Chapter 9 (1/2)

Chapter 9

“May I ask for a dance?”

Deatrice was taken aback. Why would someone ask her for a dance, right in the middle of her current situation?

“I would gladly oblige. But,” she looked him up and down, “you’ll risk getting your name sullied by being associated with me.”

“Whatever the rumors might be, it’s still better than being punished for defying an order.”

“An order?”

“Yes.” He looked in a particular direction and said, “Over there.”

At the end of his gaze was Lucius, looking like he was having a pleasant conversation with the other officers.

“He sent you here?” she clarified.

“Yes, to dance with you.”

Contemplating over his words, Deatrice carefully put her hand on his and let the man lead her to the dance floor.

She was suddenly reminded of that day when Elwood had a certain request from his sister, which resulted in him beseeching Lucius’ assistance to ask Charlie for a dance.

When Elwood had said:

“Please save my sister. This is her fourth time dancing with Wick. She must’ve decided to end her social life here.”

Who would’ve known that Lucius would reply to him with a:

“Please take care of my fiancée. She’s standing still like a pole. She must’ve made up her mind to embarrass me.”

She was currently experiencing feelings of low-esteem because of his uncaring words, but they immediately ceased when the man she danced with handed her a small note.

Deatrice frowned and tried to discard the note, but the man panicked and swiftly revealed to her that the note was from Lucius, stating that his objective from the beginning was to pass on this note to her.

He had no intention of making fun of or being rude to Deatrice.

Then, he could’ve just given me the note right from the very start!

How inefficient.

Vexed, Deatrice opened the note. Written there was an order telling her to go to the third terrace from the east.

“He must be enjoying this…” Deatrice suddenly muttered.

From the dress code, to a secret note, and a little sneaky agent delivered it—he must be feeling very entertained seeing her being toyed around by him.

She pouted her lips in defiance, but she knew that she had no choice but to move according to Lucius’ will.

Because deep down, Deatrice knew that she still owed him something.

***

As Lucius had said, she went to the third terrace from the east, but no one was there yet. Deatrice leaned against the railings, thinking that she must’ve simply arrived first.

Actually, she preferred it this way. She felt much better without his presence.