章 3: chapter 3
The mournful notes of Amily's violin had just started to build into something a little more hopeful when the door creaked open again. Both she and Lucian turned, half expecting Olivia to storm back in for round two. Instead, a tall, impeccably dressed man entered, his expression caught somewhere between exasperation and resignation.
"Your Majesty," the man began, his voice smooth and polite. "Forgive my intrusion, but the entire ballroom is abuzz with curiosity as to your whereabouts."
Lucian sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Let me guess, they're all wondering why I'm not making awkward small talk with nobles who want to marry me off to their daughters."
The butler inclined his head slightly, the faintest hint of amusement in his eyes. "Not in those exact words, sire. But yes."
Amily snorted, leaning casually against a table. "Well, at least they're consistent. Sounds like a thrilling crowd."
The butler's gaze flicked to her briefly, his perfectly arched eyebrow raising ever so slightly. "And you must be Miss Amily."
"Oh, we're going with 'Miss' now? Fancy," she replied, smirking.
The butler didn't react, his composure unshakable. "Your presence here, while no doubt fascinating, may complicate matters further. The princess—"
"—is probably already spinning some wild story about how I've 'corrupted' her precious Alpha King," Amily interrupted with a dramatic roll of her eyes. "Let me guess, she's saying I lured him here with my 'chaotic ways.'"
The butler's lips twitched, just barely. "Her words were slightly more... refined, but the sentiment aligns."
Lucian chuckled, stepping away from the wall. "Alright, Edgar, I get it. Duty calls. But let me just say, hiding out here has been the highlight of the evening."
Edgar, ever the professional, gave a small nod. "I'm pleased you found some enjoyment, sire. However, the nobles are beginning to speculate, and I believe Her Highness, Princess Olivia, may require... placating."
"Placating?" Amily snickered. "Is that code for 'groveling'?"
Lucian shot her a look that was equal parts amused and exasperated. "You're not helping."
"Wasn't trying to," she replied cheerfully.
Edgar cleared his throat delicately. "If I may, Your Majesty, the longer you linger here, the more complicated this situation becomes."
Lucian sighed again, running a hand through his hair. "Fine, fine. I'll go play nice. But Edgar, if one more nobleman tries to 'casually' suggest I marry his daughter, I'm blaming you for not pulling me away sooner."
"Duly noted, sire," Edgar replied, his tone dry but respectful.
As Lucian turned to leave, Amily called out, "Don't forget to tell them about the scandalous musician you were hiding with! That'll really spice things up!"
Lucian paused in the doorway, glancing back with a smirk. "Oh, don't worry. You're officially my new favorite secret."
Amily gave him a mock salute. "Glad to be of service."
Edgar stepped aside as Lucian strode out, but not before giving Amily one last look—a mixture of curiosity and quiet approval. Then, he followed his master, his polished shoes clicking softly against the floor.
Left alone in the room, Amily leaned against the wall, her violin still in hand. "Well," she muttered to herself, "that was more fun than I expected."
Meanwhile, back in the ballroom, the tension was palpable as the Alpha King re-entered, his usual commanding presence instantly silencing the buzz of speculation. He scanned the room, his expression unreadable, while Olivia tried to approach him with the grace of someone who hadn't just slapped her sister moments ago.
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