Chapter 5: New Meetings

A gallant show and a heart of gold was the two things that Veraya had practiced regularly since she came to this world and the fruits of these actions were sweeter than she had thought.

Her brother, Lord Camden Amias had grown kinder and much more civil to Veraya after her budding friendship with Lady Rose and the 'talk' that she had with him a week ago at Lady Nora's tea party. She had still a long distance to cover the detachment that the original Veraya had created but she felt her life should be turning for the better.

In fact it had become so good that she was going as her brother's partner to a ball today as Rose had been slightly ill and unable to accompany Camden.

"This is strange, I didn't think that you would be this nervous, is everything alright? Are you feeling sick?" Camden asked her as he looked down at her with concern floating in his similar colored orbs as hers.

She was nervous so much so that she almost felt her palms sweating making her subtly wipe her hands on the soft material of her beautiful blue gown.

Realizing that she had forgotten to act as the bold Veraya she quickly fixed her expression and shaking her head she confidently, or at least tried her best to fake being it, she said, "It's nothing, I just find it a little unbelievable to have come here today as your partner."

Her words made Camden feel slightly awkward as he realized what she was hinting at. Sighing at the meaning of her words he lowered his voice to a gentle tone and said, "I know you feel lonely now that I spend most of my times with Rose but I am sure you will find a fine man soon enough for yourself and then you will realize how beautiful and joyous it is to have a loving partner."

Veraya mentally wanted to chuckle at his words. After all it was such an irony! In the whole wide mystic world that she was now living in Veraya was the only person who supported and adored their relationship to such an extent that she could be called obsessed. They were after all her favorite novel couple and the more she saw them spending their time together the more giddy she felt.

Camden didn't know how painful and tormenting it was to keep a grin off her face every time that she saw them love each other. Her only problem had been before to save herself from getting killed but now that she seemed to have been saved from that she was thoroughly enjoying the live action make of her novel, spectating them as often as she could.

She wished Caleb could share this moment with her as well.

"I know what you are talking about," she mumbled looking in the far off distance at the other nobles who were entering the ball room.

"You do?" Camden couldn't hide the surprise from his face as he looked down at her with widened eyes. He might have been angry with Veraya for her behavior but he had been just as possessive about his sister as she had been. If Veraya hadn't become villainous in the book then she would have lived a happy life with Rose and Camden doting on her regularly.

Realizing what she had said she immediately fixed her gaze and with an innocent face she smiled and said, "Of course I have seen how lovely you and Lady Rose look together, dear brother."

At the mention of his blossoming relationship being acknowledged by his sister he felt himself relax with the amazement of the new development in his life and not questioning it any further he said. "Of course, you need to learn from us."

Veraya couldn't help the stretch of her lips that pulled her cheeks up at how cute Camden had been. It was a dream come true to meet him and she relished these moments that were now showing her the side of Camden that she read in the novel.

They resumed their walk to the ballroom again in silence and peace but Veraya couldn't help but remember the words that were said to her. She knew exactly what Camden was talking about because she had found 'the one' for her in the real world. She had been happy with him and had wanted to spend the rest of her life with him but she couldn't and missed him with every passing second of her life.

The doors of the ballroom opening made her aware of her surroundings and letting her brother take her hand and guide her in she walked alongside him with a business smile on her face that she had practiced last night in front of the mirror.

"I know you have changed a lot since before but please do not cause any trouble," Camden reminded her and smiling at him she assured him again that she wasn't foolish to risk his reputation and hers.

Camden had a bad feeling about it but suppressing that he guided the two of them to the host of the ball Duke Victor Tudor. He had been a handsome man, in his mid-thirties and one of the six dukes of Aethel.

"It is a pleasure to have you here today Duke Amias and Lady Amias," the man said as he saw the two approach them. The relation between the Amias and Tudors had been neutral since a long time and Camden was proud to have kept it that way. Too many close relationships might also harm a kingdom and therefore they had maintained a distance and were yet civil to each other.

"No, the pleasure is all ours," Camden said as he shook hands with him and Veraya simply smiled in acknowledgment to her brother's statement maintaining the dignified and grateful part.

"Oh dear, welcome Duke Amias and Lady Veraya," a woman's voice greeted them and soon enough she was standing beside her husband greeting them with the politeness and authority that she held as the hostess of this party.

Since her gaze had landed and lingered on Veraya she took it upon herself to respond and curtly tugging the corners of her lips in a sophisticated smile she responded, "You surprise me every time with the grandness of your balls, my lady that I am enthralled to come here and be your guest."

The compliment had worked on her and bringing a hand to her mouth she lightly covered it with her four gloved fingers as she said, "I had heard that you have become more charming and sweet but I didn't know it was to this extent that I am compelled to have you meet some of my friends. You must not deny me."

Looking up at her brother she felt the nerves she had been feeling before prick her but when she saw him trustfully smile at her to go she took her leave and walked with Duchess Charlotte to meet the other nobles attending her ball.

It seemed that Veraya had failed to understand how infamous she herself had been among the noble ladies for each time that she talked to them she could see their pupils widening as words of disbelief left their mouth.

"I am so glad to have been talking to you again, I think it would be best if we put behind the things of the past and start anew again." Veraya could recognize who she was from the memories that she had from the original character but she couldn't remember what the original Veraya had done to cause trouble to this noble lady who was extending a hand of friendship to her.

"Thank you and I apologize for my past impudence, I hope that we get along well," she said as she excused herself not wanting to get lost into a story of a past that she wouldn't be able to reminiscence.

Feeling tired from roaming round with Duchess Tudor for so long she finally felt herself relax again as she spotted a balcony in a secluded corner. It didn't look like anyone was using it and walking quickly and yet in a mannered way to avoid having to deal with anyone else she made her way towards it.

There had been a translucent curtain that had been covering the entrance and moving it aside she walked inside hopefully to give some rest to her tensed muscles.

If Caleb would have been there with her then she would have asked him to massage her like he would have done before after a hard day at work but he wasn't and swallowing her happy memories to stop herself from crying she was suddenly startled when she heard a voice.

"Who is there?"

Realizing that somebody had already been there on the balcony she quickly looked up and apologizing she started to say, "I am sorry I wasn't aware that-"

As her eyes adjusted to the darkness and she saw the man's face she felt her breath get caught in her chest as she stopped midsentence. She couldn't speak even when she tried to as her throat started clogging up with hundreds of emotions and words that she had barely been able to acknowledge much less speak.

How could this be possible?

Was this true?

She couldn't believe her eyes for standing in front of her was none other than her boyfriend, Caleb.