Chapter 36.1

Not panicking, Lia took a deep breath, composing herself, before sitting in one of the unoccupied seats. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Ian’s grin grow wider at her lack of reaction.

“What brings you all together today?“ Lia inquired, her eyes darting between the men.

“Ian told us about your little feminine escapades, and we wanted to see it for ourselves,“ Prince Wade said, snickering.

“I don’t see what is so amusing. It’s not like I do it because I enjoy it,“ she responded in a sharp tone.

Accustomed to the three of them, and the way they interacted in one another’s company, she did not allow them to phase her.

Ian shifted his seat, moving closer to Lia. Claude pressed his lips together, thinning them in distaste.

The Viscount Shelby family’s attendees, as well as Marilyn, felt extremely uneasy in the presence of two princes; Prince Wade, the royal prince, as well as Ian Sergio, the Prince of Geor.

Rushing towards the tea-table, Marilyn and the attendees converged on the nobility.

“Greetings, your highness’s. I’m Marilyn Shelby,“ she said, bowing gracefully.

“It’s been a while Marilyn, it’s nice to see you again,” Wade said, with genuine warmth in his voice.

Smiling at Wade, Marilyn moved towards Ian and held out her hand. He took it on his own and planted a kiss on the back of her’s.

“I see there are many beauties in the empire,“ Ian said, flirtation in his voice.

“I’m flattered,” Marilyn said, covering her mouth and smiling.

“And this right here is the Marquis Vale’s second son, Sir Canillian,” Wade introduced Lia.

Marilyn politely nodded at Lia, carefully keeping her face blank.

Claude moved a chair towards himself. His presence was so intense that silence fell over the rest of the party as the chair dragged across the ground.

Moving away from Ian, Marilyn took her place next to Claude as an attendee poured freshly brewed tea.

“If I had known important guests would visit today, I would have ensured that better tea and snacks were prepared,” Wade said, filling the silence.

“Not at all, your highness,“ Marilyn said, taking in the elaborately decorated table. “I’m thinking about having a small dinner party today. What do you think?” she asked. Marilyn was undeniably beautiful, no matter one’s personal taste. A prime example of a noble child that wasn’t used to rejection. The plans for that evening’s party were already being drawn up in her mind.

“It’s not the best time to hold a party, ” Claude said, sighing.

“Sir, I think it would be good for everyone to relax and enjoy themselves.“

Seeing that Marilyn wasn’t giving up, Wade backed Claude’s previous statement, saying, “The Duke’s right. It’s far more important to find the culprits than to attend a party.” Turning his attention to the Duke, he said, “I’ve ordered my men to shoot on site. You had better be successful this time.”

Claude’s eyes narrowed. A heavy silence fell over the group, the permeating smell of aromatic tea and the chirping of nearby birds choking Lia’s senses. Palpable tension could be felt between the men.

“Shooting? That’s terribly dangerous for the hostage,” Claude said in an icy tone.

“By hostage, you mean Sir Canillian?” Wade asked.

“I can’t allow Canillian to be put in danger,” Claude clarified.

“That’s why I asked Ian for help. To ensure our friend’s safety.”

Claude slammed his hands on the table as he stood, spilling tea all over the fine tablecloth.

Marilyn jumped in her seat, seemingly the only one surprised by the outburst.

“When will you give up this grudge you hold against Geore? Things have changed, and you need to move on,“ Wade said, his voice low and dangerous.

“What if the prince himself gets injured?“ Claude asked.

“You know as well as I do the prince can handle his own,“ Wade retorted.

“Are you going to accept help from Geore then?“ Claude growled out through clenched teeth.

“Marquis Vale’s family is arriving in two days. These are higher stakes than we first expected,“ the prince said calmly.

Grabbing his gloves off the table, Claude stormed off, Marilyn following him.

“Now if you were a woman, there would have been a war,“ Wade whispered to Lia, bemused by the entire situation.

“Would it really have started a war?“ Lia whispered.

“Probably if the duke had anything to say about it,“ Wade said, straightening.

Lia shook her head, sighing and standing.

“I should also be off,“ Lia said.

Ian made a move to stand.

“No Ian, you will only draw attention,“ she said, holding a hand up.

“If you don’t put yourself in danger, then I’ll stay put,” Ian said, standing and moving closer to her.

Lia gestured to the dagger strapped to her leg and said as she walked away, “This is what will keep me safe, not you.“