Chapter 285
In a lavish ballroom adorned with chandeliers and velvet drapes, I found myself exchanging glances with Max, who was known here as Silas. There was something aristocratic about the way his name rolled off the tongue, something that made you sit up a little straighter.
“It’s just a fish,” Max’s deep, gravelly voice broke through the hum of conversation. Princess Harriet, sensing the tension, motioned for more wine to be poured into my glass. I waved it away, but Claude, ever the protector, stepped in. “Apologies, but our Ms. Claire doesn’t drink p>
Princess Harriet didn’t press the matter. Instead, she leaned forward with an inquisitive smile. “Have you made up your mind yet? Is it going to be Kate or Lily p>
“Both,” I replied, holding up two fingers as Claude translated my silent decision.
Harriet popped a grape into her mouth, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Did yesterday’s incident with Lily scare you speechless p>
I stayed silent, my gaze drifting to Harriet’s hand resting possessively on Max’s arm, a chill running through me.
“Thinking about stealing my fiancé?” Harriet raised an eyebrow, her voice laced with mockery. “That’s not an option, darling. You can take Lily-I’d only count it as a light punishment. If you choose Kate, it’ll cost you. But try to take Silas, and it’ll cost you everything p>
I snorted, unimpressed.
“Our Ms. Claire has her own preferences,” Claude interjected smoothly. “Princess Harriet, our lady isn’t feeling well today and would like to take her leave p>
I was more than ready to escape this charade of love and power, and Harriet didn’t stop me, though she did call out as I turned to leave. “Did you enjoy the gift I sent last night p>
I froze. The ‘gift’ from last night? The man in the Echinacea room p>
Claude glanced at me, and I shook my head slightly.
“Our Ms. Claire retired early last night. She wasn’t aware of any gifts p>
Harriet’s laughter rang out, echoing off the walls. “Silas, she didn’t appreciate my present p>
My fists clenched involuntarily. Did Max know about this ‘gift’ all along? And yet, he hadn’t intervened!
Fueled by a mix of fury and betrayal, I grabbed a wine glass and flung its contents at Harriet’s face.
The room gasped collectively, shocked by my audacity-or perhaps my madness.
I had half a mind to throttle Harriet myself. She had hurt my sister, was intent on stealing my man, and now, she had tried to pair me off with some random stranger. Enough was enough.
Harriet’s eyes flared with anger, but she turned to Max, seeking support. “Silas, are you just going to stand there p>
Max, unruffled, looked at her with a hint of disdain. “Serythia doesn’t assist ineffectual princesses p>
Harriet’s facade crumbled, and she glared at me with venom. Her plan to demonstrate her ruthlessness and authority before Serythia’s Silas had backfired spectacularly.
“Seize her and throw her to the fishes!” she shouted in a last-ditch attempt to regain control.
But before anyone could move, Max
stood up. Harriet, you’ve lost.
Yesterday’s charity gala was a
disaster, and today’s tea party is no
better. Serythia has no use for allies
like you p>
At that moment, a larger contingent of soldiers poured into the hall, taking Harriet into custody.
Suddenly, I found myself under protection rather than threat.
“You can’t be Silas,” Harriet cried desperately. “Silas would never treat me like
this. I’m carrying his child; he’ll have your head for this p>
The realization dawned on her-Max wasn’t who she thought he was. What had really transpired last night?
I shot Max a hard look, and he had the grace to look away, avoiding my gaze.