Chapter 23

While I was being escorted by the Crown Prince, I slowly rolled my eyes, scanning the people surrounding us. None of my family members was in sight, diminishing the possibilities of being rescued. Although... The only one who would actually be of help to me is the Duke. His wife and Theressa might just let it be or gather more hatred towards me.

In Paul's case... it would be like switching from one threat to another...

'... Why... Did I search for the whole family in the first place...? The only one who cares about me is the Duke...' — I said in my head feeling stupid for forgetting.

Suddenly, we stopped moving. The Crown Prince placed himself in front of me, still holding my hand on his, he leaned towards me.

'Hmm...Must be a "before dancing" kind of ceremony...'

A new song started to play a little after.

I left the control of our body completely to Marianne, knowing she would know more about this... "dancing style" than I, who knows nothing. As expected, Anne's body knew the dance moves well. I don't know when she learned how to dance, but my girl truly is capable.

The dancing went well. Although it was uncomfortable to have to look at my partner's face all the time, he wouldn't know how I felt thanks to my dull face, which is a relief.

The guy had a cold expression too, it almost felt like a staring contest. At some point, I noticed the song was about to end, making me get a little relaxed, since the torture too, was about to end.

What happened next reminded me of a very basic principle: "Never let your guard down".

Thanks to my... loss of concentration, I lost my balance. I knew my foot would reach the floor in a bad position, enough for getting myself injured. The thing is, I won't be able to avoid it.

It's already too late.

'Such a beginner mistake...' — I accepted my fate easily, closing my eyes waiting for the fall.

However...I never got to touch the floor.

I felt a big hand grabbing my waist firmly. My body lifted as if levitating. The Crown Prince had lifted my body, preventing my doom. Spinning, holding me in the air, a ticklish feeling rose from my stomach. I had never been lifted like this as a grown woman. It was such an interesting feeling... To see the view from above.

My body felt like it was flying, it was fascinating how my body tensed from excitement. Feeling exhilarated, Anne and I fused completely at that moment. Our face complied with our unison and a smile filled with rejoice appeared.

Absorbed in the sensations, I forgot everything and enjoined the travel in the air. Then, I slowly descended from my short flight. The music piece had ended, returning us to reality. Our face returned to the usual expression. My eyes, looking at the floor, found my feet which felt strange standing on them. My hand was still holding my partner's. And as I recalled his existence, I lifted my face quickly.

A face with a complex expression was the one I found.

Somehow, a strange thought crossed my mind at that moment and took over, shoving aside the truly important factor: Did the Crown Prince see my expression?

Until now, we have been expressionless to everyone, even to our kind Father. The only times we managed to show smiles were caused by ourselves...

'Nobody had made us truly happy...'

I wondered how long has it been since Marianne was able to feel and show herself like this...?

That is why, while processing this... our lips spontaneously parted...

"...Tha..n.k...yO..u....."

Still hoarse and weak, almost inaudible, our voice came out. Unlike previous times, it didn't feel like I was forcing the words out. I was truly glad it became like that.

The Prince said nothing and stayed with an expression on his face I couldn't decipher. Thinking He might have not heard me, made me a little upset. Because I know I can't pull this off again

'Does he not know how big of a deal this is?! He should be kneeling before me, thankful for having this honour!!!'

I took advantage of his lack of response and looked around us.

Luckily, we didn't get much attention. It might have been because of the Crown Prince's reputation, but people avoided looking our way.

While watching the people's reaction, I caught sight of the Duke.

And, since I found him, I decided to put an end to this awkward interaction with the dangerous Male Lead.

Turning my head to face him again to excuse myself... I found that he had already left...

'... The hell??'

This ticks me off.

'To think he got MY thanks... Woah... ha... Unbelievable.'

Deciding not to mind this, I turned back. Heading to the Duke's whereabouts, my thoughts shifted to other important issues easily.

'I wonder when I can leave...' — I thought as I grabbed a glass of wine on the way and drank some of it savouring its delicious taste.

'... I'll aim for the wine at the next party... I shouldn't let these opportunities pass just like that~'

As I reached the Duke, he saw me.

The Duke came to meet me and asked worried, why was I alone. Having no answer (Obviously) he entangled his arm gently with mine, held my hand and with the other he patted it gently, affectionately.

I interpreted this action as "I won't leave your side, so be at ease".

'...This must be what a father's protection is about...' — Reassured by this belief, a warm feeling began to take form in my heart. It was nice to lead these things.

The Duke stayed like this for the rest of the Ball.

Without letting go of my hand, he stayed with me till the very end. Making me forget my encounter with the Kinky Crown Prince completely.

*******

At my designated room in the Guests Palace, I wore my nightgown and, once I blew off the flame of the lit candles, lay on the bed. I began to doze off soon after, after all, my tired body was giving in to the accumulated fatigue.

I fell asleep without even realizing it.

Being in an unknown place, I had left the curtains slightly open to help me feel calmer. Because of the unfamiliar feeling, I was not able to conceal a deep sleep, my body was on alert by the strangeness 

Sadly, I was not alert enough.

A hand gripped my face covering my mouth in the middle of the night. To what I opened my eyes wide.

It's such a sad thing that the intruder had covered my mouth to prevent me from getting too noisy... and still, not a single noise or struggle came from my body...

The moonlight coming from the half-closed curtains helped me see who the intruder was.

I looked into his eyes with attention.

They were out of focus by the rage of their owner. A chill went down my spine to the unsettling sight. This was not looking good. The strength put on his hand gradually increased. The most terrifying fact was that not a word came out of him for what felt like an eternity.

Suddenly, he released my face, slightly lifting the rough hand. I could feel that where he clutched, it was burning from pain, but... this man knew control. He knew this much would not leave a trace behind.

As he tilted his head, the moonlight reached his eyeballs, making their colour stand out.

Golden eyes.

The beauty exuded from such eyes was overshadowed by the sinister fear his gaze invoked.

"...Marianne..."

Paul called our name in a distorted voice, reviving a fear I had forgotten.