Chapter - 5.2
Rosie's heart clenched at Sir Anton's words. His sneer cut through the air, laced with venom, and for a moment, her chest tightened, her mind racing to process the situation.
The mocking in his tone made it clear: this wasn't just an insult—it was a reminder. A reminder of how close she had been to being trapped in a marriage with him, how different things could've been if Alessio hadn't intervened.
Alessio's grip on her waist tightened subtly, a silent warning. He kept his expression cold, unreadable, but the slight twitch in his jaw told her that he was just as aware of the tension as she was. His posture didn't falter, and when he finally spoke, his voice was calm, measured, almost indifferent.
"Sir Anton," Alessio greeted, his smirk faint, a sharp edge to his tone. "It's been a while."
Sir Anton's eyes shifted from Rosie to Alessio, his sneer remaining in place, though it was clear he wasn't as comfortable under the Duke's direct gaze. He gave a slight bow, his posture stiff.
"Duke Alessio. I see you've made quite the spectacle tonight. I wasn't aware you'd taken a new interest in Lady Rossano."
Rosie's face heated at the way Sir Anton emphasized her family name, as if she was nothing more than a commodity. She tried to maintain her composure, not giving him the satisfaction of seeing her discomfort, but the tension in her body betrayed her. She wanted to say something, to snap back at him, but the weight of all the eyes on her froze the words in her throat.
Alessio, however, didn't flinch. His smirk remained in place as he regarded Anton, as though the man before him was no more than a minor nuisance.
"Interest?" Alessio mused, his voice silky and smooth.
"You misunderstand, Anton. Lady Rosie and I have already made an arrangement."
He paused for effect, letting the weight of his words sink in. "An engagement, to be precise."
A ripple of gasps and whispers erupted through the crowd, the news spreading like wildfire. Rosie felt her stomach lurch. She hadn't expected him to make such an announcement in front of everyone, not like this, not without warning. Her heart pounded in her chest as she glanced up at Alessio, but his gaze was locked on Anton, a predator sizing up his prey.
Anton's expression faltered for a split second, his sneer vanishing as the meaning of Alessio's words hit him. But he quickly recovered, his lip curling again in disdain.
"An engagement?" he repeated, his voice low, as though he couldn't believe it.
"So, that's how you've decided to handle it. Quite a bold move, even for you, Duke."
Alessio's smirk deepened, his tone laced with amusement. "Bold? Perhaps. But necessary."
Rosie's pulse quickened as she watched the two men stare each other down, the tension between them growing thicker by the second. The ballroom had gone eerily quiet, the entire room now focused on the confrontation playing out before them. It was as though the air had grown heavy with anticipation, everyone waiting to see who would strike next.
Anton straightened, his eyes narrowing slightly as he assessed the situation.
"I see," he said, his voice cold.
"Then I suppose I have no choice but to offer my congratulations." He gave a mock bow, but the anger simmering beneath his gaze was clear.
"Though I must say, I didn't expect the Duke of Cavelli to lower himself to such... arrangements."
Alessio's smirk never wavered. "You mistake practicality for weakness, Anton,"
he said smoothly. "But then, I suppose that's always been your flaw."
Rosie watched as Anton's face darkened, the veins in his neck tightening. For a brief moment, she thought he might retaliate—say something cruel, do something reckless. But instead, he straightened again, offering her a cold, tight-lipped smile.
"I see now," Anton said, his voice barely masking his disdain.
"Well, I wish you both all the best. But do be careful, Duke. Sometimes, the things we think we control... have a way of slipping through our fingers."
Rosie shivered at the underlying threat in his words. But before she could react, Alessio stepped closer to her, his hand sliding from her waist to gently take hold of hers again. He lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss against her knuckles, his eyes never leaving Anton.
"I appreciate your concern," Alessio said, his voice a low purr.
"But I assure you, Lady Rosie is quite firmly within my grasp."
The crowd buzzed again, and Rosie's breath hitched as she felt the heat of Alessio's lips against her skin. It wasn't just for show—there was a possessiveness in his tone, a clear message to Anton and anyone else who might dare to challenge him. She wasn't sure how to feel about it—whether to be grateful or uneasy—but at that moment, all she could do was follow his lead.
