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There was also an issue. She hadn’t thought on if these additional guests knew the real Lady Cecily. Duke Vermont’s glamour should be enough.Hopefully, with this many people, no one will think too deeply on me.

They did look similar, after all.

King Bradwick was seated so he could watch his guests. Periodically, he would get up and move around the room to walk and converse with the people. Geryon stood stationed beside him wherever he went, his eyes narrowed and hyper focused. Not once did his hand leave the hilt of his sword, like he was prepared to draw it at a moment’s notice.

Even with the distance between them, she could tell he looked impeccably handsome. He was dressed in a dark-navy suit with buttons and buckles that would send her cross-eyed if she ever tried to undo them herself. His hair was even swept back with some sort of gel.

He really should not look so nice with such an intense gaze– one that made it appear as though he’d run his sword through anyone who came near.

Each lady eventually took a turn dancing with King Bradwick, who was gentle and smooth. She’d been controlled in her movements, the dance intending to be close. His arm wrapped around her waist while he held her hand delicately. His body pressed up against hers while they swayed before he would twirl or dip her.

The waltz and closeness were the same with all of them.

“You look enchanting this evening, Cecily,” he complimented her with a beaming smile.

I grow tired of being complimented so regularly.It had been incessant this night, people constantly at her with pretty words.

“To hear you say such words, your Highness, is rather heart fluttering.” She dipped her head with a forced smile. “I must say, you look rather dashing as well.”

Valerie was relieved when he finally let her go, so he could dance with Wyetta. They each got one song while the night continued to creep on.

A small part of her wished Geryon could dance with her, and she had to stop herself from wistfully gazing upon him.

Vermont eventually offered his hand, and she enthusiastically took the chance to flee from conversation. It put her once again in the middle of the ballroom. A ring of people watched them, but someone caught her eye.

She’d obviously already caught theirs.Wait... do I know that person?

Vermont turned her so her back was towards them. When she finally forced them to turn back, the person was gone.Did I imagine it?

With the number of people here, it wasn’t hard to believe she may mistake someone for another.

Unfortunately, it caused her heart to squeeze. She kept her blank expression while her eyes darted over people.I should not have put myself in the light like this. I must shadow myself.

Dancing with King Bradwick had been enough. Doing so with Vermont was just asking for trouble, to be caught and seen.

She quickly ended their dance, giving him a smile as a show for the people. Valerie used a spiralling pillar and Vermont to shield her while she tried to settle herself.I am merely paranoid.She took a deep, calming breath through her mouth, feeling it shudder silently. Her cheeks were warm, and her increased heart rate wasn’t helping.

The night is almost over.She took in another calming breath.

“Valerie?”

Everything inside her froze.

Her lungs caught in her chest, her heart squeezing so tightly she feared it would explode. A spike of dread so thick speared her, she thought she’d collapse.

She ignored herrealname, knowing she couldn’t respond to it.

“Uncle,” Valerie said, gaining attention while turning away from the voice. “Do you think Father will be disappointed that he was unable to come to the palace? I would have liked to dance with him.”

She needed to keep Vermont with her, needed to use him as further cover.Please go away.

“Valerie? Is that you?” A hand grabbed her shoulder from behind, and a chill crept up her spine.

She turned to the man’s voice with a cold and unfeeling face, forcing her to hide her complete and utter panic.

“Excuse me?” Valerie met the eyes of the person she knew without a shred of doubt and asked, “Who are you?”

“I know it is you,” Eldaeric whispered, coming closer to keep his voice low. “Helvette sent me to find you and Kaeylyn.”