Shocked, Corvina glared at him, feeling even more uncomfortable.
"And you are…?" She tried to cover it with a smile, which even looked worse than crying, as the young man chuckled in amusement.
"Don't worry my lady, I'm the Young Duke of Athenian Desmond Riviera" He replied, trying to ease her.
"How did you know my name…?" Corvina asked, not in the least bit calm.
"I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I overheard you and Young Viscount Grey" Saying this, he ended the dance with a bow as he ignored the gaze of everyone, and led her back to the corner where she sat as his dark eyes gazed coldly at the crowd sending shivers down everyone's spine, as the scrabbled to the continue their respective acts.
All this did not go unnoticed to Corvina, as she silently thought to keep as far as possible from the Man before her.
During their dance, everyone couldn't help but notice Corvina's dress, as the blood red dress swirled as they danced, with darts on each side, highlighting her slender figure, at the same time, not suffocating her as she did not have to wear a corset, Even her hair did not fall out of place as she spined in the empty space instead, it danced along with her, giving an even more mesmerizing scenario as she sat at the window with a glass of wine like in a painting.
Her nose, her lips her jaw, and every contour on her face was just… perfect. There was no other word to describe it. Even though she was wearing a mask, he could still see her golden eyes and there were simply spell-binding.
"Can I please get everyone's attention…!" The man at the front who seemed to be the host, announced in a loud voice catching everyone off-guard.
"Today's competition will be held in the palace of his Majesty, where he will personally assess everyone!"
Hearing this the young women of the elite squealed in excitement as each had a smug look on their faces, thinking of her to attract the Emperor's attention.
"You don't seem excited My lady…?" The young man beside her asked, as Corvina returned her gaze to him, as satisfaction flashed across his eyes.
"Oh that…? I'm…!" Unsure of how to respond that she isn't interested in the Emperor, she stammered hoping he will change the topic
'Which man wants a woman he is clearly interested in, to talk about another man'
"Duke Desmond…!"
A red haired girl in a light pink ball gown came over, as traces of annoyance could be seen in the young Duke's eyes.
"I didn't know the Young Duke was attending, I didn't come to greet you, I'm Rose of the Valeta Estate, It my honor to make your acquaintance…!" She gracefully bowed as both hands slightly lifted each side on her dress, though her gaze settled on the crest on his jacket.
"Oh…! It's Miss Rose…?" He also bowed lightly, taking her hand and leaving a peck at the back of her palm, Making her blush a little.
Watching their interactions, Corvina suddenly felt the urge to leave.
Feeling out of place amongst the aristocrats, as she wrongly thought she could blend in, by the way she was once a princess.
Holding the highest authority among her friends.
"Is Miss Corvina leaving…?" This question startled Corvina a little, as she thought he did not notice her movement due to his conversation.
Hearing the Young Duke, the Young lady by his side also noticed Corvina, Who she doesn't remember ever meeting.
"Oh…! I didn't notice you earlier"
Her voice filled with pride as she immediately looked down on Corvina as her gaze swept through her clothes and jewelries, which she found extraordinary and beautiful but refused to admit it as envy flashed in her eyes.
"Isn't Miss Corvina staying for the competition…?" Rose's intentionally loud tone attracted everyone's attention as the hall quieted down.
Being friends, or more like study partner with Rose once, Corvina knew her character well. Always wanting attention everywhere she went and arguing with everyone in a lower rank than her, comparing her wealth, that was her personality, a proud, prideful, arrogant and bossy lady, everyone feared her, except the princess of course, but that didn't matter now.
"Oh…? About that, My mother is not feeling well, and I promised to accompany her when I return…"
Hearing her, everyone gave an understanding gaze as they continued their business, even finding the situation better, one less competition.
Feeling unsatisfied, Rose huffed as she walked away. Not bothering with the young lady of the unknown house again, finding other ladies to interact with.
Or boss around.
A silent sigh escaped Corvina's lips, as she turned, to find the young Duke with a wide grin on his face, looking very unapologetic for causing her trouble.
She walked out of the hall under everyone's side gaze. As they clearly thought she was only trying to get them to let their guard down against her so she can take advantage of the situation.
However, Corvina on the other hand was extremely happy to leave this suffocating place. Otherwise she would go crazy from staying in such a pretentious atmosphere.
"Finally air…!" She couldn't help but be excited after taking a breath of fresh air, after almost suffocating in the large hall.
"I'm never coming here again" She silently swore to herself .
Hoping to live longer, as she left the palace unknown to her, a charming pair of black eyes. were staring at her from the window of the ballroom.
The hall soon returns to its vigorous state as everyone forgets about Corvina like she never came.
Sigh…!
No one noticed the young Duke who walked out of the hall soon after Corvina.
Six minutes later
"Looks like his Majesty was having fun with my Identity…?" An annoyed voice sounded at the corner of the corridor, standing behind a stone pillar with his arms crossed as if expecting an explanation from the person before him, as he gave him a judging gaze.