Blue Lily

The Reception Hall was elegant and cozy, where white and gold predominated. The walls were softly adorned with arrangements of white and cream flowers (not real flowers, they thinking about the allergic people, especially since in this cast only Marta and Eric are the ones who don't worry about our protagonist). Translucent tulle curtains in an ivory tone were illuminated by the sunlight. In the center, a crystal chandelier sparkled. Some of the guests were dancing, chatting animatedly, or nibbling on appetizers.

It was in this warm atmosphere that Nathaniel and Lilian entered together, drawing curious glances. Most people were still trying to hide their surprise at seeing the blond man without Marta.

As they walked toward the appetizer table, they saw Marie and Castiel.

“Lilian!” Marie exclaimed cheerfully, hugging her friend tightly. “The dress looks gorgeous on you!”

“Thank you, Marie. You look stunning too.” Lilian replied with a shy smile.

Meanwhile Castiel, watched the blond man and the green-eyed girl with a smirk.

“So, you are the famous Lilian.”

Nathaniel sighed and rolled his eyes, already predicting the kind of comments that was coming from the redhaired man. The blond grabbed a glass of sparkling wine and started drinking it. He didn't even bother to introduce Castiel because practically everyone from Amoris knew him.

“Famous? Me?” Lilian look at him confused. Castiel just crossed his arms, smirking at her.

“Yeah, Nathaniel’s always talking about you! There’s not a single day your name doesn’t come up from his mouth. He’s so into you that he doesn’t even hide it!”

The blond man, who had just taken a sip of his drink, choked and coughed, almost spitting the drink back into the glass. Lilian quickly patted his back while Nathaniel’s face turned as red as Castiel’s hair.

“Castiel! Shut up!” he muttered between irritated and embarassed.

'If anyone accuses you of plagiarism again, I swear I won’t help you this time,' the blond thought, glaring at his friend.

“What? I’m just telling the truth,” the redhead replied, laughing and raising his hands innocently “Armin even said you keep calling your coworkers Lilian.”

Armin didn't say anything actually, but tormenting Nathaniel was one of Castiel’s favorite hobbies. And judging by the blond’s flustered reaction, that fake mistake wasn't so fake after all.

“It was only twice!” Nathaniel defended himself.

Marie burst out laughing, and Lilian covered her mouth, trying to hold back a giggle. She felt avenged after what had happened earlier with her parents.

The young officer scratched the back of his neck and looked away, more embarrassed than ever.

'This day can’t possibly get any worse…' he thought.

“If you don’t shut up, Castiel, I’ll forget I’m at a wedding and punch your face!” Nathaniel threatened, but everyone knew it was an empty threat. If he ever did hit someone, it wouldn’t be Castiel. It’d be a certain CEO that probably was somewhere close, keeping an eye on Lilian.

Castiel laughed at him.

“Relax, man, let’s not ruin Ayla and the soldier’s wedding!” he said, winking at him. Then he gave Marie a discreet look, signaling for her and Lilian to leave.

Marie quickly caught on and grabbed Lilian’s wrist.

“Lilian, come to the bathroom with me? I don’t want to go alone. I need to touch up my lipstick.”

“Sure. Will you wait for me, Nath?” The blond man nodded with a smile.

The green eyed woman was about to go, but first leaned closer and whispered to him:

“Looks like you also talk about me to people...”

The honey-eyed man rolled his eyes with a light blush appearing on his cheeks.

“Ah ah ah, very funny! You’ve had your revenge, now go!”

The brunette winked at Nathaniel (still not believing she’d were that bold) before being dragged away by her friend. When the two were gone, Nathaniel crossed his arms and gave Castiel a suspicious look.

“What was that little act about? I noticed the looks you were giving to Marie and Lilian probably noticed too!” he said.

Castiel looked around, making sure they were alone.

“Well, this morning Marie got a call from Marta.”

Nathaniel’s expression immediately changed to one more worried.

“Marta? What did she wanted?”

“She called asking to borrow a dress for a party. But of course, Marie didn’t give her anything.”

The blond’s heart skipped a beat.

“And you’re only telling me this shit now?!” he exclaimed, running his hands through his hair “Great. As if having Jason walk around here wasn’t enough, now Marta wants to crash the wedding party?!”

Castiel placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, trying to calm him.

“Relax, Nath. If she really wanted to show up, she’d have already caused a scene at the church. She probably gave up.”

Nathaniel exhaled slowly, still uneasy.

“Marta’s stubborn, and you know that well! But I hope you’re right.” he sighed “I feel trapped. Everyone keeps pressuring me to tell the truth to Lily. I think I messed up, Castiel. I feel like she’s going to hate me.”

“Look, no one’s surprised when you screw things up. Just look at your college years.” the redhead teased with a crooked grin.

Nathaniel shot him a deadly glare.

"Fuck you."

“Okay, okay!” Castiel raised his hands “Seriously though… My only advice is: enjoy it while it lasts, because I won’t lie you fucked up.”

The honey eyed man arched an eyebrow.

“Wow, I feel so reassured by that motivational speech!” he said sarcastically.

The red haired man laughed and shrugged.

“What? You want me to say everything’s going to be fine? Because it won’t! You should’ve broken up with Marta, or at least told Lilian the truth. Now the only thing left is to make the most of it. But come on, your life’s never been easy. If you survived the drug trade and your toxic family, earning your girl’s forgiveness should be a piece of cake. Just make sure you talk to her first before Marta or anyone else tell her the true first.”

Nathaniel sighed and shook his head, giving a tired half-smile.

“Good thing you’re a musician and not a therapist…”

“I’m just being realistic.”

Nathaniel was about to reply but fell silent when saw Marie and Lilian return laughing together. He couldn’t help but stare at Lilian, completely mesmerized.

Castiel noticed how the blond froze, utterly enchanted.

“And here we go again… You’re totally in love!”

Nathaniel ignored the remark while fix his hair and trying to act casual.

“What were you guys talking about?” Lilian asked as she and Marie approached.

Castiel instantly recovered his smirk and turned toward them.

“We were talking about my upcoming shows. Our band’s got a national tour starting soon. Tell me, Lilian do you like listen the Crowstorm? Have you listened to our latest album?”

Lilian blushed slightly, looking embarassed.

“Oh, well… I… To be honest... No... Not really… I’ve only heard one or two songs.”

Castiel widened his eyes in mock offense.

“What?! You don’t like rock?!”

“She does listen some rock, just not yours Cast! And she’s absolutely right not to! Your music sucks anyway!” Nathaniel interrupted with a smirk and wrapping an arm around Lilian’s shoulders, sharing a mischievous smile with her.

(...)

At the café, the atmosphere was calm with no Marta's yelling this time. Eric was already on his second cup of coffee after a long talk about the redhead.

“She’s lucky I like her, otherwise I’d have dumped her ages ago! Damn my luck! I must’ve been a terrible person in a past life to deserve this kind of love life. First Melissa and now Marta!” he grumbled.

“Look, she’s my friend, but if I were you, I’d break up with her.” Alexy said while scrolling through his phone “You two basically only have sex, Eric.”

“I know, but maybe she’ll change once Nath breaks up with her today. Because he totally will I feel it.” the dark-haired man said shrugging.

“I doubt she will change, but if you think so…”

“Should we go check on her?” Eric changed the subject “What if she accepts a ride from some creep?”

He barely finished the sentence when the door opened and Marta walked in triumphantly. Her victorious smile left no doubt: she’d already changed the tire.

“Marta?” Alexy exclaimed “You managed to put on the new tire?”

Marta flipped her hair back and sat down at their table.

“Not me, but luckily, a gentleman showed up to help.”

Eric raised an eyebrow, already sounding annoyed.

“A gentleman? Who?” he asked coldly.

Marta rested her chin on her hand, remembering the moment, her eyes gleaming mischievously.

“His name is Ioan. A very handsome blond guy… and single.”

FLASHBACK

Marta sat on the roadside with her arms crossed furious. She was waiting for Eric and Alexy to come back to change the tire.

“Those two sons of bitches aren’t coming back, are they?” she muttered, rolling her eyes.

That’s when the sound of an car approached. An elegant black sports car stopped in front of hers. From it stepped out a tall blond man with a charming and seductive smile.

“Well, well… What’s a beauty like you doing all alone on the road?” he asked, leaning casually against her car.

Marta looked him up and down. He was handsome, sure, but he had that spoiled-rich-boy look that made her doubt he could actually change a tire. Still, she decided to give it a shot.

