CH 228 ~ Defend II

"Apologize to my fiancée right at this instant, Marchioness Preston," 

Eleanora's breath hitched as Cathain's fingers tightened around her wrist, the warmth of his grip seeping into her skin, anchoring her in place.

His crimson-red gaze, sharp and unwavering, crackled with something unreadable—something dangerous.

Marchioness Preston instinctively shrank back, a subtle shiver running down her spine under the weight of his stare. The hall, once buzzing with quiet murmurs, fell into a stunned hush.

The Crown Prince was defending her.

Publicly.

Deliberately.

Eleanora had not expected this—not him.

Her jewel-blue eyes remained fixed on his retreating figure as he stood in her defense, her heart pounding against the confines of her ribcage.

Something unfamiliar bloomed in her chest, curling around her thoughts, refusing to be ignored.