told me to call you Rias."
"Really?" Asterias asked teasingly as Lumielle's eyes gazed at the crowd. She had been curious as to whether or not Cosette would be attending. She had heard very little about the daughter of De Saude. Apparently, due to her father's waning health, she was by his side. The young girl never came to events and people were sympathetic towards her. Her line of vision was quickly interceded by Asterias who stood in front of her.
Lumielle sighed, "Did you need something?"
"It seemed like you were the one that needed something," the white-haired male purred out with a smile, "Looking for Sir. Allard?"
"No," Lumielle said her response curt, "I was wondering if someone would be attending tonight but I suppose they won't be gracing us with their presence."
Asterias's gaze felt heavy for a moment. It was times like these she wondered if his laid-back personality was just a ruse. "Who?" he inquired as Lumielle's eyes met Allard's once more and the male walked towards them.
The glass was filled with a pink liquid. It looked appetizing as Asterias turned around greeting the other Grand Duke with a smile, "Allard," he spoke as the male extended his hand to pass Lumielle a drink. She took it with a bow of her head showing her gratitude.
"I didn't realize that you and the Princess had such a good relationship," Allard said. He didn't smile. Even in his youth, he had been staunch and cold. What a pain. Indeed, she would admit that Allard was handsome but other than that, he had never been anything more than a bother to her.
Asterias responded back, "By what do you mean?" He had a smile on his face but his words were quite sharp and Lumielle had to resist the urge to smile. "Am I not allowed to befriend others?"
Allard hid his annoyance well, "There was no harm in that statement, Asterias."
"I know," the white-haired son of the Grand Duke said with a slight grin on his face. He was quite good at words. She wondered on what terms the two of them were on. They didn't address each other formally but they didn't seem to be friendly. Perhaps, it was because they were of the same status.
Lumielle quickly spoke, "I didn't expect to see both heirs to the Grand Duchy tonight. It must have been my luck." She gave Allard a pleasant smile as Asterias sunk back to her side leaning against the wall. He did look gorgeous. He was wearing a white military uniform—his fair tresses standing making him look almost ethereal. Bright blue eyes didn't ever leave Lumielle's form. Meanwhile, Allard also had a similar outfit but the clash between his dark hair and eyes made him look all the more charming.
"Is the daughter of Duke De Saude not in attendance?" Lumielle asked finally able to ask the inquiry that had been pressing down on her.
Allard shook his head, "The Duke's health has been declining, and apparently, she's been taking care of her father. She doesn't wish to part from her side."
Lumielle took a sip of her drink, "I see. I'm sure we can all sympathize for we all do the same for our fathers." It was a comment that underhandedly struck at Cosette—her dedication was nothing special, all of them would have done the same.
"Though it would be a shame if the Princess didn't attend any events," Asterias said, his words were melodic, "After all, your beauty should be shared with everyone else."
Lumielle wanted to smack that oleaginous smirk off of his face. "I thank Sir. Asterias for his compliments," she responded kindly as he chuckled.
Allard looked surprised and somewhat caught off guard by Asterias's words, "I agree, the Princess is indeed quite beautiful."
How she had longed to hear those words in her first life. Now, they felt acrid. It was bitter. Her tongue felt parched and she wanted nothing more than to scream. Control her anger. Now was not the time. This man would inevitably fall for Cosette and there was nothing she could do about it. Lumielle didn't wish to concern herself with Allard in this life—she wanted to destroy his position in the Duchy but she didn't want to actually converse with him.
"I thank you for your kind words, I am honored that you think of me in such a way," Lumielle said bowing her head.
Lumielle was nervous that perhaps, her dedication to him was indeed love. Alas, it was not. She could rest easy for the only taste her heart seemed to sing was acrid. It was bitter.