Hey guys, sorry for the wait! I finished this chapter nearly 2 hours ago, but my Internet wasn't working so I had to transfer the chapter to my phone and it was a freaking long process! Anyway, there is a special part in here that I hope you all will be pleasantly surprised at, don't forget to comment and I'm terribly sorry it wasn't too long!! Enjoy!!!

P.S.: On the side is a pic of what Rhea's dress sort of looks like

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- Author Unknown

Rhea was quite excited, she and Hadrian would be attending Lady Gareth's ball this evening come. This was the first outing they would be attending since Rhea's accident; Hadrian was finally allowing her some space even though he was still concerned about Rhea's well-being, he agreed to restrain himself immensely tonight.

Rhea stood in front of the long looking glass and quietly regarded the beautiful gown laid in front of her. She was quite taken with its regal beauty and immediately thought of Hadrian and how he would view the gown. She blushed at her wayward thoughts but eagerly looked forward to his reaction.

"Oh, my lady," Lily gasped softly, catching sight of the beautiful dress. Rhea glanced at her maid and grinned softly.

"'Tis beautiful, is it not?" Rhea responded ecstatically. She could not wait a moment more to put it on. Lily nodded vigorously. "Quick, we must hurry. I do not wish for Hadrian to stumble upon us, help me don the dress on."

Rhea and Lily had already conquered her curls and formed it into a loose chignon with wisps of her natural curls falling to the side. Lily had applied some of the colored paint to her lips, bringing out the soft color. Now, they made haste of dressing her. After layering Rhea with her undergarments, Lily swiftly tightened the strings of the ball gown. When she had finally finished dressing her, Lily stepped back and allowed her mistress to gaze at herself.

Rhea was pleasantly astonished at the magnificence the dress presented her. The gold and beige dress complemented her fair skin. The gown was bulky and spread out softly all around her. The straps of the dress fell loosely on her shoulders, showing an incredible amount of skin.

The bust of the dress showed enough to tease, only glimpsing soft, smooth skin. The gold intricate designs flowed in a perfect pattern for the top half of her dress. Following the bottom half, the top layer of the gown was entirely gold and was divided into two parts, the ends of the dress curled into small flowers. The middle of the gown showed the discreet color of beige, bunched slightly and enticing to the eye. Her gown emphasized her shy beauty and made Rhea blush at how unique she looked.

"Oh, mum, His Grace is going to fall to his knees at the mere sight of you. He shall not stand a chance!" Lily proclaimed. Rhea met Lily's eyes in the glass and smiled.

"I hope so," Rhea murmured, lovingly stroking her gown. Lily grinned at her mistress figure. Then, as if she had been attacked she cried out. Rhea jumped, startled by her outburst and assessed her maid. "Is everything all right, Lily?" she demanded.

"Oh, mum, I almost forgot, please forgive me of my lapse. His Grace sent you a gift and asked that you wear it tonight at the ball." Lily went to grab the lone box by the door and traveled toward Rhea.

She retrieved a long pearl necklace from the box and circled Rhea, she gently clasped the necklace ends together and clipped the long pearl earrings to her ears. Rhea's eyes widened as the entire ensemble became completed. Tears sprung in her eyes at the thoughtful gesture from her husband.

Lily clasped a lovely webbed bracelet to her wrist and helped her into her beige shoes.

A brisk knock sounded at the door and Rhea admitted the person. Clarke stood at the entrance, he smiled slightly at her form and announced that her husband awaited her. Lily grabbed her gold, shimmering shawl and placed it on her shoulders. Lily beamed as she led her out of the room and left her to approach her husband.

Hadrian had his back to her, talking softly to Clarke. When Clarke looked around him Hadrian slowly straightened and turned. When he caught sight of her, Rhea witnessed a strange flicker of emotion lighting up his warm eyes. He strode forward, offering his hand to her and she graciously took it.

"My love," Hadrian whispered, "you are absolutely the most magnificent woman I have ever seen."

Rhea felt her cheeks flame at his complement, she smiled softly and lowered her eyes, "Thank you, Hadrian. Although, as you know, I am already your wife there is no need to woo me with your poetic words."

Hadrian grinned at her, leaning closely. "My dear wife, I know you are mine, though I enjoy complementing you on your beauty, it is a rare sight in this world."

Hadrian brushed her lips against his softly and skimmed his fingertips against her high cheek bones. She shivered slightly and Hadrian graced her with his wicked smirk.

Lily suddenly appeared by them and handed Hadrian her coat. He turned Rhea around and helped her put on the coat, kissing her exposed neck. Rhea drew in a shaky breath and sighed when Hadrian drew away, taking his warmth with him.