“I’ve got a flat tire and the two bastards who were with me ditched me here! But I doubt you know how to change one.”

“Oh, really? I’m not just looks, you know, princess?” he said, rolling up his sleeves. “I’ll change your tire, but in exchange… you’ve got to agree to have a lunch with me sometime.”

She couldn’t help make a teasing little smirk.

“Well, if it’s just a lunch, why not?”

'Let’s see if those idiots of Eric and Nathaniel start valuing me a little more after this, she thought.' she thought.

The blond stepped closer and crouched down beside her. Then he took her hand and kissed it softly.

“I knew you’d say yes, princess.”

Marta pretended not to be affected, but a small smile betrayed her.

“I hope you’re as good at changing tires as you are at flirting.”

“Oh, you can bet on that,” he said, winking before standing up to get to work.

END OF FLASHBACK

“So…” Eric said, trying to keep his jealousy in check “You accept the help from a stranger on the road and on top of that, you agree to have lunch with him?!”

“I did, yes.” Marta answered with a sly smirk “I wouldn’t have needed to if you had the decency to change the tire!”

Eric set his coffee cup down on the table aggressively.

“So now you just throw yourself at any guy who shows up on the road? Like some slut?”

Marta only gave him a cynical smile.

“Eric… You’re not my boyfriend. If I don’t owe Nathaniel any explanations, I sure as hell don’t owe you any either.”

Alexy, who had been watching the whole fight in silence, couldn’t help but feel sorry for Eric. It was obvious that Marta didn’t love him and deep down, she was only using him.

Eric was speechless for a few seconds with his fists clenched on the table. Marta simply stood up and grabbed her purse.

“Now pay the bill and get back to the car. We’ve got a romance to ruin. Come Alexy.” she said before walking out.

The café door closed behind her, leaving Eric even more furious. The blue haired man sighed.

“She’s completely out of control, Eric. We can’t just leave her on her own.” he said seriously before left.

The older man nodded. He knew Marta was doing all this to hurt him but even so, he still wanted to protect her.

(...)

After lunch Ayla, in her white wedding dress, walked to the center of the reception hall while holding her bouquet. The single female guests began to go close to her laughing and chatting excitedly.

“It’s time, girls!” the bride announced with joy.

From a distance, Lilian watched with a glass of champagne in her hand. She preferred to stay close to her blond. The green eyed woman didn’t believe in those traditions anyway.

“Aren’t you going to try your luck?” Nathaniel asked smiling.

“Nah! Too much chaos. I’d rather stay here with you,” she replied, smiling sweetly at him.

Before she could say anything else, someone grabbed her wrist.

“Don’t even think about escaping, Lilian!” Danica exclaimed, handing Lilian’s glass to the blond and dragging her toward the group of girls. “It’s tradition! Come on!”

“Danica, no! I don’t want to!” the brunette protested awkwardly, but she was already surrounded by a crowd of giggling girls, all with their eyes fixed on the bouquet.

Nathaniel watched the scene with an amused smile, his eyes following every Lilian’s move.

“You’re the most beautiful of them all.” he murmured softly, not realizing that Jason, standing beside him, was also watching her.

“Gotta agree with you there…” the CEO said.

Nathaniel rolled his eyes and took a sip from Lilian’s champagne glass, trying to stay calm after recognizing his rival’s voice.

“Wanna bet she catches the bouquet?” Jason teased him with a mischievous grin, taking a sip of his wine. “All that’s missing is the groom. Or maybe she has some options already…”

“I’m pretty sure she’s already made her choice. The problem is some people don’t understand that.” the blond replied coolly, making the CEO burst into laughter.

“We’ll see that…”

Back among the girls, Ayla turned her back to the group and began to count:

“One… two… three!”

At “three,” she turned around and deliberately aimed the bouquet toward Lilian. The flowers flew through the air as the girls shouted and laughed with they arms raised. Lilian lifted her hands to shield herself and ended up catching the bouquet.

The entire hall erupted in applause and laughter.

“I KNEW IT!” Danica squealed “You’re next, Lily!”

“What?! No, no, no! Ayla threw it wrong, she was supposed to turn her back!” Lilian protested with her face completely red.

“Each bride decides how she throws it!” Ayla answer with a smirk.

Seeing Jason ready to make his move, Nathaniel quickly handed him Lilian’s glass and approached her first. The blue-eyed man glared in shock at his audacity.

“What a coincidence, huh?” Nathaniel said softly near her ear “Or maybe… A sign?”

She looked at him with her heart racing. For a moment, everything around them seemed to fade away.

Suddenly, the lights dimmed and a new song began to play, it was a soft waltz. The guests stepped aside, forming a circle for the newlyweds’ first dance. After some time both Ayla and Kentin invited other couples to join them.

Nathaniel extended his hand toward Lilian.

“May I have this dance, dolcezza?” he asked gently.

“I…” she took a deep breath. Danica snatched the bouquet from her hands and gestured for her to accept “Yes, of course.”

Nathaniel took her hand delicately and led her to the center of the dance floor, where the bride and groom were dancing among other couples.

As their hands intertwined, he gently pulled her closer and placed a hand on her waist. Lilian shivered at his touch.

“When I saw that bouquet land in your hands, I thought maybe fate was trying to tell me something.” Nathaniel murmured, his honey coloured eyes locked on hers.

They moved slowly to the rhythm of the music.

“And what fate would that be?” she asked playfully.

“That I’m on the right path to finally finding my happiness.”

Before she could answer, Nathaniel leaned in and kissed her. A quick, and soft peck, full of sweetness.

Lilian blinked, surprised. Her face was burning as her heart pounded wildly. The looked at her with a shy smile on his lips.

“Sorry…” he murmured “I couldn’t resist. And believe me, I was resisting since Ayla interrupted our moment in your home.”

“You don’t have to apologize, Nath. I… I liked it.” she said, wrapping her arms around his neck and continuing the slow dance, while the blond held her closer.

From a distance, near the window, Danica sighed dreamily next to Spencer and Jason, who was already on his second glass of wine.

“Look at them! So cute! They’re like a fairytale couple!” Danica said.

Jason, however, just turned away looking at the window.

“We’ll see how that fairytale ends once midnight strikes…”

Mandy walked quickly through the small forest, holding up her skirt so she wouldn’t trip. Her heart felt lighter with every step that brought her closer to that hidden spot: a place that only she and Lysandre knew. They had found it by accident one day while riding their horses.

When she reached the lake, she saw him arranging rose petals on the picnic blanket. A smile escaped her lips before she could stop it. It had already become a tradition: every weekend, they met there.

“Jade won’t be happy to know you stole more flowers from his garden!” she said, laughing softly as she approached.

He looked up and smiled gently.

“May he forgive me... But none of his roses are as beautiful as the one I dedicate these petals to.” he replied with a calm voice and full of tenderness.

Mandy blushed and sat beside him.

“You know, my love, this is the sweetest moment of my week... Here I can be more than just a princess. Here, I’m simply myself.” the young woman said adjusting her lilac skirt over her knees.

Lysandre smiled and handed her a red apple.

“That’s the point, my sweet Mandy. Here, you’re not Your Highness and I’m not just a knight. Here you’re simply Mandy and I’m only yours.”

She took a bite of the fruit and watched the lake quietly for a moment. Then she placed her hand over his, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“My dream is that one day we’ll run away to this place and live together. Far from the court, far from duties and far from all the eyes that keep us apart. When I’m here I feel like nothing could ever separate us.”

Lysandre lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it softly.

“Don’t say that twice, my flower, or you’ll give me the courage to leave with you. I’d build our home right here today.” he said caressing her cheek.

“Then I’ll help you myself! I won’t just stand by and watch!”

“If only it were so easy to escape the duties that bind us...” he murmured.

His fingers brushing gently over her face.

Mandy rested her forehead against his, closing her eyes and letting herself dream, even if just for a moment.

“We’ll be happy my love... I’ll convince my father! No matter what it takes!"

Lysandre’s smile faltered for a moment. He didn’t like to think negatively, but he knew how cruel Francis could be. Probably even more than Mandy imagined. He saw it in how Nathaniel had been mistreated since childhood, and how Ambre was scorned for refusing to marry. The man couldn’t help but fear the day the princess would be promised to someone else.

But for now, he chose not to think about that. He would leave those worries for later. At that moment, all that mattered was enjoying the picnic with the woman he loved.

What he didn’t know, however, was that someone was watching them.

(...)

