Reyes Manor's ballroom was illuminated with countless lights, and this time Lydia was not hiding in a dark corner but was directly in the most visible spot. Ignoring the numerous gazes upon her, she sipped her cocktail with an expressionless face.
Although the orchestra was getting ready for the dance music, the princess, unlike usual, had not yet made her entrance into the hall.
Lydia, who had been forced to attend this ball solely because of her meeting request, would wait for the princess no matter how late she was.
She watched with her usual cold and calm expression as Amelia Cameron came towards him from the entrance of the hall in her striking purple dress. Although the color and decorations of her dress seemed quite arrogant, this effect was diminishing with Amelia's childish excitement.
"Your expression is so cold that I feel cold!"
Lydia smiled slightly at the corner of her lips to appear polite.
"I apologize, my lady, I was unaware."
"No need to apologize. I agree with you."
Amelia diverted her gaze from Lydia and quickly scanned the surroundings.
"She still hasn't arrived, has she?"
Since Lydia knew exactly who she was referring to, she saw no need to prolong the conversation.
"No, my lady."
At this moment, Damian, who had been chatting with the old bureaucrats in the back, avoiding attracting attention even though he broke his habit and came to the ballroom earlier than usual, showed himself. He looked more serious and mature in his naval uniform.
Before their gazes could meet, Lydia immediately turned her face and direction away from him. Seeing Damian now stirred a strange, pang-like feeling in her heart. She had thought that this time at least, Damian would leave the task of disturbing her peace to the princess.
However, she realized she was mistaken when she heard Damian's approaching footsteps. Unlike Lydia, Amelia expressed her surprise openly.
"I wonder what he's up to again?"
Until she heard Damian's voice directly addressing her, Lydia had preferred to ignore his presence, but her body betrayed her by remembering their last encounters, speeding up her pulse.
"Miss Lockhart, my dear cousin, good evening to both of you."
Before feeling compelled to respond, Lydia had mustered the courage to lift her gaze and look into Damian's eyes. However, there was no tension or anxiety in the green eyes where lively sparkles roamed.
He must have known why the princess was late. Maybe the only reason was that they both wanted to humiliate Lydia together.
Her voice and gaze had become more numb with this thought.
"Good evening to you as well, my lord."
"What do you want, Damian? The dance is about to start."
In response to Amelia's contrary words, one of Damian's most charming smiles appeared on his face.
"That's exactly why I'm here, dear cousin."
As Lydia couldn't help but recall her last dance with Damian, excitement and guilt arose one after the other. She was no longer a child; she knew the effect of feeling a man's power and warmth.
The problem was that this person was Damian.
Still, she maintained her silence under the openly watching gazes since she arrived at the ball.
Unlike her, Amelia didn't have to act dignified.
"Have you lost your mind? How much more do you want Lydia to attract the princess's attention?"
Although Damian momentarily locked eyes with Lydia to gauge her expression, it didn't last long. He responded to his cousin with a pleasant smile.
"You misunderstood me, dear cousin. The person I want to dance with is you."
"Me?"
"Of course. I hope you haven't forgotten how well we practiced together for many years and how harmonious a couple we are. As hosts, it would be appropriate for us to give our guests a good show. What do you say?"
Lydia could see that Amelia's face was in turmoil with these unexpected words. Finally, albeit hesitantly, she placed her hand in Damian's.
"Since we are the hosts..."
Lydia watched as they left her and took their places on the dance floor. She was aware of the self-satisfied and pleased expression in Damian's sidelong glance. Even Amelia, who openly expressed her hostility towards him, had proven that she didn't stand a chance against Damian if he so desired.
Lydia continued to follow the dancing couple with her eyes, taking a new glass from the servant. Damian was right; while dancing with Amelia, their bodies showed a natural harmony. They had captured the admiring looks of all the guests.
Suddenly, Lydia's attention shifted to the newcomer as the doors of the ballroom opened.
The princess had finally arrived.