The frustration of being interrupted was reflected in Lucrecia's beautiful green eyes. Leroy had a polite personality when addressing her, but there was something in Raguel's cynical face that provoked her. Even if he said nothing and only looked at her as if he were about to laugh, his expression was enough to irritate her; after all, he had just called her meddlesome.
Leroy adjusted his blonde hair before picking up Delilah's shoes and bringing them to her so she could put them on easily. That gesture was typical of a young man with the bearing of a true royal gentleman. Delilah reproached herself for allowing someone with such a distinguished figure to bow for her sake. The son of the Archdukes of Carpentier was at the level of the highest nobility in Kevland; if Lucrecia looked at her with the desire to crush her with her own hands, she found it reasonable.
Raguel moved toward the main dining room, where dinner was being served, and Lucrecia was the first to walk behind him. That night, there was an important matter she had to discuss with them. She had been seen restless since the morning; the brown-haired Raguel made early assumptions seeing her so interested in capturing everyone's attention. She always had that dangerous expression, like someone who could make them all kneel if she pleased. A bit harsh, but always interesting.
—I have something to tell you —she announced firmly.
Cain, Leroy, and Delilah had barely entered the room when the brunette beauty took charge, taking the head of the table. Just a moment ago she had looked irritated, but now she smiled boastfully. She raised her delicate right hand, inviting the candidates to sit as well. The rest of the seats were equal, so each took the one closest to their position.
—I have obtained an invitation to Neil Bathory's birthday party —she declared, letting her words hang in the air with evident pride.
Her direct announcement created an instant silence. Although nothing clear could be read on the candidates' faces, they were all surprised—even Delilah, who barely understood the true significance of that statement.
Lucrecia had stood out since the first day she stepped into the mansion, so something as unimaginable as getting an invitation to a Bathory party could happen where she was concerned.
Neil was the young heir of the Bathory family, a man said to secretly finance important politicians and bureaucrats. His wealth went beyond the borders of Kevland. If Lucrecia had been invited to a private party, it definitely proved she was much more capable than the others. She was the kind of person who wanted to win the Marquise's preference. They were talking about the Bathory family: people inaccessible to any wealthy member of the high nobility, those who had royal favors at their disposal.
—Cain, I want you to be my companion.
The request was direct. Lucrecia rested her elbow on the table while observing the count's son with a confident gaze, as if his answer were already decided.
The silence stretched on. The uncertain glances of Leroy and Delilah shifted to Cain's face. Only Raguel smiled shamelessly while drinking from a long crystal glass.
—If it's only Cain, why are you telling us? —he asked boldly, lowering the glass and resting it gently on the table.
Things were simple: she was only allowed to attend with one companion. Lucrecia knew Leroy and Raguel's weekend routines; it was not her intention to interfere in their business... or at least that was what she intended to make them believe.
—I need a car and also some outfits —she replied naturally, as if her request were completely reasonable.
Raguel's brown eyes settled on her with intensity. That bold doll didn't even seem to feel embarrassed by her words.
He knew that pretentious girl did not have a good relationship with her family, so her resources were few. She was being daring, but that was characteristic of her, and the three boys would probably agree to her demands without paying too much attention. While Raguel had been initially surprised by her feat, the power of the Bathorys was well recognized. It could be said that it wasn't even guaranteed that those invited to such a celebration would be lucky enough to meet the heir.
—It has become clear to me what you need from me —Raguel finally commented, resting his chin on his hand—, but now I am curious to know what it is you need from Delilah.
His voice carried a clear hint of mockery. He even made sure to brush his long, straight hair away from his face, as if he didn't want anything to hide his amused expression.
—It is well known that Cain allows Yara to leave the mansion during the weekends —Lucrecia replied calmly, as if that explained everything.
Yara was the personal maid of the count's son, and it was easy for Leroy to guess what Lucrecia was implying. He immediately felt the need to intervene. He was worried; he even looked distressed. His angelic and innocent appearance was moving.
When he wanted to intervene, Delilah gently touched his shoulder while smiling, trying to let him know that everything would be alright.
In the first place, the Reines beauty was far from being a tyrant. With an affirmative response, Delilah intended to dissipate the tension between the two of them.
The blonde, blue-eyed young man did not want to complicate a matter that seemed already settled. He sighed softly and nodded with an understanding expression when Delilah agreed to serve Lucrecia.
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