Anton took a step back, his expression sour, and with a curt nod, he turned on his heel and strode away, disappearing into the sea of nobles.
Rosie let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding, her body finally relaxing now that the immediate tension had passed. But as Alessio lowered her hand and turned to face her, she realized the night had only just begun.
"You handled that well," he said softly, his eyes meeting hers.
Rosie blinked, unsure how to respond. Her mind was still reeling from everything that had just happened, from the way Alessio had announced their engagement in front of everyone, to the confrontation with Anton, to the possessive kiss on her hand. It was all too much.
"I..."
she stammered, struggling to find her voice.
"I didn't expect you to... announce it like that."
Alessio's expression softened, just for a moment.
"It needed to be done," he said quietly, his tone no longer teasing or smug.
"Now they all know. And Anton knows."
Rosie nodded, though she still wasn't sure what to make of it all. She glanced around the ballroom, seeing the nobles still watching them, their gazes sharp and curious.
"Shall we dance?" Alessio asked, his voice cutting through her thoughts.
Rosie blinked again, her heart skipping a beat.
"Dance?"
He held out his hand to her, a faint smile on his lips.
"You've already made quite the entrance. Might as well enjoy the rest of the evening."
Rosie stared at Alessio's outstretched hand, her heart racing. She knew that dancing with him now, in front of everyone, would solidify the image he had just painted—that she was his chosen partner. There would be no turning back from this moment. But then again, did she even want to turn back?
After a moment's hesitation, she placed her hand in his. Alessio's fingers closed gently around hers, and with a slight incline of his head, he led her to the center of the ballroom. The murmurs from the crowd quieted as the musicians prepared, sensing the shift in the room's energy.
Rosie took a breath, steadying herself as Alessio's arm circled her waist, pulling her closer than she had anticipated. The music began, a soft, haunting melody that seemed to echo through the ballroom, filling every corner with its rich, flowing notes. Alessio's steps were confident, each movement precise, and Rosie found herself falling into rhythm with him, her body moving almost instinctively.
As they glided across the ballroom floor, Rosie dared to look up, meeting Alessio's gaze. His eyes held a glimmer of something unreadable, a mixture of intensity and curiosity that sent a chill down her spine.
"Do you regret it?" Alessio's voice was soft, his question almost lost beneath the music.
"Being here, with me?"
Rosie blinked, caught off guard. For a moment, she considered lying, brushing off his question with a smile or a teasing remark. But she felt strangely vulnerable under his gaze, as if he could see through any mask she might put on.
"No,"
she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I don't regret it."
Alessio's lips curved into a faint smile, one that softened his usual cold expression.
"Good," he murmured, his voice warm, though there was a hint of something darker beneath it.
"Because I intend to keep you by my side, Rosie. No matter what."
Rosie's pulse quickened, his words settling heavily between them. She didn't quite know how to respond, so instead, she let herself be swept up in the dance, focusing on the music, the movement, the feel of his hand against her waist. But despite her best efforts, she couldn't shake the sense of foreboding that lingered in the back of her mind, a quiet warning of what being
"by his side" might truly mean.
They danced for what felt like an eternity, their movements synchronized, as if they were the only two people in the room. But gradually, Rosie became aware of the eyes on them again, the whispers that had resumed, a constant hum at the edges of her senses.
As the song ended, Alessio slowly released her, stepping back with a slight bow. Rosie curtsied, her gaze lingering on him, still trying to decipher the layers of his expression. For a moment, they stood there, locked in each other's gaze, as the ballroom erupted into polite applause.
But then, out of the corner of her eye, Rosie noticed a figure approaching—one of the Duke's advisors, his expression tense. Alessio's eyes flickered toward the man, his expression hardening instantly.
"Your Grace," the advisor said, bowing slightly.
"I apologize for interrupting, but there is a matter that requires your immediate attention."
Alessio's gaze shifted back to Rosie, a hint of reluctance in his eyes.
"Duty calls," he murmured, his voice laced with irritation.
Rosie offered him a small smile, trying to mask the strange disappointment settling in her chest.
"Go. I'll be fine."
Alessio gave a curt nod, casting one last, lingering glance at her before turning to follow his advisor. Rosie watched him go, her mind buzzing with questions she didn't yet know how to answer.
