Chapter 67: The Grand Dinner Banquet

Verbena stood before the full-length mirror, her breath hitching slightly as the head maid placed the final touches on her hair. Silken waves of midnight black hair cascaded down her back, adorned with delicate sapphire pins that matched the deep blue gown she wore — a color chosen deliberately, as it was Theodore's favorite. The gown hugged her curves before flaring into an elegant sweep of fabric embroidered with silver threads.

"Perfect," the head maid said proudly, clasping her hands together. "The Duchess of Hellgrave will be the most stunning lady tonight."

Verbena smiled faintly, though nerves twisted in her stomach. This wasn't just any dinner. This was their first grand banquet as husband and wife, and the entire aristocratic circle would be watching her every move — ready to whisper, gossip, and tear her apart if she made even the slightest misstep.

The double doors to the bedroom swung open, and there he stood — Theodore Hellgrave in formal attire. His dark hair was combed back neatly, his sharp features almost too handsome under the chandelier light. A black suit, crisp and tailored perfectly, made him look like sin itself wrapped in elegance.

His gaze swept over her, pausing just a second too long at the curve of her waist and the gentle swell of her chest before flicking back up to her face. "You're…" He cleared his throat. "...acceptable."

Verbena rolled her eyes, but her cheeks warmed. "What a charming compliment, husband."

"Let's go," he said, offering his arm.

As they walked down the grand staircase, the palace staff and maids whispered excitedly behind their hands. Some swooned over the sight of the fearsome Duke escorting his wife like a proper gentleman, others gossiped about the 'passionate' nights they had supposedly spent together.

Verbena almost stumbled. Passionate? Who was writing these stories? Certainly not reality.

The ballroom had been transformed into a vision of luxury. Crystal chandeliers glimmered like captured starlight, tables dressed in royal blue and gold stretched across the floor, and the scent of rare imported flowers filled the air. Nobles were already gathered, their curious eyes darting toward the doors as Theodore and Verbena entered arm-in-arm.

"Duchess Verbena looks divine tonight."

"They say the Duke has softened because of her."

"I heard they barely leave their bedroom."

Verbena smiled so sweetly she thought her face might crack. These people were wolves dressed in silk, and she wasn't about to be their meal.

The first hurdle came almost instantly — the Crown Prince, Lance Auther Kalix, approaching with a gleaming smile and mischief dancing in his silver eyes.

"Ah, my dear cousin by marriage," Lance said smoothly, taking Verbena's hand and brushing his lips over her knuckles. "You've bloomed beautifully. Marriage suits you."

Theodore's arm around her waist tightened ever so slightly. "Your Highness," Theodore said coolly. "Shouldn't you be charming the unmarried ladies?"

"Where's the fun in that when you've stolen the most interesting one already?"

Verbena laughed softly, her grip on Theodore's arm subtly reminding him not to punch royalty at their own banquet.

Dinner was a carefully orchestrated affair — golden roasted meats, jeweled fruits, and wines older than some of the guests. But all Verbena could taste was the tension in the air. Every time a lady leaned too close to Theodore, her smile became just a bit sharper. Every time Theodore's hand rested protectively on her lower back, her heart fluttered traitorously.

Midway through, Estella made her entrance.

Dressed in crimson silk, the woman practically screamed for attention. She strolled in late enough for everyone to notice and made a beeline for Theodore, her painted smile just shy of mocking.

"Theo, darling," Estella purred. "It's been too long."

Verbena's smile froze. Darling? Who the hell—

"Lady Estella," Theodore said curtly, not offering his hand. "You are addressing me incorrectly. The Duchess may not appreciate such familiarity."

Verbena's eyes widened. She had expected him to tolerate Estella out of politeness, but this? He was defending her. Publicly. Boldly.

Estella's smile faltered for a heartbeat before regaining its poisonous sweetness. "Of course. My apologies, Duchess. It seems I'm not caught up with the latest gossip."

"Don't worry," Verbena said, voice syrupy sweet. "I'm sure you'll read all about it in tomorrow's papers."

Laughter bubbled among the nearby guests, and Estella's face darkened ever so slightly.

Theodore leaned in, his breath warm against Verbena's ear. "You enjoyed that."

"Maybe."

The evening wore on with endless toasts and subtle power plays. Nobles tried to curry favor, ladies gushed over Verbena's beauty while secretly evaluating her weaknesses, and gentlemen measured themselves against Theodore's intimidating presence.

But amidst all the political chess, something unexpected happened. Theodore's hand never left hers.

Whether pouring her wine, guiding her to dance, or even just resting his palm against her waist, he touched her like it was natural. Not as part of the act, but as though he simply wanted to.

Verbena's heart skipped a beat. This wasn't in the script.

As the final dance began, Theodore led her to the center of the floor. They swayed under the golden light, his hand firm on her back, their fingers laced together.

"You're full of surprises tonight," Verbena whispered.

"So are you," he murmured, his thumb tracing slow circles on her wrist.

For a moment, there were no nobles, no past lives, no hidden schemes. Just the two of them — husband and wife, dancing under the stars painted on the ceiling.

But nothing beautiful lasted long in this world. Just as the dance ended, Verbena overheard a conversation that chilled her blood.

"She looks so different from the real Verbena."

"I heard her personality completely changed after that accident."

"Some say it's like she was… replaced."

Her breath caught. Had someone figured it out?

Theodore's hand squeezed hers reassuringly, but her smile was now strained.

The banquet was over, but the real game had just begun.

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To be continued