Lilian carefully adjusted the princess’s pillows. Her green eyes were lost in thought and her mind was full of theories. She couldn’t understand why Jason hadn’t come to talk to her yet. Was it part of his plan?

"Maybe the duke will wait until nightfall to speak… Or maybe he won’t help me anymore… Or maybe he found another little piece to his game."

Knock knock knock

The sound made her jump. The lady-in-waiting turned toward the door, heart racing between hope and fear.

"Could it be him?"

She placed a hand over her chest, took a deep breath to calm down and asked with a trembling voice:

"W-Who is it?"

"It’s me, Iris! May I come in? Are you alone?"

Lilian sighed softly and sat on the bed. Part of her felt relieved, but another part was also disappointed.

"Of course I’m alone! And of course you may come in, Iris! This is your room! You are the princess not me!"

The princess entered with a mischievous smile.

"I just thought that a certain blue-eyed duke could be there with you..." she teased "Talking about him, I have news about duke Mendal!"

Iris sat next to her maid. There was something in her eyes that made Lilian nervous.

"What happened to him?" the brunette asked carefully.

"Duke Mendal asked for you!"

"What?!" Lilian’s heart skipped a beat and her face was turning red "The duke wants to marry me?!"

The redhead burst out laughing.

"Hey calm down! You are too fast!" she joked "It’s not that chapter yet! He only asked for you to be assigned as his personal maid during his stay at the castle!"

"What nonsense! How could I think of marriage? How foolish of me! Of course he just wants me as a maid... Or a slave, like his poor assistant!" Lilian thought and sighed trying to hide her embarrassment, but her red face gave her away.

"Wow... How wonderful! I’ve never been so happy to be a servant!" she said sarcastically.

"Yeah!! I think think the same! It is amazing!" the princess replied, not catching her friend’s sarcasm.

"Amazing?!" Lilian rolled her eyes "I see nothing good in serving that cold and arrogant man! And weren’t you the one who warned me about him and said Duke Okere would be a better choice? What changed now?!"

The red haired girl squeezed Lilian's hands and her bright eyes sparkling with excitement.

"That was before, when I didn’t know how special you are to him, Lilian! Don’t you see it? You’ll melt his heart! You’ll be his sunshine! Just like in the romance stories that we read!"

The girl of forest green eyes sighed at such naivety.

"Iris… how can you believe him so easily? Just one romantic gesture from the duke and you’re already convinced? So naïve of you... But for the sake of the plan, I’ll have to pretend to be a love-struck maiden."

"Do you really think he’d notice someone like me?" Lilian finaly speak.

"I have no doubt!" Iris said, holding her hands tighter "I saw the way he looked at you this morning! Just like Ioan used to look at me when we first met!"

"Or like Ioan looks at any woman..." Lilian thought trying to not to roll her eyes.

She tried to smile, but Iris didn’t give her a chance to answer.

"That’s why I’ll accept his proposal!" the princess announced.

"WHAT?!" Lilian panicked "No! People will talk and my parents will never allow it! They already scolded me today just for getting near to that man!"

"But it’s for your own good!" Iris said "With Duke Mendal by your side, Prince Eric won’t dare to approach you at the balls or send you letters with hidden intentions!"

Lilian closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. She wasn’t convinced at all by Iris’s idea because whoever steals a brother’s fiancée, like Eric did, could steal anyone’s.

"Even so, I doubt becoming duke Mendal's maid is a good idea." she said looking at the princess "I saw the duke’s assistant today. He was almost carrying the duke in his arms!"

"But you’re the lady that he’s interested in! He won’t treat you like an ordinary servant."

The princess looked completely enchanted, as if she saw before her friend the start of a great love story.

Meanwhile Lilian just wanted to run to far away.

(...)

In Dalgowel kingdoom, Eric entered in the throne room. King Francis was sitting on his royal throne, reading some papers. When he saw his son he looked up.

"What is it now, Eric?! Can’t you see I’m busy?!"

"Father, I bring you news and you can’t ignore them! News about my sister Mandy!"

The king frowned and dropped the pappers in his lap.

"And what serious thing do you bring me? Has something happened to my daughter?"

"I have been suspicious that my sister is hiding something, so I followed her. She left the castle in secret and I followed her. I found her near the lake in the woods with Lysandre."

The king narrowed his eyes and clenched his fists, already imagining what was coming. Eric gave a triumphant smile finally able to expose his sister, their father’s favorite daughter.

"They were not just talking father. I saw with my own eyes! He was kissing her hands and they were exchanging vows of love. Mandy and Lysandre are involved!"

Francis stood up abruptly, furious. The papers fall from his lap to the floor.

"How dare that peasant touch my daughter?!" the king’s angry voice echoed through the room.

"It’s not only Lysandre’s fault! Mandy also betrayed you and the Carello family! Mandy promised loyalty to the family, but she prefers a simple stable man over the duties that she has as a princess! She is destroying our family’s honor!"

The king began pacing with his eyes flashing with anger.

"They will both pay for this! Both of them!"

Eric hid a satisfied smile.

"Allow me to suggest something, father..." Francis looked at his eldest son with curiosity "Marry Mandy off quickly to another man. Prince Thomas of Amoris maybe!"

"Thomas..." the king murmured stroking his chin "A prince of pure blood. That would indeed wipe away the stain from Mandy’s foolishness."

"It’s the perfect solution father. Queen Isabelle would accept at once we all know Prince Thomas has trouble finding a bride because of his behavior."

"I will follow your idea. And about Lysandre..." the man’s look darkened "That insolent will learn the price of be where he does not belong! Tell me my son, do you still have that tea you gave to your late wives?"

Eric smiled at the corner of his mouth.

"I will take care of it easily father."

"Do it then! For now we will keep this secret to prevent either of them from escaping. As soon as I get rid of that commoner I will send Mandy to Amoris to marry Thomas. I will speak with Queen Isabelle tomorrow!"

(...)

Lilian was stood in front of Jason’s room door. Her heart was racing just thinking about facing and speak to the duke after what had happened that morning.

The dark-haired woman took a deep breath and placed her hand on the door, ready to knock.

“Come on, Lily! On the count of three. You can do this!” she whispered to herself inhaling deeply “One… Two…”

“Three…” murmured a familiar male voice right next to her ear.

Lilian turned around startled, almost losing her balance, but before she could fall, Jason’s arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her straight against his chest like in that time when they meet.

“You really should train that balance, miss Bellerose! This is the second time you’ve ended up in my arms. I’m starting to think you’re doing it on purpose!”

The green-eyed woman quickly stepped away with her face burning red, but she forced herself to lift her chin proudly.

“D-Don’t say such nonsense my lord!” she stammered “I have no intention of falling into your arms!”

A faint smile curved the duke’s lips as he leaned in slightly, observing the blush spreading across her face.

“That red face says otherwise…” he teased, brushing a hand over her cheek.

Lilian immediately turned her gaze away and stepped back from his touch.

“I came to talk with you.” she said quickly changing the subject. “About the request you made to the princess! I demand to know what you’re planning!”

Jason raised an amused eyebrow at her sudden boldness.

“So brave all of a sudden my future sweet maid?” the duke replied, opening the door to his bedroom “Perhaps we should discuss this in my room, where there are no curious eyes or ears around.”

“Can’t we talk in the library or in the garden?” Lilian said with a nervous tone “A single lady should not enter in a gentlema-”

Jason laughed and leaned closer making her take a step back.

“Spare me the lecture, Lilian! I know those rules better than you! But I prefer to speak in a place where no one will dare to interrupt us. As for the rest just stay calm.” He took another step forward, his blue eyes were shining with mischief “I won’t touch you… unless you ask me to touch you of course.”

Lilian felt her stomach twist and heat rise to her cheeks again. The duke just watched her clearly entertained by her exaggerated reactions.

“You’re impossible!” she muttered pushing him aside and stepping into his room.

Jason only smiled, satisfied with the effect that he had on her. With a smirk he followed her, closing the door gently behind them.

Inside, Lilian found Spencer leaning over a pile of clothes, carefully folding trousers. Everything was arranged by color: from the lightest to the darkest.

“Miss Lilian…” Spencer greeted sounding tired.

“Good afternoon, Spencer...” she replied softly but kindly.

“Spencer.” Jason interrupted them.

“Yes, my lord?”

“Finish that later. Go and stay in the corridor. I don’t want anyone near this door!” The duke’s cold voice ordered.

Spencer’s eyes moved from Jason to Lilian. He took a deep breath, clearly uncomfortable, before speaking in a slightly worried tone.

