The evening had seemed like it would be fine at first.

Lucille had been as nervous as always, but things had been calm. So, she had thought that she could act like she always did. She stayed in the background and answered when she was spoken to. Her only job was being polite and holding back as a quiet observe

It had worked well in the beginning. Lucille had mostly stood next to her father while listening to his conversations. Then she had glanced to the side once.

And as soon as she saw Cedar, her eyes were stuck on him. How could someone move around with such elegance even though so many people were watching him? Cedar seemed as if he was completely calm nonetheless. He was beaming the whole time and joined every conversation with confidence without fail. His smile didn't falter for a single second. Lucille was a bit concerned when Lady Peril had talked to him, but he dealt with that without any issues. Lucille tensed anyway, but then Lord Astame came to help the prince, and she relaxed again.

Still, she wasn't able to keep herself from watching Cedar, even if she knew that it was impolite. She just couldn't help but admire how dignified he was the whole time. Cedar was polite and friendly but still had some aura of authority. He seemed so different in public. Seeing that was odd, but she was impressed.

At the same time, a bitter feeling formed in Lucille's stomach though. Cedar greeted everyone and seemed unaware of how closely some people were watching him. Lucille wasn't experienced with matters like this, but even she could see that some women looked at Cedar with a little too much interest.

And even though she had no right to judge, she hated seeing that. She felt more self-conscious with every beautiful woman who greeted Cedar with a smile that was a little too bright. No matter how often she scolded herself for that, she couldn't bring herself to stop. She tried to look away, but that didn't help too much.

At some point, even her father seemed to notice what she was thinking and looked at her with skepticism. She tried her best to hide it more after that but failed.

Lucille couldn't stop glancing over at the prince and only forced herself to lower her gaze to the floor when Cedar caught her the second time. After that, she didn't dare to lift her head anymore and just quietly stood there.

Viscount Valerian chatted with some random men for a while until they invited him to the balcony for a drink. He seemed indecisive and glanced at his daughter multiple times before agreeing. He still stayed after the others had left already though. Her father told her that she needed to be careful about her wound and that she should spend the time that he was away with Fiona.

When he eventually disappeared, Lucille was ready to follow his advice. She looked around and forced herself to stop searching for Cedar in favor of finding her friend. She was successful, but it seemed like the Lamonts were chatting with the Duremont family now. That meant that she, as a viscount's daughter, had no chance to go there for now. So, she decided to wait in the most secluded corner until the others were done.

Normally, no one approached her, so she expected to be fine. But barely five minutes had passed before a man appeared in front of her. She had hidden herself away in the corner on purpose, so he had to have been searching for her specifically.

That man seemed to be about her father's age and greeted her with a patronizing smile, which immediately made her uncomfortable. “Good evening, Lady Valerian. I apologize for chiming in like this. I do hope that you remember me.” She did. But unfortunately, she didn't remember his name.

Lucille balled her hands to fists and inwardly panicked. How was she supposed to greet him? She was pretty sure that he was one of the questionable men her father had worked with at some point, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. She only recognized him when she blinked at him a few times. Lucille still didn't know his name, but she did remember that he had been one of the most unpleasant people she had been forced to encounter. She was pretty sure that her father had made her flatter that marquess a few times in the past.

His name was still a mystery, but Lucille remembered one thing. She hated him. She had always disliked that glint in his eyes, and now that she was alone, she felt even more uncertain than before. He rarely was in the capital, so she hadn't had a reason to interact with him often, which only fueled her worry. Would she offend him because she didn't know his name?

“I...uhm...”

Seemingly, that man hadn't even wanted a response. He didn't care about whether she greeted him back or knew his name. “It has been a few years since we met. You have grown up to be a fine young lady. You are quite beautiful, if I may say so.” That was odd. Cedar's compliments made her feel validated, but this only made her want to shiver. Nothing about this man seemed sincere. He didn't even wait for her reply.

Lucille began fiddling her fingers in front of her body and could barely keep herself calm. “I...thank you... That-”

Again, she had barely managed to bring out a few words before the marquess already took over. “Would you mind accompanying me into the garden? I heard that the winter garden is beautiful. The stars are supposed to be stunning as well, but since it's chilly, I could use some company.” The tone of his voice was even worse than what he said. It wasn't even playful, more so hurried. This wasn't normal, and his intentions surely weren't kind either. No one offered a stranger a walk like that in the middle of a ball. Especially a young lady shouldn't go out with a man she didn't even know. That was logical, so refuting shouldn't be an issue.

