It took three days. Three days for Ember to be able to go out again, demanded by Barrett. And though, she never intended to contend with his demands as she needed some space.
After that dreadful thing she witnessed at the alleyway that night, she could never dare attempt a step back there a day after.
However, she did two nights later.
Well, it was an art exhibition this time, and it was in the Duke of Belmont House again.
She almost declined the offer. Almost.
But, they'd suspect it was because of what had happened at the alleyway two nights back and go back to hesitating that she stayed back with Grace.
She didn't want to stay back. Even with Grace.
Edward revealing Barrett's speculation did a number on her that she even began to suspect Grace might be the vampire. So, she didn't want to be out of her brothers' sight.
Leaving her with only one dreadful option - meet the Duke again.
His words still rang in her ears like the church bells. Invading her thoughts and clouding her head.
She supposed she should be excited. The Duke, who she'd had her eyes on all along, had finally looked her way. Not to mention, he said he was obsessed with her. He was a bachelor. They could be a perfect match. But, she already had one.
Her father had requested her engagement to Bryne, and she had to honor it. And, it was also what her brothers wanted. She couldn't dare disregard them.
Therefore, the chapter on the Duke should be closed. Sealed. Stamped.
But, is that what the Duke wanted?
In the alleyway that night, he had sounded desperate, and although his threats to have Bryne beheaded were empty - or so Ember thought - he had mentioned Viscount Bryne with disdain in his gaze.
How could he despise someone so much for merely being engaged to Ember?
She had hoped for a break at the exhibition of past artist works that the Duke had hosted in his house, and she was delighted when she caught a glimpse of Lauren.
The guests were twice the number of the ones at the gathering two nights back, and it was held on a hot afternoon - due to the strict curfew implicated as a result of the attack two nights back. So, the possibilities that the Duke would find her again, take her to the alleyway, and profess his undying love for her in broad daylight were slim.
"Lauren!"
Ember immediately called out when she was within her reach, wrapping her tightly in an embrace.
Barrett and Edward stood only a few steps away from her as they watched the two friends cling to each other.
"Goodness Ember, how have you grown thin?"
Lauren said the minute they pulled away.
"I simply lack my friend's presence, that's why I grew thin."
Ember responded in sarcasm. And, they both chuckled. Lauren's gaze suddenly settles on her brothers behind her.
"My Lords."
She greeted, bopping her head in courtesy. They returned the gesture.
"Your brothers are back in town. Lucky you, it seems like they are here to get you a suitor since you've been too slow about it."
Lauren remarked playfully in a whisper, eyeing Edward and Barrett, who found an art on display close to Ember to busy themselves with.
"N-no. I'm engaged already, Lauren."
Lauren stifled a gasp.
"W-who?"
"Viscount Bryne."
"What?!"
Now, Lauren could barely contain her gasp of shock, causing a few heads to turn towards her.
"You bagged a Viscount! Look at you!"
Ember tried to hide her cheeks, getting rosy. Then, she remembered the occurrence with the Duke two nights back in the alleyway, and her slight smile disappeared.
"Lauren, I have to tell you something."
Ember announced, gazing anxiously at her brothers who had delighted themselves in observing an art behind her.
"What's that?"
"We need to leave here. We need a private place."
Lauren had a slight frown on her face before throwing her gaze around to find a perfect spot for whatever secret Ember had to spill.
She spotted the tallest board in the room containing a painting from a famous artist. Nobody lingered before the art, and if they perched behind the board, they would hardly be noticed.
"My Lords, can you excuse Ember and me?"
Edward and Barrett both jerked their heads towards them, quirking their brows in disapproval.
"Well, she tells me she has a problem with her undergarment, so I was hoping I would help her fix it by the corner. Just there."
She pointed at the huge, hovering board. Edward and Barrett both cleared their throats and immediately, they gave an approval nod; Lauren captured Ember's wrist and dragged her along.
"So, spill away."
Lauren said immediately they were perched behind the board, out of sight of everyone.
"It's the Duke."
"He kissed you?"
"No!"
"Well, I was hoping he would when he called you to the garden at the marshall ball."
Ember almost cracked a smile at her friend. She always screamed her support at anything she did, whether good or bad. She couldn't love her less.
"Well, he did confess. He said he is obsessed with me."
Lauren's lips parted in shock.
"Girl! This is incredible! You had few to zero guys lining up as your suitors back in those days, and now, you have a Duke and a Viscount extending proposals! Good for you, dearest!"
Ember shushed her, gazing around to see if she got anyone's attention. Frankly, it was impossible. They were in a corner, out of everyone's sight.
"The Duke did not extend any proposal. He just confessed. And, he said something about framing the Viscount for treason if I don't call off my engagement."
Lauren slapped a palm against her mouth, stopping her scream of excitement.
"You don't suppose he was serious with that threat, no?"
Lauren blinked and cleared her throat after recovering.
"No. The Duke would never do something as such. He is just angry and jealous! The Duke is jealous that you are getting married!"
"Lauren, there is absolutely nothing to be excited about! I'm already engaged with Viscount Bryne. It's the Duke I worry about."
Lauren frowned.
"Why? Why do you worry about the Duke?"
"I think he might come back. He didn't sound like he was done two nights away. And, I fear I might—"
Ember halted herself when she noticed Lauren had her attention fixed on something behind her with an amused smile playing on her lips.
"Well, he certainly would."
When Ember swirled around to give whatever got Lauren's attention a glance, she gawked at the Duke's approaching figure.
"Your Grace."
They both bopped their heads in courtesy when Duke Dallas approached them.
"I don't assume you would be bothered if I borrow your friend for a while?"
Dallas asked Lauren, who immediately waved him off.
"Definitely not. She is all yours."