She took a deep breath, reminding herself of her own resolve. She'd come this far; she couldn't let herself falter now. As she turned to walk away, however, she felt a hand brush against her arm. She looked up, surprised to find Lady Elina standing beside her, her expression unreadable.
"Lady Rosie," Lady Elina began, her voice smooth and polite, though her eyes held a certain sharpness.
"A word, if you don't mind?"
Rosie nodded, curiosity mingling with caution. "Of course."
Lady Elina led her to a quieter corner of the ballroom, away from prying eyes. Once they were alone, she turned to face Rosie, her gaze piercing.
"You've made quite the impression tonight," Lady Elina said, her tone light but laced with something deeper.
"The Duke seems... captivated."
Rosie's cheeks flushed slightly, but she maintained her composure.
"It was not my intention to cause a spectacle."
"Perhaps not."
Lady Elina tilted her head, a faint smile playing at her lips.
"But you should know that being close to the Duke isn't without consequences. There are many who would prefer to see him remain unattached... and many more who would view you as a threat."
Rosie's chest tightened, a flicker of uncertainty running through her. But she lifted her chin, meeting Lady Elina's gaze head-on.
"I'm not easily intimidated."
Lady Elina's smile widened, her eyes gleaming with approval—or was it amusement?
"Good. Then you may yet survive in his world." She paused, her gaze shifting briefly to where Alessio had disappeared.
"But remember this, Lady Rosie: the Duke's life is shrouded in secrets. And those secrets come with a heavy price."
With that, Lady Elina turned and walked away, leaving Rosie standing alone in the quiet corner, her mind spinning with questions.
Secrets. Consequences. Threats.
Rosie glanced toward the door Alessio had gone through, a strange determination hardening within her. Whatever dangers lay ahead, whatever shadows surrounded Alessio, she would face them. She had come too far to turn back now.
But as she stood there, the weight of Lady Elina's warning lingered in her mind, a silent reminder that her journey with the Duke was only just beginning—and that the path ahead was darker than she could have ever imagined.
Rosie stood in the quiet corner, her mind swirling with Lady Elina's words. Though Lady Elina's warning still echoed, her curiosity about Alessio outweighed her fear. She wanted to understand the secrets that lay behind those cold, piercing eyes. Tonight had revealed a side of him she hadn't expected—a tenderness hidden beneath the steely exterior. But she couldn't ignore the whispers surrounding him or the wary glances cast in her direction.
Gathering herself, Rosie slipped from the ballroom, moving through the dimly lit corridors of the estate. The festive sounds of laughter and music gradually faded behind her as she found herself drawn toward the balcony where the night's chill wrapped around her like a comforting cloak. She leaned against the railing, letting her gaze drift across the estate's gardens, bathed in moonlight.
"Enjoying the view?"
Rosie turned, startled. Alessio had approached silently, his figure framed in the doorway, the faint glow of the hall casting shadows across his face.
"I was," Rosie replied, composing herself.
"I needed a moment away from all... that."
She gestured vaguely toward the ballroom, where the laughter and music persisted.
Alessio stepped forward, leaning against the railing beside her, close enough that she could feel the warmth radiating from him.
"I can't blame you," he murmured.
"Sometimes, the most beautiful facades hide the ugliest truths."
She studied him, surprised by the bitterness in his voice.
"Is that how you feel about tonight? About them?"
He glanced at her, a ghost of a smile on his lips. "It's how I feel about many things."
They fell into a comfortable silence, the tension of the evening ebbing away in the quiet company of one another. But Rosie's mind couldn't let go of Lady Elina's words, the undercurrent of something darker within Alessio that seemed to match the shadows clinging to his every word and action.
"Why did you bring me here tonight?" Rosie finally asked, her voice barely more than a whisper.
Alessio looked at her, his expression unreadable.
"Because you intrigue me, Rosie. You have a fire that's rare in this world. And perhaps because I want you to understand what you're stepping into."
Rosie's brow furrowed.
"Stepping into?"
He exhaled, glancing away.
"My life is not one of simplicity or peace. The people here tonight—many of them would gladly see me fall if it meant furthering their ambitions."
"So you invited me here to... test me?" she asked, a note of challenge in her voice.
"To prepare you," he replied calmly, meeting her gaze.
"I won't lie to you, Rosie. Being by my side will place you in the center of countless conflicts. I need to know you're ready for that."