“Uhm...I...apologize but-” Once again, Lucille's stuttering didn't help her much.

The man replied already. “Don't be like that. I helped out your father a while ago. You owe me. It's just a little walk. Please accompany me.” He only sounded more rushed now and glanced to the side as if he was searching for something. He held his hand toward her nonetheless.

Rejecting a marquess when she was only a viscount's daughter was only possible if she had a good reason. But in this case, she actually had one.

Lucille could easily list all of the conventions that forbid her from accepting, and yet, she wasn't able to say even a single thing. She stared at the man's hand and took a little step backward, which pressed her against the wall. “I really...can't. My father-” Her voice was so weak and shaky that it wasn't surprising that she was interrupted for the fourth time in a row.

“It won't take long. We'll be right back after enjoying a nice walk outside.” The marquess didn't seem to care about her obvious discomfort, or he was truly blind. It was probably the first option since he just grabbed her arm and pulled her away from the corner. His grip was like iron, far too tight to be meant gently.

Lucille was speechless. She could only stare at the man while a thousand thoughts ran through her mind. What was he doing? Did he truly just want to take a walk? Probably not. What would happen if she ended up being dragged out? Why wasn't she lucky enough for someone to intervene?

This had to be a misunderstanding.

Maybe she hadn't been open enough about being uncomfortable. Surely, he would leave her alone if he noticed. She only needed to speak up once.

Lucille could barely swallow, but she forced herself and opened her mouth. She put in her all, but only a whisper came out. “Please...wait... I don't...” She wasn't sure whether the marquess had heard her.

In any case, he just continued pulling her toward the balcony.

If Lucille was lucky, her father was still there, and she could call out for help, but what if he wasn't? She didn't want to go out to find out. Lucille looked around in a panic. Was no one noticing what was going on? Should she call for help? She wanted to scream and struggle. But wouldn't that cause a scene? What if she had just misunderstood? Then she would have caused issues for no reason. Her mind was in a whirl, and she couldn't think clearly as the blood drained from her face.

Then, almost like a sign from the heavens, a glint of light blue hair appeared in the corner of her eyes.

Cedar. He was just a few steps away from her.

Lucille knew that she couldn't place all her bets on him. She shouldn't trouble the prince during a ball, but her body acted on its own. Cedar could protect her, like he always did. She instinctively knew that. She used her last remaining strength to wrestle her arm away and dashed forward. Approaching royalty while they were in the middle of a conversation was insolent, but she couldn't stop herself. She stumbled past two or three people before she came into Cedar's view.

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She almost wanted to call out the prince's name, but all the words got stuck in her throat when they made eye contact. She was so relieved. That marquess couldn't drag her away in front of royalty.

Only at that moment, Lucille noticed how confused her body was. Her knees shook, and she felt like she would collapse if she took even another step. Her heart was beating so quickly that it hurt, and her breathing had quickened. She had to have painted quite a pitiful picture.

It wouldn't be a wonder if Cedar just wanted to ignore her because she would cause problems for him. He was in the middle of the conversation with the emperor, the empress and a marquess after all. But Cedar even came the last step toward her and greeted her with his fake polite smile. “Lady Valerian, good evening. Did you have any troubles on your way to the palace?”

She was so thankful that she could have kissed him. Lucille could barely keep herself from shivering as she curtsied despite her legs almost giving in. “Good...” Her voice sounded rough, and she was so quiet that she could barely hear herself. So, she forced herself to clear her throat before speaking a bit louder. Still, her voice was trembling. “Good evening, Your Royal Highness. There...haven't been any problems. During our journey here, I mean. But...” Now she had a huge problem. She didn't even dare to turn around to face the other man.

Cedar kept his smile upright as he continued in a tone that made it obvious that he was used to small talk. “That is good to hear. You haven't had the chance to greet His and Her Majesty or Lord Astame yet, correct? Maybe you should do that now while they are all together.” Then he lowered his voice so that only she could hear him. “Is there something bothering you? Or rather someone?” His eyes locked onto something behind her, and she could swear that the temperature around them had dropped.