“With all respect, my lord…” Spencer began “It isn’t proper to leave a lady alone with you in a room.”

“Proper or not, Spencer, I’m the one giving orders here,” the duke said firmly “I trust you’re capable enough to guard the corridor, aren’t you?”

“But...”

“Leave. Now!”

Spencer bowed his head in obedience. Before leaving he gave Lilian another look, then closed the door behind him.

The lady’s heart beat so fast that she was sure that Jason could hear it. The man of deep blue eyes walked over to the table, poured some wine, and handed to her a glass.

“Drink this. It will help you relax.”

Lilian took the glass nervously and sipped a little.

“My lord…” she began, trying to sound firm “It’s not fair to keep me in the dark about your plans! If we’re going to work together, I have the right to know what you intend do.”

“Together? So you don’t deny that we need each other?”

“I never denied it!” she shot back “And if you think I’ll be another Spencer, you’re wrong! I refuse to be your slave!”

“Such a sharp tongue for someone so shy...” he murmured teasingly “Did you forget that you’re just a simple lady-in-waiting?”

Lilian froze for a second. Those words, said with such disdain, hit her like an invisible slap. But instead of backing away she stepped forward so close that Jason had to straighten up slightly surprised by her bravery.

He half-expected her to slap him, but she didn't do that.

“Yes, I’m a lady-in-waiting.” she said with her green eyes flashing with anger “But don’t forget, my lord, that if I wanted to destroy your plans a few words to the princess would be enough. Devon could have Silvestria by tomorrow!”

Jason blinked, clearly not expecting such defiance from her. He stared at her so intently that Lilian began to worry. Then he laughed making her even more confused.

“You’re brave! I admit I’m used to being the one making threats, not receiving them.” he said with his blue eyes gleaming with both mischief and challenge.

He leaned closer and his lips dangerously near to her ear.

“But I must admit… I loved seeing this brave side of you.”

A shiver ran down her spine. Jason straightened again, still with that typical smirk.

“Calm down, Miss Bellerose. You’ll be my maid only for appearances not my slave. Your tasks will be simple: make my bed, serve me wine, walk with me and stay by my side most of the time. But that won’t last long. I have better plans for us.”

“Plans?”

Jason took Lilian’s hand. She looked at him confused, but didn’t pull her hand away.

“Lilian Bellerose. You want to be free from Eric and I want Silvestria. There’s a way for both of us get what we want.”

“What way is that then?”

“A union of convenience. A marriage. You’ll be free from Eric and become my equal in the eyes of the kingdom. Your peace will be guaranteed and I’ll gain Silvestria. What do you say?”

The words “union” and “marriage” echoed in Lilian’s mind. The proposal was as absurd as it was tempting. She didn’t know what to answer. Jason wasn’t someone she could trust, but if she were married to him Eric would never be able to touch her again.

POV Nathaniel

The entire church was silent when the priest asked for the rings. Ayla and Kentin stood hand in hand, smiling at each other as if the rest of the world had simply ceased to exist.

As I watched Kentin slide the ring onto Ayla’s finger, I felt a tightness in my chest. That little piece of jewelry carried a meaning I knew all too well. Because some time ago, I bought one too.

I remember it perfectly. The blue box I hid in my pocket, the words I practiced a thousand times in front of the mirror so everything would be perfect. I had it all planned out to propose to Marta in that day, the same day that she told me about that double betrayal.

Now, sitting here, watching that couple, I can’t help but think about how love can be both cruel and the most beautiful of risks.

I turn my gaze to my right side.

And there she is.

My new reason to smile:

Lilian.

In her dark blue dress, her hair falling in soft waves, her skin glowing under the light through the stained glass. She looked stunning like that. Well... She’s beautiful even in her everyday clothes.

Looking at her face brings me peace and makes me forget this wound that’s been growing smaller each day. The pain of Marta and Eric’s betrayal isn’t as strong as it used to be thanks to her.

I wonder how different things might’ve been if, years ago, I had bumped into her in the hallways of Sweet Amoris instead of Marta.

If it had been her shy and gentle eyes that met mine first.

Would we have been interested in each other?

Would everything have worked out if it had been her my first love?

What would my life look like in that other life?

“The groom may kiss the bride!”

I see Kentin lean toward Ayla, gently caressing her face. And within seconds, the long-awaited kiss happens. Instinctively, I glance back at Lilian. And she turns her head toward me.

She doesn’t look away and neither do I.

End of Nathaniel’s POV

Something tells me that in her mind is thinking the same think that I am thinking about.

POV Author

Meanwhile, things weren’t exactly going good for Marta&co.

They were still twenty minutes away from the church and thanks to an accident on the road the trio was slightly late for the long-awaited drama.

Eric didn’t look worried, in fact he was almost happy, he was afraid of the consequences that the "show" that Marta wanted to cause.

And who could blame him?

Between Kentin, the groom, Ayla, the bride and Nathaniel, who’d definitely lose it. He honestly couldn’t tell which one of the three would explode first.

Marta, on the other hand, was furious. She was with a scowl on her face muttering an occasional curse under her breath. Meanwhile Alexy was in the back seat, totally unsure how to lighten the mood and already regretting agreeing to come along.

“Eric, I haven’t said this before...” the blue haired man started, trying to ease the tension “But damn! You look so handsome in that wine colored suit! If you weren’t straight, I’d totally ask you out!”

Eric let out a smug laugh, adjusting his collar with a smirk.

“Finally, someone recognizes my beauty!”

Marta rolled her eyes, still staring out the window.

“Alexy stop feeding his ego and you Eric focus on the road!”

“Jealousy’s an ugly thing my love…” Eric teased, turning to her with the same smirk “But don’t worry, I’m all yours!”

“Jealous? Please!” she said letting out a dry laugh “I’ve got a much better man warming my bed every night!”

“I bet after today, you won’t have it anymore…” Eric muttered under his breath with his eyes fixed on the road.

“Go to hell, you son of a bitch!” Marta exploded furious. 

Alexy raised his hands in a desperate peace gesture.

“Okay, that’s enough! Let the lovers’ quarrel for later! Eric, turn left we’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”

Eric took a deep breath, trying to hold back his irritation and his exhaustion from dealing with Marta's bad mood.

“Understood.” He looked at the red haired woman “But you’d better control yourself! Understood?”

“I’ll control myself!” she snapped back “But if that bitch Lilian’s there like I suspect, I’m not promising I won’t smash her face!”

“Perfect! And when the fight start, I’ll be in the car!” sighed Alexy dramatically “If someone is getting their bones broken, it’s not going to be me!”

“You and Eric are a pair of cowards!”

Suddenly a loud harsh noise echoed. The car jolted violently to the right.

Eric rolled his eyes and took the left turn that Alexy had mentioned. Marta were tapping her fingers on her knee while mentally try to remember the venomous speech she’d give to Lilian and imagining the slaps she was going give to her. She wanted to see Lilian cry and humiliate her completely. Meanwhile, Alexy kept giving directions, trying to pretend he wasn’t part of this potential disaster.

“What th-?!” Eric gripped the steering wheel tightly and managed to pull the car over to the side of the road.

“Oh my God! What was that?!” Marta screamed startled.

“I think we’ve got a flat tire.” Eric replied calmly.

The three of them got out, and as expected, the tire was flat. Marta ran her hands through her hair and let out a frustrated scream.

“NO! NO, NO, NO! THIS CAN’T BE HAPPENING! ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?!” she yelled tugging her hair “TODAY OF ALL DAYS?! WHY MY LIFE IS SO DIFICULT?!”

Eric took a deep breath, trying not to laugh at her meltdown. Deep down he was relieved , this way he wouldn’t have to face Kentin, Ayla, or Nathaniel’s fury.

“Calm down, Marta. I’ll change the tire. It’s not the end of the world! Maybe it’s even a sign from above that we shouldn’t do this.”

“A sign?!” she repeated, turning toward him with pure rage “CHANGE THIS SHIT NOW! NOBODY WILL STOP ME OF SLAPPING THAT BITCH!”

Annoyed the cop opened the trunk grabbed the jack and the spare tire and shoved the jack into the red haired woman’s hands. She looked at him confused.

“Enough! Enough with your bad temper! You want to go there that badly? Be my guest! There’s the jack in your hands and there’s the tire change it yourself!”

“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me… You are really going to… ”

“Leaving you alone? Yeah, that’s exactly what I’m doing!” he cut her off with a firm voice “Because honestly, I’d rather grab a coffee and hold on to what’s left of my sanity! You’re unbearable today, Marta! No wonder that even Nathaniel couldn’t stand you anymore!”

