Chapter 12

Darkness soon covered the once orange-colored sky. The lights in the gardens were lit one by one, and the lulling music of string instruments from the phonograph filled the air.

Lia had walked away with her servant, and Claude stood staring with a vacant expression.

Quite amusing to see how such an imposter carries himself as a young lord now. I have to say, it's admirable. I was only teasing to commend him on how he'd overcome the formidable Lady Bale, but it was rather endearing to see him become so anxious.

'Endearing'?

Claude was stunned by his incidental revelation.

Seeing him wrinkle his forehead, Wade chuckled and leaned back to close his eyes. "Quite unlike you to be so cross, Claude."

"I'm not."

"Is that so? Looks like you've gotten better at lying."

"And it seems like Your Highness has grown fond of Lius."

"Yes, I like beautiful things. That's why I like you. And Kieran, for that matter."