Chapter 26: Ligeti’s evening dance party IV

Serena was very nervous, but she dared not show it. As she descended the stairs, she tried to carry herself with as much grace and poise she could muster keeping her chin held high. Thankfully, her experience of doing this for over a few hundred times came to play and she successfully pulled through.

As she landed on the last step, Duke Ligeti was already there to welcome her heartily.

Exuberantly, duke Ligeti raised his arms to greet her in a hug. "Serena! It has been a while. I am so glad that you can join us. I have been looking forward for your arrival since you accepted my invitation. How have you been?"

Serena was startled but at the same time touched by the warm welcome. She never thought anyone would ever welcome her after all that she has done, after all that she has been through. Feeling better than she did when she first arrived, she gave the duke a sincere smile. Then, she took a step back, to give him a respectful curtsy.

"It is my honor to receive your invite, you grace. I have been well, thank you for asking. How about you?" Well, it was a lie about the invite, but the duke was the one who mentioned it.

Duke Ligeti laughed heartfully. "With you here, I feel infinitely better. By the way, just call me Maestro like you used to. I feel distant with you calling me your grace."

"Of course, Maestro." Serena replied gratefulness tinging her voice.

Duke Ligeti smiled and nodded, then as if on cue, the introductory music for the next dance resumed playing.

Duke Ligeti stretched his hand and offered to escort Serena. He was planning to reintroduce her to his grandson, Lawrence. Though the boy was 4 years her junior, he was still the first son of his eldest and would someday inherit the title duke. In any case, it was just for the purpose of dancing which would further help smoothen Serena's transition back to society.

Serena placed her hand on duke Ligeti's, but just as he took a step forward to lead her, someone suddenly barged in front of them.

"Larissa?" Duke Ligeti inquired, very much surprised by her sudden appearance.

Larissa smiled apologetically to her grandfather. Then, she turned to face Serena. "Please forgive my abruptness your highn…" before she could continue the word, she stopped herself remembering that Serena was no longer married to the crown prince and the monarchy has already been abolished.

She shook her head, "I mean, lady Serena. Uhm, we have been introduced before, I am not sure if you remember but…" Larissa gushed. What? Serena has been her number 1 idol since forever and no matter what people say about her, nothing would change that.

To say that Serena was surprised would be an understatement. In truth, though the abruptness did stun her, what shocked her more was actually the presence of the person standing behind Larissa.

When they stood before her, her heart started pounding. Charlton. She did not see him when she entered as she was too focused on appearing confident and not to make a blunder, but now there he was. He was more handsome than she remembered and… no. Not again. Not wanting anyone to think she was staring at him, she looked down, but then, what she saw was his and Larissa's connected hands.

Seeing him again, confirming that he really has moved on, it would be a lie if she were to say it didn't hurt. For it did. A lot. However, being mentally and somewhat emotionally prepared softened the blow. Besides, she did not want to make a spectacle of herself by suddenly shedding tears. She also did not want Charlton to think that while he has been moving on with his life, she has been hung up on him. That would truly be tragic, especially after everything he has done to her. In any case, she was there on a mission.

The moment of clarity and her determination made Serena able to act like it was nothing. Attributing her wide eyes to shock, she shook her head then chuckled. "It's quite alright. And of course, I do. Lady Larissa Ligeti, correct?"

"Ah! Yes! Thank you so much for remembering! Lady Serena, there are so many things I wish to ask you…so if it's alright…" Larissa chattered. However, before she could continue further, her grandfather cleared his throat.

Though duke Ligeti approves of his granddaughter's welcoming attitude, he could already hear that the music was already transitioning to start the dance. Serena's first dance was his priority, so he thought it better to interrupt. He looked for his grandson to call him over, but then, he saw an even better person for the job standing before him.

Since Charlton was just standing there, it must mean that his dance card for the next song was empty. Duke Ligeti was aware that the war had Charlton and Serena on opposite ends, but it has been more than a year since. That aside, the dance he was thinking was only for show. What was so bad about it?

They had history as good friends. At the very least, Charlton could do Serena the favor while Serena would also benefit. After all, currently, Charlton was the highest-ranking nobleman in their whole kingdom. Also, it was also a good promotion for peace.

Thus, out of anyone's expectations, duke Ligeti, unaware of the real history between the two, made the suggestion.

"Charlton, why don't you ask Serena the pleasure of a dance to this song?"

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TBC