Alexy, who had been leaning against the car with his arms crossed, widened his eyes in shock. Eric turned to him with a tired smile.

“Come on, Alexy. There’s a café across the road. Let’s get a drink.”

“Uh… sure…” Alexy said a bit surprised.

“We really need it... A strong coffee and a full minute of silence.”

“ERIC! GET BACK HERE, YOU SON OF BITCH!!”

The two men walked away calmly along the side of the road, Marta’s furious voice fading behind them.

“ALEXY!! YOU’RE JUST AS TERRIBLE A FRIEND AS THAT BASTARD!” she continued shouting after them.

The redhead turned to the car, looking completely lost.

“Now what?!” she said desperate.

(...)

As soon as Kentin and Ayla stepped out of the church, a shower of rice flew into the air. Laughter, camera flashes and joyful shouts filled the place. Armin aimed carefully, trying to hit Kentin and it didn’t take long for Castiel and Nathaniel to join in on the fun.

"Hit him, Lily! Show off your aim!" the blond teased and she burst out laughing.

"I’m trying! But everyone’s standing in front of me, haha!"

Without warning, Nathaniel slipped his arm around her waist and lifted her off the ground, making her squeal in surprise before laughing.

"Now you can throw!" he said between laughs.

Lilian tossed the rice with much better precision this time and by some miracle, most of it landed right on Kentin’s hair.

When the playful rice war finally ended, Nathaniel gently set her down and smiled at her. The two shared look with a confortable silence between them, but abruptly interrupted by a certain CEO.

"If you ever need someone to lift you, I’m available Lilian. I’m taller than your friend!" Jason teased.

The smile of the blond man vanished and he took Lilian's hand.

The woman blinked a bit embarrassed. Nathaniel, on the other hand, kept his eyes fixed on Jason struggling to stay calm.

"I might be shorter…" Nathaniel said in a false calm tone "…but I box. If you’d like I could give you a little demonstration of my skills."

Jason raised an eyebrow with a mocking smile.

"That won’t be necessary, thank you.” he replied smoothly "I’m not exactly a savage… Unlike some people."

The air between them grew tense. Lilian sighed and gave Nathaniel’s hand a gentle squeeze.

"Guys, stop it. Let’s just enjoy the moment. Today’s supposed to be a special day."

Both men turned to look at her.

"You’re right… Also we should get going. I want to get to the reception soon and have a dance with you, my date…” Nathaniel said with a smirk shooting Jason a sidelong glance.

The dark haired man frowned slightly understanding the message perfectly. But before things could get worse (or before Jason could throw in a remark about Marta), a feminine voice called out from behind them.

"Sweetheart!"

Lilian turned around quickly with her face lighting up.

A woman with long, light brown hair and hazel eyes came running toward her, waving happily. Beside her was a tall man with dark brown hair and serious green eyes.

"Mom! Dad!"

The older woman wrapped her in a tight hug.

"Sweety, you look stunning! You look like a princess!"

"Mom! Don’t exaggerate!" Lilian laughed as her mother showered her with kisses in her face.

"We saw you earlier but we didn’t want to interrupt the ceremony." her dad said hugging her too before kissing her forehead.

When he pulled back, his gaze immediately landed on the two men standing nearby, especially Nathaniel, who was still holding Lilian’s hand.

"So… I suppose one of these men is the Nathaniel I’ve heard about?" he asked.

"Yes... The blond one." The green eyed woman said, pointing to Nathaniel.

The blond extended his hand to them a bit nervous.

"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Bellerose!"

Her mother shake his hand enthusiastically.

"Call me Clara, and my husband’s name is Gabriel! The pleasure’s all ours, dear! So you’re the one who’s captured my daughter’s heart?"

Nathaniel blinked, scratching the back of his neck with his cheeks slightly flushed. Lilian turned scarlet nearly as red as Castiel’s hair.

"Did she talk about me?" Nathaniel asked, sneaking a glance at Jason, who rolled his eyes. Then he looks at Lilian that looks away blushing.

"Of course!" Clara said cheerfully "She talks about you all the time in our calls! Says you’re kind, hardworking and that you’ve got those honey-colored eyes that could melt anyone’s heart!"

"Mom!" Lilian gasped "I did not say that last part!"

The blond chuckled while Lilian’s father observed the interaction with a sharp, evaluating gaze studying the blond carefully. Then his eyes shifted to Jason, watching him just as intently.

The blue eyed man stepped forward with his usual calm and confident smile.

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Bellerose." he greeted, shaking both their hands "I’m Jason Mendal, CEO of Goldreamz, the company where your daughter works, actually."

Clara’s eyes widened in delight.

"Oh! So you’re her famous boss! Lilian speaks so highly of your work!"

"She’s one of my most dedicated employees. Incredibly talented too." Jason added with a charming smile.

Lilian coughed awkwardly, embarrassed by the praise.

"I juss do my job." she muttered shyly.

“Always so modest Lilian!”

Nathaniel maintained a polite half-smile, but inside, he was irritated with Jason’s tone of voice. 

"I didn’t know you’d be attending the wedding as well, Mr. Mendal.” Gabriel said.

Jason smiled tilting his head slightly.

"The bride invited me, and… I had strong reasons to come." he replied glancing briefly at Lilian who immediately looked away.

Clara looked between Jason and Nathaniel with a curious expression.

"Are you two related?" she asked pointing from one to the other "You look like brothers!"

Lilian nearly choked on her own laugh, while both men looked at each other to after look at the older woman equally offended.

"Oh no Mrs. Bellerose!" Jason replied forcing a polite smile "We’re definitely not brothers!"

"Just have a similar taste, apparently.. " Nathaniel said sarcastically, crossing his arms and looking away.

Jason shot him a glare full of disdain which the blond returned without hesitation.

"Similar taste?" Clara asked confused for a moment  until realization hit her. Then she winked at her daughter "Oh! I see... Similar taste in woman..."

"Mom, stop!" Lilian groaned.

"Well... We’d better get to the car if we want to arrive before the place of the party before it starts." Gabriel interrupted that convertaion (to Lilian's relief) adjusting his tie and glancing at the guests who were starting to leave.

"Let’s go, then!" Clara replied smiling at her daughter "See you later, sweetheart! And nice to meet you guys."

After they go Jason took a step forward ready to find Danica and Spencer.

"See you there Lilian and remember I still want that dance that we talked in the other day." he said with a wink before turning away.

Nathaniel look at him assessing every move Jason made, but kept his irritation under control. Jason simply ignored him.

The vehicles began moving along the road that led to the countryside venue. As he drove, Nathaniel glanced over at Lilian, who was quietly admiring the landscape through the window.

Soon after, the couple got into their car.

"So... You talk about me to your mom uh?" he teased with a smirk.

"Don’t start…" she replied, blushing.

"Sorry, couldn’t resist!" Nathaniel laughed softly "But for the record, I talk about you to my sister and my friends."

He gently squeezed her hand with his free hand. The dark haired woman smiled feeling her heart warm.

"And what do you say about me?" she asked softly.

"That you’re special to me… and that I don’t ever want to lose you," he admitted shyly with eyes on the road.

The main courtyard of Amoris Castle was especially busy that morning. Servants stood in line to receive the two guests who would compete for Silvestria. The guards held a perfect posture, and the queen awaited their arrival alongside Princes Iris and Thomas, as well as Count Ioan.

Lilian stood beside Iris. The princess had insisted that her lady-in-waiting remain with her when Duke Mendal arrived. The young woman with green eyes tried hard to appear calm, as if she wasn’t the least bit curious or nervous about seeing Jason again after that night at the ball a week ago. Since the day she spoke with the prince Nathaniel, she hadn’t received any news from the duke. Just the thought of seeing him again made her heart race.

The sound of hooves and wheels broke her thoughts, announcing the arrival of the first carriage. Duke Okere was the first to step down, wearing a warm smile and carrying a simple suitcase. Right behind him came a tall, muscular man with long hair, also holding a suitcase. His name was Roy, Duke Okere’s assistant. The two greeted every servant they passed along the way, until they finally stopped in front of the queen and bowed respectfully.

"Your Majesty, it is a great honor to be welcomed under your roof for this year." His voice was soft and genuine, very different from Jason’s tone.

"Welcome, Duke Okere. May your stay in this castle be pleasant and worth remembering." The queen replied with a sincere smile giving him a smal hug.