Lucille hurriedly nodded. “He...” Her voice broke, and she just lowered her gaze while pressing my eyes shut. She spoke so quietly that she was worried about whether Cedar even understood her. “I'm sorry for causing trouble during a ball. But he...just came and...wouldn't leave.” She barely dared to glance up again.

Cedar gave her a smile, but his eyes held some darker emotion. He had probably understood what she was referring to in general. “I see. Then would it not be even better to use this chance?” He slowly took a step back and gestured to the small group. “Please join the conversation.”

Once a member of royalty invited you, it was fine for anyone to join. Thank the gods.

Lucille would have liked to hug Cedar to tell him how he was her hero. But she just came toward him with shaky steps. She walked to the group and did her best to keep calm despite the stressful situation she was in. She made another curtsy, and when she looked up this time, she was met with serious expressions. Apparently, she hadn't been good at hiding her emotions.

Blanche was the first one to speak up. “I wish a wonderful evening to you, Lady Valerian. I hope that the ball has been pleasant for you until now. It is good that we have the chance to speak to each other. How have you been?”

Lucille tried to steady her voice, but that was easier said than done. “Good evening, Your Majesty. It is an honor to attend one of the royal balls again. I...have been well. Nothing special...happened.” That didn't sound very convincing when she was still shivering.

Blanche seemed to notice immediately and slowly scanned the area around them. “I see. That is good to hear. But if there are any issues, please feel free to speak up. The royal family is always happy to support anyone around us. We will do our best to help you.”

Lucille weakly nodded before turning to the emperor.

Theodore seemed as grim as his wife, so he had probably noticed what was going on too. But he forced himself to put on a small grin. “Good evening, Lady Valerian. It is a great pleasure to see you here. Say, where could your father be?”

Lucille wanted to turn around but shivered at the thought of making eye contact with that marquess. So, she just spoke without checking. “I wish you a wonderful evening, Your Majesty. I am pleased to meet you. My father is on the balcony and is currently discussing some things with his business partners.”

Cedar chimed in at that. “I see. He will probably take a little while longer, correct? Would you like to honor us with your presence until then?”

Lucille hurriedly nodded. She didn't want to go alone. Otherwise, that man might come again. “It would be very kind of you to allow me to do that.” She didn't know what else to say, but luckily, she didn't have to.

Leonard already greeted her. “I would like to wish you a good evening too, Lady Valerian. I hope that you have been doing well for the past weeks.”

Lucille almost breathed out in relief when she could be sure that no one was angry with her. She hinted at another curtsy before replying in a still weak voice. “I cannot complain. Good evening, Lord Astame. It's an honor to be able to speak with you. Nothing happened, so I fear that I have nothing much to tell you.” She truly didn't have anything. So, she shut her mouth while trying to come up with something. Even after a few seconds, she wasn't able to find something she could say. But thankfully, that wasn't an issue.

The people around her were efficient at making small talk. Lucille was quickly forced to accommodate to a long conversation about some matters that probably weren't that important. But she was glad. She dreaded the moment the others might be done. After all, she would have to leave and allow the royal family to move on then.

As the conversation went on, a couple of minutes passed, and she slowly managed to calm down, which probably only happened because Cedar stood a few steps next to her. Her heartbeat slowed, and she could trust her legs again at some point.

Yet, she didn't calm down as much as she would have liked to. She almost could hear how her blood rushed through her body as it rang in her ears even now. She felt like that marquess was still standing behind them and worried about him following her as soon as she went away. But maybe she was lucky. Maybe he had lost interest.

Lucille glanced over her back and immediately whipped her head back again when she made eye contact. Why was that man still there? Why would he be so persistent? Now he should know that she didn't want to go with him. That was so painfully obvious, and still, it seemed like he didn't care. She tensed and balled her hands into fists as the last remaining bit of her hope died.

This hadn't been a misunderstanding.

She lowered her gaze to the floor. Her father would need to come back soon, or she would end up standing there without anyone to protect her. Why couldn't she have a bit more confidence? If she had dared to speak up loudly, that man would probably leave her alone. But she couldn't even bring out more than a whispered ‘no’.

“Are you truly alright?” Cedar's whispering made her flinch.

