The celebrations for the night were winding down. Osmar had faced the majority of the guests and accepted their congratulations. Adela was also facing the guests. She was rather exhausted from meeting person after person. She was about to return to her room when she spotted the duke again.

She found herself observing him much more closely now, since her father had suggested they marry. If Adela was strongly opposed to marrying the duke, then she knew her father would say nothing more on the matter. However…

She smiled to herself as she observed him. The duke really was handsome. He had a handsome, mature look. He looked like a man who would take good care of her. He was the only bachelor in the empire of the marquis rank or higher that was unmarried, apart from her brothers, who was even relatively close to her age. Thinking about it, though, there was a widowed marquis who was technically available… but he was nearly sixty. Gross.

Without even realizing it, Adela was standing before the duke, greeting him. “I hope you are enjoying the festivities, Duke Citriver.”

Osmar turned to face her and sighed internally. So it begins.

“I am indeed, Your Highness.” He plastered a forced smile on his face as he spoke politely.

If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

“I was just about to retire for the evening when I noticed you, and I thought I might offer words of appreciation to you.”

“Is that so? Thank you very much.”

Adela let out a short, nervous laugh. “I have not yet offered any words. You must be quite impatient.”

“You have judged correctly, Your Highness. I do have a lack of patience.”

“Certainly. Duke Citriver, about what my imperial father mentioned before, us getting married… I understand that this was only suggested this evening and that not much time has passed for you to give thought to this matter, but may I ask what are your thoughts?”

“Your Highness, you are a beautiful young woman of high status and birth. Many men would count it the blessing of their life to be engaged to someone like you. However, I do not believe that we would be suitable partners in marriage.”

He thinks so highly of me! Princess Adela smiled as she heard what the duke had said. Perhaps he is worried about having competition for my hand, so he is intentionally drawing a line between us so that he does not become a target?

He was not.

Hopefully, the princess will respect my feelings and tell the emperor that she does not wish to marry me. The duke silently reassured himself. If I tell him that I do not wish to marry his daughter, he will ask where I find fault with her, and I do not wish to find myself labeling faults on his daughter. Everyone in the empire knows how much he dotes on her.

“Thank you for your high praises, Duke Citriver. I understand your concerns. You have no need for further concerns. I will speak to my imperial father and settle any issues.” Adela smiled. “I must bid you good night, now. Have safe travels home.”

“Good night to you, as well, Your Highness.”