"There’s no doubt Her Majesty has a favorite…" Lilian thought.

The servants rushed forward to collect the luggage, but Devon raised his hand and politely refused.

"It will not be necessary, Your Majesty. I will take care of my own belongings."

The gesture made some servants exchange glances, whispering among themselves. Devon and Roy greeted the rest of the royal family, including Lilian.

"You chose the wrong duke…" Princess Iris whispered mischievously in Lilian’s ear as the two men walked away with a servant.

The lady-in-waiting rolled her eyes, feeling her cheeks flush.

Then the second carriage approached, making Lilian’s heart pound. There was no doubt about who was about to arrive.

Jason Mendal stepped down with his usual imposing air. His cold, piercing gaze justified the nickname the people of Amoris gave him: The Ice - eyed duke.

Behind him, Spencer stumbled under the weight of four heavy suitcases, nearly tripping.

"Be careful with the smallest one Spencer!" the duke ordered without even turning his head "There are precious wines inside it."

He ignored the servants who muttered in disapproval, and once he reached the queen, he bowed.

"Your Majesty, you are generous in receiving me for this year." he said respectfully.

"Welcome, Duke Mendal. May your stay in this castle be pleasant and worth remembering," the queen replied, showing a certain distance.

"Without a doubt… She have favorite already… But... I mean... With such arrogance how he expects to win over the people and Her Majesty?" Lilian thought, unable to stop herself from rolling her eyes and letting out a small sigh.

Jason’s dark blue eyes turned immediately to her. A smile appeared on his lips. Lilian felt a shiver run down her spine when she saw the duke’s smirk.

Without warning, Jason walked straight toward her. Lilian straightened her posture nervously. He stopped in front of her and leaned slightly, extending his hand.

"Miss Bellerose, it is a pleasure to see you again! And like always so beautiful!" he said in a fake softer tone.

Before she could answer, Jason took Lilian’s hand and lifted it to his lips. The gesture was brief, but whispers spread immediately.

"First the ball, and now this?"

"It hasn’t even been seven days since they danced together…"

"Could there be feelings between them?"

Jason’s smile widened as he noticed the murmurs. Lilian, on the other hand, felt her face burn, trapped between the urge to pull her hand away and the strange desire of stay close to him.

(...)

After lunch, Lilian walked down the hall, ready to take some time for herself in her chambers. Since the morning Jason hadn’t said a single word to her, and that worried her. According to Nathaniel, he wanted to follow the plan of the false engagement, but then why hadn’t he approached her yet?

"Lilian."

She turned and found herself face to face with the furious gaze of Philippe, her father. At his side it was her mother, Lucia, whose expression was filled with concern. Without saying a word, they guided her to the garden for have privacy. The three of them sat down on one of the benches.

Lilian’s heart beating fast. She knew exactly what they wanted to talk about. After all, on the night she had danced with Jason, her parents had already demanded explanations.

Flashback

Lily had walked thoughtfully through the silent hall of the castle. The ball was over and it was just a smal dance, but she still felt the firm touch of Jason’s hand on her waist and his blue eyes looking at her. The yong woman escaped from his arms as quickly as she could. She could not allow herself to feel even the slightest attraction to someone as dangerous as him.

"Lilian." Her father’s voice interrupted her toughts.

She stopped and turned to them, meeting Philippe’s worried gaze. At his side, Lucia looked just as upset as her husband.

"Come with us now!" Philippe said with a severe look.

Without explanations, they headed toward the library, knowing that at this hour they would find no one there.

"Why did you sance with that man?!" her father spoke with irritation. "Dancing with Duke Mendal in front of the entire court?!" What where you thinking?!"

The young woman took a deep breath, trying to stay calm.

"Father, Prince Eric wa following me! I only anted to get away from him. So when I begged the duke, he granted me a dance to scare the prince away. Nothing more!" She spoke half the truth, not wanting to worry them further.

Philippe ran a hand over his face, clearly torn between anger and concern for his daughter.

"You have no idea of the danger that is playing with a man like Duke Mendal!! He will not forget this favor! And now he has a perfect excuse to approach you whenever he want!"

Lucia touched her husband’s arm gently, trying to calm him. She cast a worried look at her daughter.

"We know well of your fear of this man sweety. But you must be cautious. A single gesture is enough to destroy your honor and the duke could use it as a weapon against you."

"I really don't care! Better be in the duke's hands than marry that prince! At least the duke doesn’t get rid of his women every six months!"

Philippe’s eyes widened, shocked by his daughter’s words. Lucia by instinct, covered Lilian’s mouth with her hand, terrified that someone might hear her.

"Lilian!" Philippe scolded in a low but severe tone "Never speak such blasphemy aloud again!"

The older women kept glancing nervously at the door, afraid anyone might have heard.

"You have no idea the danger of speaking this way about a prince! Even if he is from a neighboring kingdom! If such words reach the wrong ears, not only you, but all of us could pay with our lives!"

The young woman pulled slightly away from her mother.

"I don’t care who hears!" she retorted angry. "I only wished to escape that man! I wanted to breathe without feeling caught in his web! And whether I like it or not, it was Duke Mendal who saved me!"

"I understand your desperation. But you must not confuse Duke Mendal with a savior. He plays his own game and he will not hesitate to use you."

Lucia caressed her daughter’s face tenderly.

"We beg of you only one thing: be prudent!"

"It was just a dance!" she lied "Soon the court will forget."

End of Flashback

Her father’s expression was even more furious now than it had been that night.

"Explain to us what happened today! Duke Mendal kissing your hand in front of everyone! That is not how I raised you Lilian!"

Lilian’s heart raced. She swallowed hard and for a moment it was as if time had turned back and she was once again a little girl being scolded by her parents.

"It was nothing!" she said, trying to mask her nervousness "It was only a gesture of courtesy from the duke."

"Do not take me for a fool Lilian! Duke Mendal does nothing out of mere courtesy! If that were the case, he would have done the same with Her Highness! He kissed just your hand! He is marking territory!"

Lucia touched her daughter’s face gently.

"Dear we understand your silence, but you cannot hide the truth from us. If there is anything between you and him, tell us now. Maybe we can help you."

Their words and her mother’s tender touch only made Lilian feel even more suffocated.

"There is nothing between me and him!" she yell with tears on her eyes, she stand up from the bench in front of them "I JUST WANT TO BE FREE FROM THAT ABOMINABLE PRINCE!"

Tears began streaming down Lilian’s face, shattering the serene façade she always tried to maintain. No matter how hard she tried, there was no way to hide the storm consuming her inside.

"You don’t understand! No one understands my fear!! I am completely alone here!! That bastard of prince Eric won’t leave me alone for months! He suffocates me at every ball! In every letter! And no one dares to stop him because he is a prince! You know very well what fate awaits me if you force me to marry him!" she sobbed, covering her face with her hands.

Her mother stood and pulled her into a hug.

"Shh, we understand you, my daughter," she whispered softly, stroking Lilian’s hair as she cried on her shoulder.

Philippe closed his eyes, stood up, took a deep breath and embraced his daughter as well.

"Lily... no one will force you to marry Eric. You know that I would never allow my daughter to fall into the claws of such a monster. But seeking help from Duke Mendal is no solution! Today he treats you kindly, yes, but tomorrow he may be the one to chain you, just as the prince wishes and then there will be no escape!"

The dark brown haired women stayed silently in her parent's arms. Her heart tightening with the feeling of being cornered on all sides. What she did not know is that a certain duke had saw the entire scene.

(...)

Jason tried to focus on reading, sitting on his bed while Spencer arranged his clothes in the wardrobe, but the image of Lilian crying in her parent's arms in the garden kept returning to his mind. No matter how hard he tried to push the thought away, but without success.

"You don’t understand! No one understands my fear!! I am completely alone here!! That bastard of prince Eric won’t leave me alone for months! He suffocates me at every ball! In every letter! And no one dares to stop him because he is a prince! You know very well what fate awaits me if you force me to marry him!"

He shut the book and set it beside him. Irritated with himself, he took a deep breath. He should be satisfied, after all, Lilian’s despair only gave him more advantage to manipulate her and yet, for some reason, he couldn’t feel any joy in see her cry.

A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. A a tall lady-in-waiting with light brown hair tied neatly in a bun open the door.

"Your Grace..." the woman’s voice was firm, nothing like Lilian’s softer tone "My name is Charlotte. I have been assigned to be your personal attendant during your stay."

She entered and gave a respectful curtsey.

Jason raised an eyebrow, looking her over from head to toe. Then, with disinterest he looked away.

