"Your Imperia-!"
Rowan Blackridge froze. So did his son and wife.
The Crown Prince, who they had invited just to put him in his place, was accompanied by Julian's fiancee.
Or, ex-fiancee.
"Duke Rowan Blackridge," he offered a stony smile, "and Duchess Alice Blackridge."
They quickly regained their composure, putting on smiles once again as they gave their customary bows.
Leander glanced at Julian, since he refused to acknowledge him. His jaw was set as his eyes raked over the Lady beside him.
His face was very… expressive. So obvious that many of the witnesses grimaced.
One that screamed, she was never this beautiful when she was with me.
The Duke decided to play coy, trying to steer things back on the track he intended, "My goodness, what is Lady Artemesia doing here without her family?"
Tia narrowed her eyes. Her family was never invited in the first place.
"The Duke and Dowager Duchess had urgent matters to attend to, and originally, I was not planning to attend. It is only due to His Highness' honoring request to escort me that I am present." she smiled.
That managed to stump them.
Leander bit back a laugh.
Not only had she handled the awkward situation, she even added appropriate context and gave a hint about something going on between them.
The Duchess laughed, speaking through gritted teeth, "How… sweet. May I now guide you to your table?"
Leander inclined his head, "Of course, My Lady."
She took them to a lavish table next to the grand staircase, on a slightly elevated podium. It was more like a convenient place for people to gawk at him rather than a seat of honor.
But unsurprisingly, there was only one seat.
He raised a brow. Seems like they thought he would be alone.
"Ah," he gestured for Tia to sit. She hesitated, glancing between the table and him.
"Please, My Lady," he urged, "I'll have another seat arranged promptly."
The Duke quickly noticed the predicament they were in, and came over, "My apologies, we were not informed that you would be accompanied. I will have someone get another chair."
He whispered something in a passing server's ear, who immediately obeyed and disappeared into the Hall.
Shortly after, a mundane chair was set in front of the table.
Leander frowned. "What on Earth is their problem?"
Artemesia shook her head, expecting this, "I can sit there, you-"
Before she could put up another argument, Leander quietly pressed her shoulders and guided her into the seat meant for him, and sat down on the newly arrived one.
"There, end of discussion." he brushed himself off calmly.
Artemesia squirmed, "This… arrangement… will be the talk of High Society."
"The Crown Prince's partner, and what is to come will be," he corrected.
The brunette let out a slow breath, glancing at the guests.
Just as she expected, almost every noble was discreetly staring.
"Just imagine," he chuckled, "the Blackridges do not follow proper protocol for the Imperial family, and the Crown Prince sacrifices his seat of honor for his Lady!"
Her cheeks went hot, "Now that is an exaggeration."
"I'm afraid not. I have experienced how twisted a story gets through word of mouth." he sipped his water.
Only when she saw him drink did she notice there were appetizers and drinks on the table. A bottle of wine sat next to Leander's glass of water.
She raised a brow, eyes momentarily drifting to Leander.
Lee caught her gaze, and he glanced at where she was staring.
Oh.
He gave a nervous smile, "I- uh, don't drink."
"Are you not good with drinks?" she joked, reaching out and pouring herself a glass.
"It's more like… a bad history," he admitted sheepishly.
Tia paused, but quickly nodded. She knew better than to probe.
Soon, the feast began. The Hall was filled with the sound of clinking, everyone enjoying themselves.
The banquet began with delicate canapés. Soup followed. Fish and roast came next, then rich meats with creamy sides. Cheese and fruit appeared, and finally, sweet desserts. Goblets of claret and champagne caught the candlelight.
Artemesia herself liked the menu a lot, and she couldn't help but try a bit of everything. Leander was busy in his own plate, too occupied to be worried about anything else.
At last, the tables were cleared away, and the dancing began.
As much as Lee wanted to, he knew this wasn't the best time for a waltz with Artemesia, since the Blackridges were muttering amongst themselves and throwing dirty glances their way.
He sighed. Their move should be any second now.
After quite a while, Alice Blackridge finally stepped on the giant staircase, spinning around to face the crowd at the highest step. Her husband and son followed her, standing behind her protectively.
The orchestra halted, and all motion in the Hall seemed to stop.
Finally.
Lee straightened.
"Respected guests, and cherished allies," Rowan started, smiling as he spread his arms wide. He stepped in front, pushing Alice to the side, "My sincere apologies for pausing the festivities at such an inapt time, but before the night ends, I would like to say a few words."
He paused, letting his words bounce off their ears. Soon, every noble present was facing the staircase and the Blackridge family like a herd of innocent lambs.
Maybe this is the view he envisioned when he planned treason.
"I believe everyone here is aware of the engagement between my son, Julian, and Lady Montclair?"
All eyes flicked to the Lady in Question.
Her shoulders were stiff, but her expression was calm as she watched the scene unfold.
Alice suddenly took the lead, "The purpose of this public declaration is very simple." She smiled, pausing suddenly.
For a moment, only the flickering of candlelight was heard.
"As of today, Blackridge has officially annulled the engagement between Julian Blackridge and Artemesia Montclair."
The silence that followed was deafening.