Had she just heard right. Had the Grand Duke really just called her his fiancée?
Grand Duke Dumain finally let go of her father's hand, who rubbed it in relief. "Why so surprised? I have received a written proposal and have come to accept it. How could I not, with such a lovely young woman."
Celia turned red at the compliment. Her father too, but for a different reason. However, he still tried to control himself. To provoke the Grand Duke was probably too dangerous for him as well. "How about we eat something first and discuss this topic then?"
Her guest nodded in agreement. "A good idea." He turned directly to Celia and held out his arm to guide her into the dining room.
It was a mystery to her how she actually managed to accept it instead of just staring at it in amazement. She noticed how fast her heart was beating when she hesitantly touched his arm. Then he put his hand on hers and gave her a smile. In this moment she could have died in peace without any regrets.
It was only when they were already seated that she realized that the Grand Duke had come back all alone. "Have you not been with Lord Merton this time, Your Grace? The invitation was of course also for him."
"Lord Merton had to excuse himself for this dinner. He's still working on the documents for our business and is therefore dining at the Nox inn, which your maid had recommended to us so warmly." His mocking gaze went to Lora, who narrowed her eyes at him. These two will probably not become friends anytime soon.
"I see, then at least he's well looked after." She would have liked to talk to him a little longer, but since her father spoke up, she preferred to hold back.
"I'm really sorry that I couldn't see you myself. I was also out for business and unfortunately didn't know anything about your visit."
"Oh, don't worry. Your daughter gave us a very special welcome," he replied, and Celia would have loved to sink into the ground. Well, at least he hadn't exposed her in front of her father.
"Did she? Well, I guess her upbringing was probably successful then," he laughed outrageously. As if he actually paid attention to her upbringing. It was almost a miracle that he had found her a teacher at all.
But his audacity even continued. "What kind of deal did you do exactly? You know, I'm always looking for new investments."
Ahhh, so that's where the wind was blowing. Of course, her father knew that any deal the Grand Duke made would be profitable. He wasn't so rich for no reason. A keen mind was part of that good looks.
Her father, on the other hand, had been more fortunate than clever in recent years, which is why his reputation has suffered. The proud count, however, could not possibly allow that, hence probably also the wish ... or rather the obsession to make one of his daughters the next queen.
"I don't think that's your business." The Grand Duke's tone was sharp and even silenced her father. Shortly afterwards, however, he smiled again. "You surely understand that."
"Of course, Your Grace."
"I would much rather talk about the engagement now," her guest changed the subject immediately.
Celia saw the vein on her father's temple throb angrily. "The engagement ... well, as for that matter, I'm afraid there's a bit of a misunderstanding."
+++
"A misunderstanding?" Alek was slowly but surely losing patience with this old fool. Did he really think he could dissuade him from his plan? Just try your luck. You will see where it will get you. Still, he had to be careful to stay calm in front of his fiancée. He didn't have much experience with women, but they usually didn't like to see blood being spilled. A delicate person like Lady Fleuret might even faint at the sight of it.
If it were up to him he would have broken the count's wrist the moment he wanted to hit his daughter. Now he also knew where the injury on her cheek came from. But he could take care of that another time, for now he would play her father's little game.
"My daughter has received a proposal from the Crown Prince and will accept it. I am sure that you will understand," said the Count with a friendly smile and the Grand Duke replied with one as well. "Of course I don't."
"Then everything is ... what was that? But Your Grace!"
Aleks's gaze wandered to his fiancée, who was noticeably uncomfortable. He should put an end to this nonsense as soon as possible. "How can I accept that when I already have the engagement ring?" He took a small box out of his jacket and pushed it over to Lady Fleuret.
She reached for it uncertainly, and even began to tremble under her father's gaze. She opened the box and quickly covered her mouth to hide a small gasp.
"My mother's ring," he told her and she almost dropped the box.
"I can't possibly accept this!" She shouted in shock and her father immediately agreed.
Alek leaned back, shaking his head. "As already said, that is not possible. I had the ring adjusted directly after my visit with you."
Her father should now understand that he really was serious. But he had underestimated the stupidity of the Count. He seemed to want to prevent this marriage at all costs. "I am very sorry for your mother's ring, Your Grace. Without my consent, however, this engagement will not take place."
Alek kept his hand hidden on the armrest, which he held tightly. It was obvious that his daughter did not want to marry the Prince, for her father she was only a means to an end.
But Alek would never leave her to another man just like that. The only person who had the right to reject him was Lady Fleuret herself. Besides, the young woman seemed really clever. It was pretty clear that her father didn't know about his seal on the letter. He could use this trump card against him at some point. "Is that your last word?"
"I fear so, Your Grace."
Alek grinned, almost amused. "If so, I have no choice but to kidnap your daughter."