"No..." the blue eyed main said after a few seconds "You are not the one I want."

Spencer while folding a white shirt, glanced up suspiciously. He knew his master well enough to guess what he meant.

"But Your Grace..." Charlotte maintained her composure, though she felt slightly offended "I have been officially appointed to serve you by the queen herself."

"Appointed, you say? Well, I am the guest here and I believe I have the right to choose who I wish to spend my time with!" Jason gestured for Spencer to give him a glass of wine. The servant quickly obeyed. Jason took a sip, then looked back at Charlotte "The only one I want is Miss Lilian Bellerose. I want her as my personal attendant!"

Charlotte’s eyes widened in surprise and a flicker of irritation and envy crossed her face.

"You weren’t exaggerating when you said you were alone, Lilian…" Jason thought, taking another sip of wine "Even your similars, they see you as a rival."

"If I may give my opinion, Your Grace..." Charlotte said, forcing her fury into control "This will not look good for Your Grace. It will cause unnecessary rumors."

Jason arched a brow slightly irritated that someone of lower class questions his orders. He hated being questioned.

"No, I do not permit opinions that I haven't asked for! Rumors have always existed! And I do what I want!"

Charlotte clenched the fabric of her dress between her fingers, keeping her face as neutral as possible.

"In that case... I shall deliver the request to Her Highness Iris." she replied with a cold voice "But I cannot guarantee she will accept it."

"Oh, she will accept..." he murmured, almost to himself, but loud enough for her to hear "Lilian herself will want work for me!"

Charlotte bowed once more and silently left the room clearly furious at having lost her position to Lilian.

"She is furious my lord..." Spencer muttered.

Jason shrugged and handed him the empty glass.

"I couldn’t care less... Now all that remains is to wait for the answer from my most precious piece in this game."

(...)

Iris sipped her tea in hapilly in the garden, accompanied by Count Ioan, who was eating little cakes and fresh fruits. The orange haired girl looked radiant because she was finally able to enjoy a moment alone with her husband. He, however, seemed far more interested in the surroundings than in her company. His eyes wandered on the maids who passed by in the distance with baskets of laundry.

Unfortunately Iris was far too innocent to notice.

It was at that moment Charlotte appeared. The lady-in-waiting approached and curtseyed to the couple. Ioan, however, could not suppress a faint, conspiratorial smile in her direction. Charlotte, with discretion, returned it with a small smile.

"Your Highnesses, forgive the intrusion. I bring an urgent message from His Grace, Duke Mendal."

Ioan arched a brow with a smirk.

"So soon? The demands of the spoiled Duke Mendal begun, and not even a full day has passed!"

Iris stifled a laugh setting down her teacup.

"Speak, Charlotte. What does the duke desire?"

"His Grace requests that Miss Lilian be appointed as his personal attendant during his stay here."

"Lilian?" Ioan exclaimed confused "That duke seems to hold a certain fondness for your lady in waiting, Iris. First the spectacle from this morning, and now this! Quite curious for a man whose heart is made of ice."

"Oh, my dear, perhaps the duke only wishes for someone kind and familiar by his side."

Ioan burst out laughing.

"Kind? Lilian? With you and Thomas perhaps!" the count scoffed, rolling his eyes and biting into another cake "But with me? She despises me and run away as I were the plague itself!"

Iris shook her head with a playful smile curving her lips, amused by her husband his words.

"Lilian is only shy!" she said, lifting the cup to her lips once again "Charlotte tell the duke that I shall consider his request, but I must first speak with Lilian herself!"

Charlotte inclined her head slightly.

"Yes, Your Highness."

As soon as the lady-in-waiting went away Ioan’s gaze returned to Iris.

"Consider you say? I doubt she will accept this."

Nathaniel parked the car in front of Lilian’s house. He adjusted his tie in the rearview mirror, took a deep breath and sent to Lilian a message letting her know he was already waiting. Despite the cheerful day, the man couldn’t help but feel sad and terrified about tomorrow: the day he would tell Lilian everything.

“I hope she understands me… I know she will... She is sensitive and sweet.” the blond thought, breathing deeply.

Lilian stepped out of the apartment, interrupting his thoughts. Her long dark brown hair was loose, braided into a crown adorned with tiny stones that sparkled like stars. The contrast of the deep red lipstick highlighted even more her fair skin and the forest-green tone of her eyes.

The dark blue dress hugged her figure, flowing down to an elegant slit on her left leg that revealed a little more of her skin. Silver chains with small blue pendants draped over her shoulders. On her feet, she wore silver sandals.

In her hands, she carried a small blue bag embroidered in gold, and her fingers were adorned with rings.

Nathaniel froze for a few seconds, completely mesmerized, as he watched the brown haired woman get into the car.

“Sorry if I’m late!” Lilian said while put her seatbelt, not noticing Nathaniel’s gaze on her. “The hairdresser was full if people today! Luckily it was close to home.”

“…”

As she finished putting on the seatbelt, she looked at him with a smile.

“So… Do you have the address of the place where the party will be after the ceremony?”

“…”

Lilian raised an eyebrow in confusion, tilting her head slightly.

“Nath? Are you okay?”

He blinked, as if finally waking from the trance he had fallen into, and turned his eyes to the steering wheel, feeling his face burn with embarrassment over his silly behavior.

“What’s wrong with me? I seem like a teenager in puberty!” he thought.

“Sorry, I was distracted.” He cleared his throat, nervously “Yes, yes, I have the address!”

“What were you thinking about?” Lilian asked curiously.

Nathaniel was silent for a moment, then looked at her with a small and shy smile.

“About how beautiful you look,” he finally confessed “But I’m surprised by your look. I always thought you’d go for lighter colors.”

The brunette blushed slightly and turned her eyes away.

“T-Thank you…” she murmured, trying to hide her shyness. “I had a little help from Danica and Marie, I admit. And just for you know blue is on of my favorite colors!”

“It is my favorite color too! Either way, it doesn’t matter what dress it is, what mater is who wears it…” Nathaniel commented, winking at her before starting the car.

Lilian’s heart raced again at his boldness. She tightened the small blue bag between her fingers, trying to mask the nervousness overtaking her.

“You should be more careful with your words,” she said with a weak smile “They can be confuse you know?”

Nathaniel turned his face toward her for a moment, surprised by the indirect remark. He immediately understood it was a subtle reminder of where their relationship stood. That he owed her explanations.

“My words are completely sincere,” he looked her in the eyes “No matter what you wear, you’ll always be the most beautiful women to me.”

Lilian felt her face grow hot and quickly turned her gaze to the window, trying to hide the blush rising to her cheeks. His words couldn’t help but fill her with hope for the progress in their relationship.

The blond returned his focus to the road but kept a faint smile on his lips. He thought it was adorable how transparent she was. And yet, he couldn’t avoid the tightness in his chest at the thought of her reaction when she learned the truth.

(...)

Eric parked in front of Marta’s apartment and drummed his fingers impatiently on the steering wheel after sending her a text saying he had arrived.

“If my boss finds out I skipped work to crash a wedding, I’ll be fired. He has been irritated by my assiduity. Also I’ve been skipping too much already… In the past Nath covered for me, but now I’ve got no one…” he thought with a sigh.

The building’s door swung open, and Marta came rushing out, furious. To Eric’s surprise, she was dressed rather simply. Tight jeans and a cropped orange blouse that matched her sneakers, but clearly nothing appropriate for a wedding. Her hair was loose, her makeup light.

“You’re going like that?” Eric asked, slightly surprised when Marta climbed in and slammed the door shut.

“OF COURSE I FUCKING AM! CAN’T YOU SEE?!” Marta snapped “Just drive, Eric! We still need to stop by Alexy’s place!”

“Okay, but you could have come better dressed. Even I went home and changed.” Eric smirked, showing off his burgundy suit and black shirt. “You look like you’re going grocery shopping, not crashing a wedding!”

“Well, you don’t have a cat that pissed all over your suits!” she retorted indignantly, making Eric try to not laught “It’s all Blanche’s fault! That damn cat ruined all my dresses!”

Eric just smirked.

“She hates you as much as her owner does! Now I understand why people say that animals can sense when someone wants to hurt their pet parents.” He chuckled, but Marta’s glare made him shut up quickly. “Okay, okay! You still look great Mar! You’ll be still the most beautiful women in the party!”

“Just drive, I don’t have the patience for your pathetic flirting!” Marta muttered, rolling her eyes.

“She must be on her period…” the black haired man though.

