Chapter - 29
The murmurs of conversation and the melodies of the orchestra greeted me as I stepped back into the ballroom. As I scanned the room, I spotted Duke Karvelis once more, his familiar smile broadening the moment his gaze met mine. He navigated through the clusters of nobles and approached me with his characteristic enthusiasm.
"Your Highness!" he exclaimed warmly. "You've been quite the center of attention tonight, haven't you? With all the dancing, I was beginning to wonder if there'd be a chance to exchange a few words."
I returned his smile and nodded politely. "It has been... eventful. Meeting so many people for the first time, and them meeting me, I suppose. After being bedridden for so many years, this kind of reception feels overwhelming—but I'm doing my best to manage."
The Duke chuckled, his expression one of fatherly pride. "You've handled it remarkably well, Your Highness. Truly, the people can see the strength of the Vallore dynasty shining through you."
Before I could respond, I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye. Two figures approached—his son and daughter. Both bowed gracefully before speaking in unison. "Your Highness."
I raised a hand to stop them mid-bow. "Please, bowing and formal greetings are not necessary every time we meet. These formalities, while important, can feel quite tiresome during an evening meant for celebration. Let's trade some smiles instead, shall we?"
Duke Karvelis beamed at my words, clearly pleased. "A most generous sentiment, Your Highness. Allow me to introduce my children formally." He gestured to his son first, a tall, broad-shouldered man with the same dark hair and piercing blue eyes as his father. "This is my son, Caldran. A fine young Tamer, though..." He gave his son a playful, chastising glance. "...perhaps a little too soft-hearted for my liking. But mark my words, I'll shape him into a formidable ally for the Vallore dynasty. He's already on his way to proving himself."
Caldran offered a humble smile at his father's words, dipping his head slightly in acknowledgment.
"I don't claim to know everything, but you're a lucky man, Caldran," I said, turning to Caldran. "Your wife caught my eye earlier—a vision of beauty in her blue dress. That must be Lady—"
"Arlena," Caldran interjected, his smile widening at the mention of her name. "She's my fiancée, Your Highness. Lady Arlena and I are to be married in a month."
"Childhood sweethearts," Karvelis chimed in. "Love truly completes a man, doesn't it? It gives him purpose, shapes him into something greater."
My gaze drifted unconsciously toward the throne on the raised platform, where my mother sat in regal splendor. "Yes," I murmured, almost to myself. "Love does complete a man."
Karvelis followed my gaze for a moment, then cleared his throat, snapping me back to the present. He gestured toward his daughter, Rivanna. She was a striking young woman, with the same dark hair and piercing blue eyes as her mother. Her figure, with her full breasts, accentuated by the crimson dress she wore, was nothing short of stunning. "My Prince," Karvelis began, his tone taking on a slightly more formal air. "If you would permit me, may I suggest a dance with Rivanna? The evening is drawing to a close, and I would be honored if my daughter could have the opportunity to converse with you."
It was an obvious ploy, though I couldn't fault the man for trying. As the most eligible bachelor in the kingdom, I'd already danced with a parade of noblewomen this evening, all undoubtedly pushed forward by their ambitious families. The throne beside mine was a coveted position, after all. Still, there was no harm in indulging him.
With a nod, I extended my hand toward Rivanna. "Of course," I said smoothly. "It would be my pleasure."
What I didn't expect, however, was the subtle flicker of something resembling disgust that crossed her face as she hesitated before taking my hand. Her touch was light, almost reluctant, as I led her to the dance floor.
Once we reached the center of the hall, I placed my hands on the small of her back, guiding her into position. But she resisted slightly, her body stiff as though the proximity made her uncomfortable. She turned her face away, her gaze focused on anything but me, her lips pressed into a thin line.
As the music began and our steps fell into rhythm, I leaned in slightly, speaking in a low voice. "Do you have a problem with me, Miss Rivanna?"
She shook her head quickly, her eyes flickering for a moment as though she wanted to respond but ultimately chose silence. Her refusal to engage irritated me.
"Miss Rivanna," I said, my tone calm but edged with authority, "I'm not an unreasonable man. But the way you're behaving right now is bordering on disrespectful, especially as I've done nothing to warrant such treatment. If there's a reason for your coldness, I'd advise you to share it—before my patience wears thin."
Her shoulders slumped slightly, and she finally turned to face me, her blue eyes filled with a mix of guilt and resignation. Letting out a soft sigh, she spoke. "I apologize, Your Highness. It wasn't my intention to offend you. I just—this entire evening has been difficult for me."
"Go on," I prompted, though my irritation had not entirely dissipated.
"It's my father," she admitted, her voice barely audible above the music. "Ever since we received the invitation to the ball and news of your recovery, he hasn't stopped pressuring me. He sees this as an opportunity—a duty, even—for me to... to..." She hesitated, searching for the right words.
"To seduce me?" I offered bluntly, raising an eyebrow.
She winced but nodded. "Yes. He believes it's my responsibility to ensure that I'm chosen as your bride. He says it's for the good of our family and the Vallore dynasty."
I let out a soft, humorless laugh, twirling her lightly before pulling her back into position. "And you disagree, I take it?"
"It's not that," she said quickly. "I understand the honor it would bring, and I know what it would mean for my family, for my father. But..." She hesitated, lowering her gaze. "I'm already in love with someone else."
That caught me off guard. I tilted my head, studying her. "Oh? And who is this fortunate man?"
"A soldier from our region," she admitted. "He's a good man. Honest, kind. I've spoken to my father about him, but he refuses to consider the match. He says it's unacceptable for me to be with a commoner, and now..." She bit her lip, her voice trembling slightly. "Now he's ordered me to set aside my feelings and focus on gaining your favor instead."
I listened carefully, her words giving me a glimpse into the heavy expectations placed on her shoulders. While I couldn't entirely fault Duke Karvelis for his ambitions—after all, every noble family in the kingdom wanted to secure ties with the throne—there was something admirable about Rivanna's loyalty to her own heart. Still, she had been unfairly rude to me, and I couldn't resist the urge to get back at her—just a little. A small lesson in humility, so to speak.
"Miss Rivanna," I said, my tone shifting to something warmer, almost teasing, "objectively speaking, you're the most stunning woman I've danced with tonight. You're exactly my type."
Her eyes widened slightly at the compliment, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. I used the opportunity to pull her closer, her massive breasts pressing softly against mine. Her scent—a delicate mixture of jasmine and something earthy—enveloped me as I leaned closer to whisper in her ear.
"And after all the resistance you've given me," I murmured, "I find myself... intrigued. There's nothing more enticing for a man than the idea of taking another's woman and making her his own."
Her breath hitched, her body stiffening once more, and when I pulled back, I saw fear and uncertainty flickering in her eyes. For a moment, I allowed myself a small, mischievous smile.
The music slowed to a halt, signaling the end of the dance. I stepped back, releasing her. "Thank you for the dance, Miss Rivanna," I said smoothly, before turning on my heel and walking away, leaving her standing there in the center of the hall.
As I ascended the platform and returned to the throne beside my mother, I allowed myself a glance back at Rivanna. She remained rooted in place, her expression a mixture of confusion and unease. The sight brought a faint smirk to my lips.
Lirael turned her head toward me as I settled into my seat, her gaze questioning. "You seem rather pleased with yourself," she remarked, her tone light but curious.
"Just another dance, Mother," I replied, keeping my expression carefully neutral. "Nothing more."