Twisted Affection
1
The grand ballroom shimmered beneath layers of golden light, chandeliers casting a soft glow over silk gowns and polished marble floors.
Laughter and music blended seamlessly, filling the air with the effortless elegance of nobility.
At the center of it all stood Lady Elira.
noble lady
Lady Elira, is it true you corrected Lord Benett’s trade proposal in front of the council?
Elira
*tilting her head slightly*
Elira
Corrected is a strong word. I only pointed out what he overlooked.
noble lady
He’s been avoiding gatherings ever since.
Elira
*Faint smile * Then perhaps I did him a favor. Reflection requires solitude.
A few nearby nobles chuckled, though some glanced at her with a mix of admiration and unease
Elira noticed but as always, she chose not to dwell on it
Across the room, a group of young nobles whispered among themselves.
young lord 1
There she is… no wonder they call her the Queen of High Society
young lord 2
Beauty alone wouldn’t earn that title. It’s the way she speaks… like she already knows how every conversation will end
young lord 1
And she’s engaged.
Their gazes shifted as a man began making his way through the crowd—Lord Cassian.
2
Cassian approached Elira with a glass of champagne
Lord Cassian
You’ve been surrounded all evening. I was starting to think I’d need to schedule an appointment
Elira
*glancing at him* You should have. I might have given you priority
Lord Cassian
*Smiles * Only ‘might’?
Elira
That depends. Did you come with anything interesting to say?
Lord Cassian
*pauses, pretending to think*
Lord Cassian
I missed you.
Elira
…That’s not very kind of you.
Lord Cassian
*offers his hand* One dance
She looks at his hand for a moment longer before placing hers in it
Elira
If you step on my dress again, I’m leaving
Lord Cassian
Then I’ll just have to be careful.
As they move to the center, the music swells. Unlike the others who dance to impress, Cassian’s focus remains entirely on her.
From the upper balcony, someone else is watching them.
Leaning casually against the railing, his gaze remains fixed on Elira as she moves across the floor.
There is no smile on his face only quiet interest.
3
A court official approached him cautiously
Official: “Your Grace, the council members are asking for you.”
Official: “…Is something the matter?”
Rihen doesn’t answer. Instead, he watches as Elira laughs softly at something Cassian says.
Duke Rihen
That woman. *points at Elira*
Official: “Lady Elira, daughter of Count Arven. She is to marry Lord Cassian of House Verin.”
Duke Rihen
Cassian...*mumbles*
Official: “He is quiet respected in the society.And has Influential in trade. Is loyal to the crown.”
Duke Rihen
*glance at Elira.*
Duke Rihen
Loyalty is a fragile thing.
The official hesitates, sensing something beneath the words but says nothing further.
Later that evening, Elira slips out onto a balcony, away from the noise.
The cool night air brushes against her skin, a welcome contrast to the crowded ballroom.
Elira
*murmuring* Peace, at last…
Lord Cassian
You always disappear at the same point in every event.
Elira
*flinches at sudden sound*
Elira
And you always find me
Lord Cassian
Should I stop?
He steps beside her, resting his arms lightly against the railing.
Lord Cassian
When everything settles… after we’re married… what do you want?
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