Eric shook his head and started the engine.

“I still think it’s a terrible idea to go make a mess in a ceremony where the groom went to military academy and the bride knows boxing, judo, and God knows what else! And we can't forgive Nathaniel! The guy may be shorter than me, but he’s twice as strong!” Eric said while driving.

Marta glanced sideways at him with a mocking smile.

"Stop being such a chicken, will you?! You weren’t so hesitant when you came to Cozy Bear to flirt with me!”

Eric shot her an indignant look.

“Chicken? No, Marta! I am being realist! I’m just reminding you that if you make a scene in there, it won’t just be Ayla who throws you to the ground. Nathaniel won’t stand by and watch us humiliate his mistress!”

“I don’t care… It’ll be worth it to see that bitch crying humiliated!”

Eric let out a deep sigh, tightening his grip on the steering wheel.

“I still think this will end badly. And it’s not just about the fight! Nathaniel will be furious! Aren’t you afraid of his reaction? That he might leave you for good?”

A heavy silence filled the car. Marta didn’t answer immediately, her gaze locked on the passing city. Deep down, the fear was there, but it was crushed under her obsession with saving her relationship.

Her lips curved into a smile.

“He can get furious, he can even yell at me, but in the end I always find a way to win him back. A look, some well-timed tears, a memory of the old times. He won’t resist. He never has. I just need to get that bitch out of the picture. You’ll see! I know how to talk to him!”

Eric only sighed again and kept driving. Deep inside, he couldn’t shake the feeling that they were heading straight for disaster. He knew Nathaniel better than anyone after all, he used to think of him as a younger brother. He knew very well how the blond can be dangerous when someone threatened the people he love.

“You can destroy their relationship Marta... But you also go to fall today… but maybe it’s for the best! Maybe after you and Nathaniel are done, you’ll finally look only at me.” the man thought with a slight smile.

(...)

Nathaniel parked the car close to the church that was with some guests near it.

“It looks like no one’s gone inside yet we’re early!” Lilian said.

Nathaniel gave a faint smile.

“Better this way…” he replied calmly “It gives us a moment just for ourselves before the chaos starts.”

The blond stepped out of the car and almost instinctively walked around to open the door for her.

“Miss Bellerose…” he said winking as he held out his hand.

Lilian laughed but accepted, placing her hand in his. The soft touch sent a shiver through him from head to toe.

With both of them already out of the car. Nathaniel intertwined his fingers with hers and closed the door with his free hand.

“Lilian?”

They both turned and Nathaniel instantly felt his blood boil.

Jason stood before them, dressed in a dark suit and white shirt, that familiar half smile on his lips and his eyes fixed on Lilian as if she were the only person there.

Nathaniel tightened his grip on her hand, a sharp sting of jealousy surging through him.

“Good evening, Mr. Mendal…” Lilian greeted him still hurt for the other day.

Jason understod that Lilian was still a bit upset with him, but the man chose to ignore it for now.

“Hello, Lilian.” Jason extended his hand in greeting. Before she could react, he leaned slightly forward and pressed a delicate kiss on the back of her hand. “You look absolutely radiant. Have I ever told you that navy blue is one of my favorite colors?”

“Thank you…”

Nathaniel, however, felt the blood rushing to his head. His jaw clenched as he fought the urge to punch him right there.

“Great we like the same woman and the same color… What else will we have in common? Maybe he also likes Italian food? ” he thought, rolling his eyes. His jaw tightened further, and he drew in a deep breath, forcing himself to keep silent.

Jason lifted his gaze toward the blond, holding Lilian’s hand a moment longer than necessary before she gently pulled away. His smile looked more like provocation than courtesy.

“You’re lucky, Nathaniel. Your date truly is the most beautiful woman at the ceremony.”

“I know,” Nathaniel replied firmly “I don’t need anyone to remind me. I’ve got eyes.”

Jason chuckled, but Lilian shot him a discreet, reproving look. His smile faded slightly.

“We need to talk later Lilian…”

“There’ll be plenty of time after the ceremony.” Jason nodded, then glanced at Nathaniel again with a smirk.

“Well I’d better go, Marta... Oh, I mean, Danica and Spencer are waiting for me.”

Nathaniel’s heart skipped a beat, racing wildly. Lilian blinked in confusion at Jason’s “slip.” After all, Jason didn’t have any employee named Marta.

“Marta?” she repeated, frowning slightly. “Who’s Marta?”

“A friend… Lately I’ve been mixing up so many names! I’m around a lot of people, it happens to you too, doesn’t it, Nathaniel?” Jason said with a smile, but not his tipical smirk this time it was an irritated one.

Nathaniel froze in panic, anxiety crashing over him. Jason knew everything! But how had he found out? Could it have been Marie?

“Sometimes…” he replied coldly, controlling his tone to hide the fear.

Suddenly, Lilian’s phone rang. Grateful for the excuse to escape the tension hanging in the air, she pulled it out.

“Excuse me, I’ll be right back. It’s my mother…” she said, stepping a few paces away to take the call.

As soon as she was out of earshot, the silence left between the two men felt heavier. Jason shoved his hands in his pockets, his air of superiority evident.

Nathaniel, on the other hand was no longer bothered to hide his irritation. His honey-colored eyes burned like embers.

“I don’t know how you found out, but don’t you dare tell her anything…” he said with a cold voice.

Jason tilted his head slightly, his own expression equally sharp.

“Of course I’ll tell her. She deserves to know the trash you are. Or are you afraid the truth will come out?”

Nathaniel clenched his fists.

“You don’t even know the context! Don’t act like you’re better than me!”

Jason stepped closer furious.

“I may not be the kindest person, but at least I have no secrets from her. And you know just as well as I do that Lilian deserves the truth! Don’t you think it’s unfair to let her stand there, radiant and in love with you, believing she’s living a fairy tale while her prince already has his own princess?”

Every word from the CEO was like an invisible punch to Nathaniel. Deep down, he knew that Jason was right.

“Even so, I have to be the one to tell her!” he said furiously “Her life is not a game! And if you open your mouth before me, Mendal…” they were so close now they could almost feel each other’s breath “I swear I’ll shut you up before you finish the sentence to her!”

Jason didn’t back away. On the contrary, he stood his ground. A half-smile curved his lips, but not one of joy, but of challenge.

“Threats, Nathaniel? Is that all you’ve got? Because I don’t need to lift a finger to destroy you. All I have to do is open my mouth.”

Nathaniel swallowed hard, torn between anger and fear. Jason was right about one thing: when the truth reached Lilian, it would shatter her. And Nathaniel wasn’t ready to see her disappointment.

“Look, I know I have to tell her! I was a coward I know! But I’m not using Lilian! Marta and I, our relationship is practically...”

“I don’t need to hear explanations!” Jason cut him off “Like I said, I’m not a good man! I’m not understanding! The only thing that matters to me is opening Lilian’s eyes and helping her get away from you!”

“If you’re the one to tell her, she’ll suffer…” That single phrase made Jason stop smiling “From what little I’ve heard, I know you care about her… that you want her to be happy. I give you my word Mendal. I’ll tell her everything!” The blond looked away with an pained expression “And if after tell the true she never wants to see me again, if she hates me, I’ll step aside. You will have a clear path.”

Jason stood frozen for a few seconds, unable to react. He hadn’t expected to hear that.

Nathaniel couldn’t bring himself to meet his gaze, his eyes were fixed on the ground. The weight in his chest was unbearable, but he knew it was the only way: admit his mistake and accept the consequences.

“You’ll give up? Just like that?” Jason repeated in a low voice almost in disbelief.

The blond slowly lifted his eyes to him not hiding his pain.

“If she hates me after knowing… if she never wants to look at me again…” he sigh “I won’t fight it. I’ll respect her choice.”

A heavy silence settled. Jason took a step back, somewhat surprised. No matter how much he disliked Nathaniel, no matter how badly he wanted him gone from Lilian’s life, he couldn’t deny that for moments he felt a slight empathy for this man.

Lilian’s voice echoed back, breaking the heavy atmosphere:

“Sorry guys!” she said, approaching to them “My mom wanted to know if I was already at the church... Are you two okay?”

“They seem serious... I hope they didn’t fight…” she thought to herself.

Nathaniel forced a smile, trying to compose himself. Jason, on the other hand, straightened his jacket and put his mask of charm back on, as if nothing had happened.

“We were just exchanging a few thoughts,” Jason said, casting a quick glance at Nathaniel. “Right, Nathaniel?”

“Yeah…”