The Bathory family was a subject Lucrecia enjoyed discussing with evident enthusiasm. She knew every detail of their splendid reputation regarding celebrations and, in fact, she had not exaggerated at all when she described the kind of spectacle they could expect to find there during the trip.
The Bathorys were an important figure for all social classes. In that mansion, extravagance and elegance lived together naturally, blending in every corner with an almost theatrical harmony. Only in the great festivals near the kingdom could a similar show be seen.
The three candidates could have spent the entire afternoon observing the decoration: the vast illuminated gardens, the columns adorned with fine fabrics, and the crystal trays moving among the guests. However, an innocent and distinguished young woman moved toward them as soon as they crossed the entrance courtyard. Those who met those deep oceanic eyes bowed their heads slightly in respect toward the woman of dazzling beauty, who looked like a fairy out of a fantasy tale.
Delilah instinctively took a step back, as if her first impulse had been to hide from those noble eyes that seemed capable of examining everything. When Cain and the pretentious brunette bowed before the grace of that distinguished lady, Delilah understood with silent resignation that, even if she had intended to prepare for that party, she possessed no garment capable of placing her within the same hierarchy.
Possibly, Lucrecia had been expecting something like this from the beginning. The young brunette forgot about Delilah's presence with surprising ease, allowing her to withdraw without reproaches or warnings, as if her absence were more convenient than uncomfortable.
Cain, for his part, knew that Delilah had nothing to do in the middle of that dazzling nobility and, strange as it seemed, he ended up feeling the same way when Lucrecia's true plans were finally revealed.
It turned out that the reason she had brought him and not Raguel or Leroy was much simpler than he had imagined. The granddaughter of Duke Billeter wished to meet him personally after his name was presented as one of the candidates at the Zehren mansion. Lucrecia had obtained that invitation by promising to introduce him into the young aristocrat's exclusive social circle.
Cain's image was marked by rumors and contradictions, but many women found the risk of approaching such an unattainable man exciting. Occasionally, he could not help but feel some resentment thinking that noble ladies became bored too easily and ended up finding him entertaining simply because of his reputation.
Meanwhile, Delilah settled at a lonely table located some distance from the center of the festivities. The place was barely guarded by a small security group and a few servants passing by with silver trays. That clear space allowed her to settle in without drawing attention, and for the first time since she had arrived, she felt she could breathe with some peace.
From there, she observed the powerful social class gathered in the illuminated garden and could not help but remember the parties that used to be held at the house of the barons. It was all a boastful theater: elegant conversations destined to create connections, alliances carefully disguised as courtesy, and gossip that could benefit some while destroying the reputation of others.
—That is a very comfortable dress.
The words, spoken with a soft and serene voice, had the power to make her turn immediately in her seat. For a moment, reality seemed to transform with the simple sound of that velvety tone.
The male figure standing before her stood out with a disconcerting naturalness. His beauty seemed to magnify the transparency of wonderful emerald eyes that shone under the light of the lamps. If someone tried to judge his appearance by the strict labels of the nobility, even the most experienced observer would find it difficult to describe him precisely. His charm outshone any attempt at definition.
Delilah rose quickly from her seat and bowed her head slightly in apology. Suddenly, she did not know if the comment about her "comfortable" dress had been a light joke or a completely serious observation.
The young man seemed to notice her bewilderment and, showing a slight smile, raised a hand calmly.
—That is a quick reaction —he commented in a calm tone—, but it is not necessary. It was a compliment.
As he spoke, he extended his hand toward the table in a kind gesture, indicating that she could sit back down without worry. Delilah was just beginning to settle in again when a great commotion began to spread throughout the place.
As if something important were about to happen, the guests' excitement grew rapidly until it turned into a chaotic murmur that ran through the garden.
Liam Bathory was about to appear.
The leader of the Bathory family. Father of Neil and Andrea Bathory.
The blonde young man looked up at the crowd with some curiosity before commenting calmly:
—It seems they are truly enjoying the party.
Delilah paid little attention to the growing uproar around them. There were so many people gathered that, even if the main figure were nearby, it would be difficult for her to distinguish anything among the crowd.
—It is a great honor to have been invited, since it is Neil's birthday —she responded serenely as she watched the distant movement of the guests—. Of course they are enjoying it. This family is practically a celebrity.
The blonde gentleman then extended his right arm with natural elegance, offering her a crystal glass. His delicate, pale fingers circled the transparent stem lightly. If Delilah accepted the gesture, she would inevitably have to brush against his skin.
In celebrations like that one, servants usually presented drinks on silver trays. They were never offered directly.
—I would like to know —the young man added with a slight tilt of his head— if you are enjoying it, too.
Delilah took the glass carefully, trying to avoid contact with his fingers, and responded with a relaxed gesture:
—It is too glamorous.
The young man observed the glass in her hands before asking curiously:
—Are you not interested in seeing Neil?
She let out a small, discreet smile.
—I am not the kind of person who should aspire to such exclusive things.
The answer seemed to slightly amuse the gentleman.
—Most people in this place feel the same way —he said calmly—, although they behave in the opposite manner. That is why Neil will not appear this afternoon.
Delilah looked up in surprise. It was not like her to get involved in gossip, but that sudden information could be valuable if she ever mentioned it in front of Lucrecia.
—Is that possible?
—Neil is in the eastern provinces —the young man explained with absolute tranquility—. He is a very difficult man to find, even when he organizes a party for himself.
Delilah smiled softly, imagining the disappointment many guests would feel at the end of the night. In Lucrecia's case, it would undoubtedly be the second option.
—He knows how to handle noble people.
She looked at the glass she held in her hands and tried to take a small sip. She barely touched the crystal with her lips when her throat reacted sharply.
She coughed suddenly, as if the liquid had turned into fire.
The blonde young man reacted immediately, taking a white handkerchief from his pocket as he approached with evident concern. However, Delilah did not have time to accept the help.
Cain's authoritative voice resonated behind her.
—Lucrecia can take care of everything from now on —he announced in a firm tone while taking Delilah's arm—. Let's go.
Since Liam had appeared, Cain had ceased to be the center of attention. The growing noise of the place allowed him to disappear among the crowd without drawing much notice.
He knew he was acting irrationally by dragging Delilah away without even asking if she wished to leave, but from the beginning, she had shown no interest in that party.
—Do not keep your handsome older brother waiting.
The blonde gentleman's farewell came with a kind smile directed at Delilah. His light tone momentarily dissipated the tense atmosphere Cain had created by being called "older brother."
It was then that Cain realized he had been holding Delilah's arm all that time. He released her immediately, unable to remember the exact moment he had lost his shame.
How could he be the older brother of such a careless woman?
His words had sounded like those of an older man annoyed by two immature women, although in reality, they hid a much more specific meaning. Cain moved forward first, as if intending to leave her behind.
—I really don't feel like behaving like an older brother.
Delilah, still confused, looked at the crystal glass she was still holding in her hands.
—I'm sorry... I have to go.
The brief farewell sounded almost like an apology.
The blonde young man then took her hands, which were sticky from the spilled drink. With delicacy, he placed the silk handkerchief he had offered before over her fingers.
The fabric was soft to the touch.
On it, a diamond-shaped crest embroidered with gold threads could be clearly seen.
Below the symbol, a name could be read:
Andrea Bathory.
And right after handing it to her, the young man disappeared into the crowd.
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