"I greet the Grand Duke" Sebastian bowed, still not letting go of his sister's hand. Nobody was informed that he would show up yet he walked into the event like he was the most important person there. No, he was. He held the highest rank in the kingdom, only second to the King.
He ignored Sebastian's greeting and stretched his hand to Natalia. Even in her confusion, she knew what to do. She squeezed Sebastian's hand gently and he let go, letting her take her husband's outstretched hand. He held it gently, as opposed to the other times he held her and together, they walked to greet the organizers of the event.
"We greet the Grand Duke" Count Selene and his wife greeted. They just happened to be beside the princesses who greeted him too but were replied with a cold, detached greeting. He had absolutely no desire to socialize, making the air there awkwardly frigid. The pressure was on Natalia, who could do nothing but silently stay by his side.
"Your grace, I wish to introduce you to the Saintess Candidate, Lady Adelie Grayson. She's the hero who saved the kingdom from the epidemic in the north" Count Selene said, bringing Adelie to greet the Duke. After she greeted the Duke, the two stared each other in the eyes for what seemed like a lng period of time. The tension was so tangible that one could cut it with a knife.
As far as Natalia knew, the two interracted quite well in her past life. She was the one who cured him of his curse after becoming saintess and both of them proceeded to make her life miserable. So why did it look like they hated each other and felt uncomfortable in each other's presence? It could be that they united under one cause, to defeat one enemy.
"There are a lot more guests to introduce to his grace. Why don't you do the honors, Count Selene?" Natalia cut in.
"Of course. Right this way, your grace"
Fredrich finally let go of Natalia's hand and followed Count Selene obediently. Natalia heaved a sigh of relief, locking eyes with Countess Selene.
"You are quite loved by his grace. He normally wouldn't show up for events like this but he came here and immediately went for you"
Natalia knew that if Alana was present, he would've gone straight for her but since the red haired princess seemed to not be at the party, he finally recognized that he had a wife. Not that it mattered to Natalia. As long as society was convinced that she was a cherished wife, then she had no other problems. His presence was surprising but it was dealt with well.
"His grace is a very kind person" Natalia smiled.
"Natalia, I've known you for a long time. I know almost everything there is to know about you, especially when you're being distant and polite. But I also know that you don't appreciate pity and you wouldn't want to lean on others. But, if there ever comes the time that you need my help, please do not hesitate to reach out to me"
"I will bear that in mind kindly, Aunt Chloe"
"Now that's a genuine smile. Everyone here is aching for gossip. I don't need to tell you what you must do, right?"
"Of course not" Natalia said, straightening her back. She went in to mix with the nobles, singing the praises of the Grand Duke and stopping the first princess and her brother from engaging in an all out brawl. While the princess was convinced her brother secretly loved her, Sebastian was a man that was perhaps prouder than Fredrich, with standards higher than the sky that would rather die than be with someone he hated.
"You have to stop causing so much trouble, Sebastian. If that little pest goes back to cry to her father, he'll cause too much trouble for the family"
"It's not my fault, tell her to leave me alone!"
"When we see her majesty, I'll suggest something to keep the princesses busy. That's the most I can do. Is that okay?"
"I knew it. My sister is the best~" Sebastian grinned, hugging her.
"So, why did that bastard suddenly show up here?"
"I don't know too. He didn't say a single word to me but he willingly followed Count Selene to meet the other nobles. Count Selene's guest list is often filled with powerful, high ranking nobles so its the best place to socialize. If I'm not wrong, he's trying to build a place in society. Perhaps that's why he didn't shun me today and he's acting so cordial"
"I guess even gods like Kristens have to step down from their throne sometimes to meet us humble humans"
Natalia chuckled, handing him a dessert she saved for him. His giddiness was childlike as he ate it whole, his eyes shinning for more. She pointed at the dessert table and they made their way towards it. This time, they got to eat unhindered, singing the praises of the patisserie of house Selene. The party eventually reached its conclusion and Natalia had forgotten her husband was around, preparing to leave with her brother when he intercepted her path. He stretched his hand out once more and this time, she was hestitant to take it. It probably meant he wanted her to go back with him and once she did, he would continue to abuse her. The time of safety she had was too short.
However, if she didn't take his hand, she would have to return to him sooner or later. There was no true escape from him. Shakily, she took his hand while smiling on the outside. His touch was cold and light, like he was too digusted to make actual contact with her. It made her feel relieved since it meant she didn't feel his touch or presence at all.
Surprisingly, the carriage they went in followed her brother's cariage. That only meant one thing; he was going to visit her parents. Even though the conclusion was clear, she didn't ask anything, afraid to even meet his gaze.
"Your silence is always vexing but I do not wish to hear your voice either"
"I apologize, your grace"
"It's been three months yet you haven't produced an heir. Are you that useless?"
Natalia felt chills travel through her entire body. In his memory, they've only slept together once and in her past life, that was enough to produce an heir since that was how virile the Kristen men were. If he felt it wasn't enough, he might try to do it again.
"I apologize, your grace"
"What was I expecting from an Adamantine? Well, I guess you're not totally useless since I haven't receieved a summons from your father or the king. It's reassuring to know you're good for one thing. Were you expecting me to reward you for doing your duties?"
"I have no such impure intentions, your grace"
Her answers were polite and her appearance demure but there was just something about her that ticked him off. It wasn't enough for him that she was so frightened and so gentle. He wanted more. He wanted to humiliate her.