Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 306. Fair Trade VII
"Your Majesty," Lady Belle's voice cut through Angel's thoughts, bringing him back to the present. Her tone was soft but carried an edge of urgency.
Angel shifted his gaze to Lady Belle, his expression once again becoming the stony mask he often wore in court. He noticed a tray of sweets and tea on the table beside them, likely placed there by his attendants earlier. Attempting to lighten the mood, he gestured towards the table. "Would you care for some sweets, or perhaps some tea?" he offered politely.
Lady Belle glanced at the table, her eyes briefly scanning the assortment of delicacies. Under different circumstances, she might have enjoyed them, but now, her appetite was gone. The realization that Angel's interest was purely in the bracelet and not in her hit her harder than she had expected. The sweets, once appealing, now seemed uninteresting.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, but I must decline," she replied with a forced smile. "I appreciate the offer, but I should be going."
Angel studied her for a moment, noting the subtle shift in her demeanor. She had become more reserved, the light in her eyes dimming slightly. It was clear that she had come to a conclusion about his intentions, and it brought her disappointment. He could see it in the way her shoulders slumped ever so slightly, in the faint tightness around her mouth.
Angel tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing as he studied Lady Belle. "Is the necklace not enough for you? Do you feel it's not worth the bracelet?"
Lady Belle's eyes widened, and she quickly shook her head. "No, Your Majesty, that's more than I could have hoped for," she replied earnestly. She was genuinely grateful for the necklace, but Angel's intense interest in the bracelet left her confused and a bit uneasy. She didn't want to pry, yet the curiosity gnawed at her.
Angel watched her and could see the conflict in her eyes. She was trying to understand his motives but was hesitant to ask outright. He appreciated her discretion but knew that leaving her in the dark might not be fair. He had his reasons for investigating the bracelet, but he wasn't ready to reveal them just yet. There were too many unknowns, too many risks if the bracelet held any hidden dangers.
Lady Belle, sensing his reluctance, decided to offer her assistance. If there was something important about the bracelet, she wanted to help. "Your Majesty, if you have any other questions about the bracelet, please come to me. I will tell you with pleasure."
Angel nodded, his expression softening a fraction. "I will," he promised.
Lady Belle felt a mixture of relief and disappointment. She had hoped for a more personal connection with Angel, but she also understood that his duties and responsibilities often took precedence.
Lady Belle took a deep breath, trying to steady the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her. She had to maintain her composure, even though her heart felt heavy with unspoken questions and unresolved feelings. "Your Majesty, I must go home now. It's getting late," she said softly, her voice steady despite the turmoil within.
Angel nodded, his expression neutral but his eyes showing a flicker of understanding. "I hope you have a safe journey," he said, his tone sincere.
Lady Belle stood up, smoothing her dress as she prepared to leave. She offered a deep bow, her form graceful and respectful. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she said, her voice laced with a mixture of gratitude and lingering sadness.
Angel replied with a nod, watching her closely. He could see the conflict in her eyes, the way she struggled to balance her emotions. "Good night, Lady Belle," he said softly, hoping his words provided some small comfort.
Lady Belle walked out of the room. Her mind was a storm of thoughts. She had come here with hopes of a deeper connection, but instead, she found herself entangled in a mystery. The bracelet, once a simple trinket of sentimental value, had become a focal point for something much larger and more significant. She couldn't shake the feeling that it was the key to something important, something that had caught Angel's serious attention.
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