Her heart raced at his words, but she held her ground, feeling her resolve solidify.
"If I was afraid of a little conflict, I wouldn't have survived as long as I have."
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Alessio's mouth.
"Then perhaps we're more alike than I thought."
The weight of his gaze was nearly tangible, and Rosie felt an odd thrill, a connection between them that went beyond the surface. But before she could speak, a figure appeared at the edge of the balcony, one of Alessio's guards.
"Your Grace," the guard announced, bowing slightly.
"There's a matter that requires your attention."
Alessio's expression shifted instantly, his eyes sharpening. He straightened, turning back to Rosie.
"I'll return shortly. Wait here."
She watched him leave, the sense of foreboding creeping back as his figure disappeared into the corridor. Alone again, Rosie mulled over everything that had happened, every cryptic word and glance.
After a few moments, her curiosity got the better of her, and she slipped inside, moving quietly down the hall in the direction Alessio had gone. Her footsteps were muffled by the thick carpet, and she kept to the shadows, not wanting to be seen. Eventually, she reached a large wooden door that was slightly ajar, soft voices emanating from within.
"...You can't continue to keep her in the dark like this, Alessio," an unfamiliar voice said, the tone low but urgent.
"She's not ready for the truth yet," Alessio replied, his voice filled with a quiet determination.
"I need more time."
"But the risks grow each day," the other voice insisted.
"If she finds out on her own—"
"She won't," Alessio interrupted sharply.
"I'll protect her, no matter the cost."
Rosie's heart pounded in her chest as she backed away from the door, her mind racing with questions. Alessio was keeping something from her—something that seemed dangerous, something that required
"protection."
She needed answers, and she was determined to get them.
She returned to the balcony, hoping Alessio wouldn't notice her absence. Her thoughts were a storm of speculation and fear, her gaze fixed on the stars above. She was so deep in thought that she didn't notice Alessio's return until he was standing beside her again.
"Lost in thought?" he asked, his tone gentle.
She forced a smile, masking the whirlwind inside her. "Just... reflecting on the evening."
Alessio regarded her quietly, and she felt as if he could see straight through her.
"Come. The night is still young, and there are more introductions to make."
As they re-entered the ballroom together, Rosie was acutely aware of the eyes on them, the speculative glances, the subtle shifts in conversation as they passed. She held her head high, unwilling to show any sign of weakness. Alessio led her through the crowd, introducing her to various nobles and dignitaries, each exchange carefully polite, each gaze laden with hidden meanings.
But as the evening wore on, Rosie began to sense a pattern. The nobility viewed her as a curiosity—someone who didn't fit the typical mold of the Duke's companions. She could see their surprise, their curiosity, and even their disdain.
Finally, as the crowd began to thin, Alessio guided her toward a quieter corner of the ballroom, away from the prying eyes and whispers.
"You handled yourself well tonight," he remarked, his tone approving.
Rosie met his gaze, feeling a surge of pride.
"I learned from the best."
He chuckled softly, a rare sound that made her heart skip a beat.
"You have a sharp wit, Rosie. That will serve you well."
They lapsed into silence, the weight of the evening settling around them. Rosie knew this moment was fleeting, that as soon as they left the sanctuary of the ballroom, they would return to the reality of their complicated situation.
But for now, she allowed herself to simply be present, to let the warmth of his presence and the weight of his gaze envelop her.
As they stood there, Alessio reached out, his fingers brushing a stray lock of her hair away from her face. The gesture was so unexpected, so intimate, that Rosie found herself momentarily speechless.
"You're stronger than you know, Rosie," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
"But remember—strength alone isn't enough. You'll need to be wise, too."
She held his gaze, feeling the unspoken promise between them, the weight of what was to come.
"I'll be ready," she replied, her voice steady.
A faint smile tugged at his lips, and for a brief moment, she saw something unguarded in his eyes—an emotion he quickly masked. Then, with one last lingering glance, he turned and began to lead her out of the ballroom, their footsteps echoing in the quiet corridors as they left the night's festivities behind.
As they walked, Rosie couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation, a quiet thrill that thrummed beneath her skin. She didn't know what awaited her, or what secrets Alessio held, but she knew one thing with absolute certainty: This was only the beginning.
End of chapter 5
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