Chapter 56 - A Dance with Danger

The orchestra began a new melody, softer, slower—a dance designed for whispered conversations and stolen glances. Verbena barely heard it over the rush of blood in her ears.

Crown Prince Lucien.

In her first life, he had been nothing more than a spoiled noble who occasionally visited her tiny, struggling bakery. He'd order pastries, compliment her smile, and pay generously—sometimes too generously. She had always found him strange, but harmless. Back then, he was just another eccentric customer.

But now… the way he looked at her tonight sent a shiver down her spine.

"You're trembling," Theodore's voice broke through her thoughts. His hand on her back was warm, grounding. "What did that bastard say to you?"

"Nothing," she lied automatically. "Just polite greetings."

Theodore's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't press—at least not here, in front of hundreds of watching eyes. Instead, he stepped slightly closer, his arm brushing hers as if shielding her from the world.

"Let's dance again," he said softly.

"Again? People will talk."

"Let them." There was a dangerous glint in his eye. "If they want a show, we'll give them one."

Before she could object, his hand was around hers, leading her gracefully back onto the dance floor. Another waltz, but this time, his hold was different. Tighter. Protective. Possessive.

Why does this feel so… real?

They moved in perfect sync, bodies far closer than polite society allowed, but Theodore didn't seem to care—and neither did Verbena. Her heart thudded painfully in her chest, confused by the rush of emotions. The lie they had been telling for months felt too convincing tonight.

"I'm not going to ask here," Theodore murmured, voice low and only for her ears, "but later, you'll tell me what's between you and Lucien."

"There's nothing."

"Liar."

She couldn't argue, not with the way his thumb stroked her wrist, almost comforting. She bit her lip, looking away—but her gaze landed directly on Lucien, who stood at the edge of the dance floor, eyes locked on her.

He raised a glass in silent toast, his smile too sharp, too knowing.

"I think I need air," Verbena whispered.

Theodore's jaw tightened, but he nodded, leading her off the dance floor. They exited through one of the open terrace doors, stepping into the cool night. The garden was lit with floating lanterns, casting a soft golden glow across the marble pathway.

Verbena exhaled, her breath fogging in the night air. "That was… intense."

"The prince has no business looking at you like that," Theodore muttered.

"You sound jealous."

He turned to her, and even in the dim light, she could see the flicker of something—anger, protectiveness… desire? "Maybe I am."

Her heart stumbled over itself. "Why?"

He leaned down, close enough that his breath warmed her ear. "You're mine."

The words shot through her like lightning. She knew it was dangerous—he was probably still playing the part of the dutiful husband—but something in his voice felt raw. Real.

Before she could reply, footsteps echoed down the terrace. Verbena stiffened. Theodore's hand found her waist, pulling her into the shadows.

Lucien appeared, wine glass in hand, his smile lazy and dangerous. "Hiding from me already, my sweet Duchess?"

Verbena forced herself to smile. "Your Highness should be enjoying the ball."

"But my favorite dance partner is out here, hiding with her husband." He took another step closer, eyes flickering to Theodore. "Duke Hellgrave. You've become quite the doting husband. Society is shocked."

Theodore didn't smile. "And you've become quite the pest."

Lucien only laughed. "Jealousy is unbecoming, Your Grace."

Verbena stepped forward, cutting between them. "Please, let's not cause a scene."

Lucien's gaze softened as it landed on her. "You've changed, Verbena."

The way he said her name felt too familiar, too intimate. Theodore's hand tensed on her waist.

"I—" She swallowed. "I don't remember ever meeting you before, Your Highness."

Lucien's smile didn't falter. "Of course not. After all, you lost your memories, didn't you?" His eyes gleamed with something sharp. "How tragic."

Verbena's stomach dropped. He knows.

Theodore's hand slid up her back, a subtle message—I'm here. And for once, she wanted to believe in that comfort.

Lucien bowed slightly, never breaking eye contact. "Enjoy your evening, Duchess. I look forward to our next dance."

He strolled back inside, leaving silence in his wake.

"Explain. Now." Theodore's voice was low and dangerous.

Verbena shook her head. "Not here. Later."

"You're shaking."

She hadn't even noticed. Theodore pulled her closer, his gloved hand cradling her cheek for a heartbeat longer than necessary. "I don't care what secrets you're keeping," he murmured. "But if anyone tries to take you from me—prince or not—I'll bury them."

Her breath caught. "You sound serious."

"I am."

And for the first time that night, Verbena didn't feel like they were pretending at all.

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End of Chapter 56