A Dance?
Is this a new ploy to get my attention?
The thought made his irritation flare. He set his drink down with a little more force than necessary, ignoring the curious glance from one of the nobles nearby.
Pathetic.
He had seen this kind of behaviour before. Women in society often resorted to elaborate schemes to capture his interest, from carefully orchestrated meetings to dramatic public displays.
He had thought Selena was above such nonsense, but it seemed he had overestimated her. She was just like everyone else, and if not, worse.
Seeing her bully the woman he loved time and again... The only feeling he held for her was hate. A kind of hate that would never dissipate unless something dramatic happened.
The Duke's mood darkened as he watched her move through the crowd, her companion staying close by her side. She laughed lightly at something he said, the sound carrying just far enough to reach the Duke's ears.