Lucille lifted her head and met his gaze. “Huh? I...I mean it's fine. Thank you. I'm just a bit...tired.” That lie was so obvious that even she had to grimace.

Cedar didn't seem to let that bother him though. He smiled at her before continuing in a low voice. “So, it was bad. I'm sorry to hear that. I may have a small idea about how to ensure that nothing happens again. How about the two of us act as the other's shield for the rest of the evening? You don't want to see that man. I don't want to see Lady Peril. We can compromise here. Allow me to escort you for today.”

Lucille blinked at that. She could barely believe that she had received such an offer. “Really?”

He nodded. “Of course. I wouldn't joke about something like that.”

Lucille was silent for a moment as hundreds of thoughts rushed through her head. Why would a prince want to accompany her? There were so many other women he could pick from. If he escorted her, there would definitely be rumors. Those could cause problems for the both of them, and he was still risking it because he wanted to make her feel safer. Her heart felt warm all of a sudden, but she couldn't hold back her doubts. “But the difference in rank is a bit too big, is it not? What if...”

Cedar just continued to smile. “You will be Her Majesty's lady-in-waiting soon. If the people around us know that, they will assume that the two third wheels just have to go around together. Of course, I will not force you if you are uncomfortable with it. I can also bring you to your father without attracting as much attention. That is your choice. But I think it may be helpful for both of us. Especially since I have to warn you about Lady Peril. She somehow heard about us using our first names, and she didn't like that at all.”

Lucille could only stare at him. “Lady Peril?” She was quiet for a moment before the realization set in. “I'm...sorry. I ran into her after her audience. I used your name, and she asked, and I just admitted it. Do you think she'll confront me about that being insolent?”

The prince glanced to the side before meeting her gaze again. “That wasn't what I was referring to. I meant to say that she may try to cause problems for you in secret. She won't attempt to hurt you, but she will try to ruin your reputation. That's why we have to be careful, alright? I'm hoping that me escorting you is enough to make her understand that she won't be able to do anything to you.” That didn't sound good at all.

Lucille only needed to remember Jenna's expression after she had uttered Cedar's name. She truly believed that the other woman could cause trouble, but she hadn't thought that Lady Peril would be provoked so easily. “Really?” Lucille pressed her mouth into a line before she replied. “Then...we can do it. I mean, you can escort me. You know better about what is fine and what is not. But please don't...” Blood rushed to her cheeks as she averted her eyes. Saying that embarrassed her way too much. “Don't do it just because you feel like you have to. You aren't indebted to me.”

When she carefully lifted her gaze, she was met with a soft smile that was much more subtle than what Cedar usually showed. At the same time, it was a hundred times more genuine and comforting too. The prince responded in a soft voice. “I would not propose this if I was uncertain. I'm not the type to sacrifice myself. I want to escort you. If that is fine with you, would you grant me the honor?” He slowly brought his hand forward to offer it to her in a subtle motion.

That was already enough to make the rest of the group, much like almost the entire ballroom, halt their conversations to stare at the couple.

Lucille felt even more flustered but hurried to push that into the back of her mind. “I...would be honored to accept your offer.” She quickly put her hand on Cedar's. Once again, it felt so wonderful to hold his hand. Their fingers were just touching slightly, but it felt like everything around her got warm while her fingertips tingled. She could just look into Cedar's eyes.

For a few seconds, all the surrounding noise drowned out. It was completely quiet, and it felt like only the two of them were there. Obviously, they were still in the ballroom, but to Lucille, only they mattered.

However, she quickly shook her head to wake herself up again. She couldn't dream about things like that, or she would get even more embarrassed.

Cedar met her gaze for a moment while he carefully held her hand. Then he turned to his brother and spoke up. “I believe that it would be time to move on to the next person. Should we see Lord Bellfaux?”

The emperor scanned his brother and Lucille for a moment before a smile spread on his lips. “Naturally. We will go there quickly.”

“Good.” Cedar glanced at Lucille again. “I will need to bother you with greeting a lot of people today. I hope that you are alright with that.”

Lucille weakly nodded. She would agree to almost everything he said. So, she followed his lead as soon as he steered toward their destination. She didn't want to greet other nobles. But if she went with him, it might be fine.

It almost felt like Cedar was her knight in shining armor, who came to protect her from any danger. And for the first time in her life, she felt like a princess while holding his hand.