Operation Revenge Stage I

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"Your grace the Grand Duke of South." She curtsied before looking up at the male with a pleasant smile.

"Lady Perez." The man put his right hand on his chest as he bowed slightly to the woman. "To what do I owe the honour?"

"Uhm." Although she had went up to him headstrong on a whim, without a clear destination she was not quite sure how to put it out for the man. "I am in need of some fresh air. Would you please escort me to the balcony?" Lady Aelia looked up at the tall man, with her shimmering eyes which resembled diamonds, hoping that he would agree so she could at least propose the idea which she had in her mind.

"Alright." He extended his arm to her and waited for her to hold it.

"Oh-" She was surprised that his grace had complied to her request so easily but at the same was grateful and took his arm. "Thank you, your grace."

The two walked towards the balcony, this move of hers quelled any conversation regarding her escort and instead ignited talks regarding their relationship.

"Is she close with the Grand Duke?"

"Isn't he known for being cold and cruel? Why is his grace favouring her so?"

"They must be lovers!"

"I don't think so, his grace isn't the type to be near a woman."

"Then, explain what just happened!"

While the rest of the attendees discussed and assumed their relationship amongst each other, Aelia and the Grand Duke were on the balcony away from the gossiping public.

"So, what is it that you wish to speak to me about Lady Perez?"

His voice seemed even deeper than before or maybe it was just her being conscious of the fact that she, a woman, was alone with him, a man, at that moment. 'He's quite mature, his vibe is very different from Javier's. His grace gives off a cool and calm air. It's probably because he is older than us, he is 24 after all, and has a higher position.' Her face started to heat up and if not for the dim light her red face would have been exposed due to her fair skin. She cleared her throat, calming herself down. 'Let's not get too ahead of myself. His grace is a polite gentleman, even if he refuses he would not humiliate me. Let's just say it.' Aelia let out a sigh, not realising that she had been holding her breath.

"Uhm, excuse my rudeness your grace.." Aelia clasped and unclasped her hands as she formulated the words, to be said, in her mind. "..but would you please become my lover?"

The cool breeze gently touched her skin sending shivers down her body as she waited for a reply. She knew very well how silly and brazen her proposal had been and was not expecting any signs of affirmation from the Grand Duke. Aelia nervously looked at the man who stood there staring at her, deep in thought.

"Y-Your grace..?"

"Alright."

"Your grace?!" Her eyes widened for the second time the night but for a different reason. She started to stammer and stutter, unable to speak properly. "Y-You mean to say-.. that.. that you'll agree to it??" Her eyes gleamed in the moonlight as she waited for his answer.

"Yes, I agree to it. I'll be your lover." He responded positive again, looking at her wondering why she was so surprised and shocked. "Isn't this what you wanted?"

"Yes but I never expected you to agree! I-I mean, I'm not even all that great.. plus our ranks are totally different!!"

"Then, if you knew all of that, why did you introduce such an idea?" He raised an eyebrow, his silver white hair sparkled and stood out against the clouded dark sky behind him, as he leaned back at the balcony's parapet looking at her with his alluring purple eyes.

She went speechless for a moment before responding, "And if you know all of this as well, why did you agree to it?"

"You're pretty."

"Huh-?"

"Simply because you're pretty. I don't wish to turn down a pretty lady's request."

"So, if it was another lady apart from me who was here, you'd say yes as well?"

"No, it's only because you're the only pretty one."

"Your grace-----?" Aelia looked at him dumbfounded. "There are so many pretty girls in there!! You shouldn't say that!"

"What? It's that way to me, they may look pretty to you I suppose." He stared at her nonchalantly, finding her reactions amusing.

"A-Alright...." The lady reluctantly agreed, not sure how to respond to his words.

"Anyways, shall we rejoin the ball my lady? Or do you still wish to get more fresh air?"

"No, it's quite alright. We should go back inside, your grace." She blushed out of embarrassment as he called her as his lady, not expecting it from his grace as his usual demeanour was cold and distant.

"Your grace?"

"Hm?"

"Now, that we are lovers shouldn't you call me by my name?" The man looked at her with an eyebrow raised. "An endearing term would also suffice."

"I-I-..." She cleared her throat, calming herself down. She reminded herself that this is what she wanted so she should not do anything to jeopardise her plans. "Alright, Lord E-Ezekiel."

"Just Ezekiel would do, Aelia." His eyes softened as he looked at her with a slight smile.

"O-Okay..."

He held out his arm for her to take as they made their way back in the ballroom.

The room was filled with music and the floor was filled with couples dancing. 'Oh, so it's time for dances now.. I wonder if he will..' Aelia thought to herself as she looked up at the man whose arm she was holding. 'I never expected he would agree to my ridiculous idea! But it's good that he agreed. I'll be honest with him tomorrow and discuss a clearer and better proposal tomorrow.' The lady did not wish to deceive Ezekiel by making him think that she liked him when in fact she approached him for something else in her mind. She was then reminded of the sentence he had said on the balcony and turned red again. 'Me.....? Pretty?... Even Javier never said such a word to describe me. Maybe this man..' Aelia stared at his grace's face. 'No. Someone of his caliber would never, his grace only said that since he wished to conceal his actual reason for accepting. I mustn't swoon for him or any other man, anyways. I'm not ready to give my heart to someone again.' She shook the useless thoughts out of her head and looked around realising her surroundings, 'W-Wait why are we in the middle of the ballroom-' Everyone had their attention on the couple, eager to see what would happen next. Aelia let go of Ezekiel's arm as she was a bit surprised, unaware of what was to happen next.

"Why are we standing in the middle, Ezekiel?"

He turned to her and looked at her, letting out a hand towards her. "May I have this dance?"

"O-Oh.. yes, of course." She gladly took his hand.

As they danced, everyone watched them stunned. 'I understand everyone's reactions, honestly. It's a bit surprising that he would ask for a dance, he has never danced with any lady.' Aelia thought as she continued to match her steps with his, gracefully dancing alongside his grace leaving everyone in the ballroom mesmerised.

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