Page 33 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
I blushed. “Thank you, Lord Leon.”
He looked up, and his honey-brown eyes met mine. “I’m afraid I have some business to attend to for now, but I’d be honoured if you’d save me a dance later this evening.”
My heart skipped a beat.
Welp.
I was in trouble.
“As long as you find me before I leave.” I smiled, taking back my hand. “I won’t wait all night.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” He chuckled, bowing his head to me. “Ivan, shall we go?”
“Yes.” Ivan kissed Vivi on the cheek before saying goodbye.
“Where did Vincent go?” I said, taking two glasses that were offered to us by a servant. “When did he leave?”
Vivi accepted the glass I held out. “He was smart and left when you were flirting with my brother. I almost followed him.”
My cheeks flushed.
“Don’t worry. I introduced you for a reason.” She grinned, and the smile in her eyes matched the one on her face. “Father is pressuring him about marriage since my wedding date was set, and Leon’s interested in you.”
Ooft.
My cheeks could fry an egg.
“Goodness, you’re so cute when you blush.” Vivi bumped me with her shoulder. “Oh, there’s Georgina. Over here!” She raised her fan to catch her attention.
Lady Georgina caught sight of us, and I realised she was with Lady Blair and Lady Sasha from the tea party.
“You’re here! Gosh, you both look beautiful,” Lady Georgina said as she joined us.
“Indeed. Lady Alicia, that colour is divine on you.” Lady Sasha smiled.
Lady Blair huffed and shuffled her voluptuous skirt. “I’d rather be wearing my training outfit. This dress is so heavy.”
“Has anyone seen Lady Elisa yet?” Lady Georgina asked. “We’ve only just arrived.”
Right. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I’d heard their announcements shortly after ours.
“Yes, she’s with the count and countess,” Vivi said. “They’re formally introducing her to their circle. I spoke with her shortly after she arrived and told her to come and find us when she’s able to escape.”
After that, the conversation drifted into more mundane topics. Questions about Vivi’s wedding, Lady Blair’s sword training, a garden party Lady Sasha was planning, and the upcoming spring hunt were all a part of the discussion.
I was soaking up as much information as I could. After all, this was a period not explicitly covered in the novel, so I needed to gain as much knowledge as I could to ensure that I would be one step ahead.
“Is that everyone? Won’t the Imperial Family be here soon?” Lady Sasha asked, looking around.
“I think—”
“Introducing His Imperial Highness, Prince Kalon, the Grand Duke of Stein and the First Prince of the Sada Empire!”
Thump. Thump. Thump.
My heart was going haywire at the mere mention of his name.
Oh, no.