When he faced her again, Rhea took that precise moment to observe what Hadrian was wearing. He had dressed in his black attire, as always, and looked ravishingly handsome. His hair was tamed and brushed to the side softly. His tie was tucked into his jacket and his eyes were alight and playful.

There was no other man who could compare to her husband's beauty. He was strong and muscular, his shoulders broad and sturdy, his gait was confident and sure. His powerful legs braced apart and solid.

Yes, Rhea thought, smiling softly, her husband was quite the specimen.

"Shall we go on, then?" Hadrian asked softly, gazing into her eyes.

Rhea somehow felt as if her soul was bared to him, that he could see her deepest secret. For a suspended moment, Rhea was sure that he could even see the love that she had for him. His eyes darkened and he looked at her keenly.

Unnerved by the sudden change in him, she glanced away and nodded. "Yes, let us get on then."

Hadrian's hand curled around hers and he led her outside into the brutal cold of the winter. She shivered softly and allowed him to assist her into the carriage.

The ride to Lady Gareth's was comfortable silence and Rhea took a moment to gather her senses. Being in such close proximity of Hadrian always meddled with her emotions, both physically and mentally. It is as if he had cast a spell on her, binding her to him eternally.

Rhea let her mind wander for the next few minutes until they finally stopped at the entrance of Lady Gareth's mansion. Hadrian, always the gentlemen, helped her out of the carriage and escorted her to the front, holding her body close to his, sharing his unending warmth.

In a matter of moments, they were announced as The Duke and Duchess of Vale and then led down to the main area of the ball. Rhea's stomach turned sour, however, when an unwanted familiar face approached.

Carolotta "Lottie" Adair stood mere inches from her husband, too close for Rhea, and beamed up into her husband's face. Rhea could not see Hadrian's expression as he was right in front of her.

"Hadrian," Carolotta murmured intimately. Rhea tried so desperately to hide her frown but could not stop the small scowl when Carolotta went as far as to say her husband's given name and stroke his arm so blatantly.

Rhea folded her hands behind her and clenched them surreptitiously. The woman was begging for a lashing, Rhea was sure of it.

"Lady Adair, how wonderful to see you," Hadrian smiled politely. Rhea fell even more in love with Hadrian as he casually brushed Carolotta off.

Carolotta looked momentarily embarrassed and she slowly moved her hand away. She had definitely not been expecting Hadrian's cool politeness. Rhea breathed a sigh of relief as Hadrian moved closer to her and pulled her into view.

The vile woman gave her a contemptuous smile, "Oh, gracious me, I did not even see you there, Rhea."

Rhea was definitely irritated with the brazen woman. The sound Carolotta made saying Rhea's name sounded like a curse.

"'Tis alright," Rhea smiled slightly. Hadrian casually stroked his thumb against her hand and it was distracting her, she twisted in his half embrace, "I hope you do not mind, my lord, I wish to find my friends,"

If she had glanced away for just a moment she would have missed the frown he gave her, but she did not miss it and her heart rejoiced knowing that Hadrian was also reluctant to spend another moment in the company of Lady Adair.

"'Tis quite alright, I was thinking of heading to the refreshments table. Did you want anything, my love?" Hadrian inquired.

"Not as of yet, thank you," Rhea declined. Once she bid adieu to Lady Adair she went in search for any sign of her friends. She located Leia to the back, speaking with an enthusiastic Lord Barrington. Not too far away was Lord Dalting, gazing at the pair seething quietly. Rhea grinned slightly when she caught Leia side-glancing in Matthew's direction, seeing if he was watching the scene.

Rhea started forward, intending to put poor Matthew out of his misery. She smiled at Lord Barrington and raised her eyebrow slightly at Leia, who only smirked.

"Lord Barrington," Rhea murmured. Hunter Barrington smiled politely.

"Lady Vale, 'tis quite the pleasure seeing you here. Might I say you look wonderful this eve?" Hunter flashed his charming grin and Rhea smiled.

"Thank you, my lord. I do hope I am not intruding on you and Lady Edmond."

"Yes, actually-"

"Not at all-"

Rhea grinned as both Leia and Lord Barrington both spoke at once. Leia scowled properly in her direction and started to open her mouth.

"Lady Vale, Lord Barrington, Lady Edmond, I hope you all are having a good evening," Matthew's voice broke out among the small group, causing Leia to stiffen slightly.

"Lord Dalting, what a coincidence to see you here, I did not know you were coming at all," Leia smiled viciously. Rhea watched as Matthew narrowed his eyes and pressed his lips together in a grim line.

"Quite a shame, my lady," Matthew murmured softly. Rhea glanced at Leia and could see the woman's flushed cheeks from where she stood. She glanced to where Hunter was and saw the unease permeating from him. Matthew noticed too but did not bother, "I do so hope you are free to dance, my lady,"

Leia's eyes widened and she was already beginning to shake her head. Rhea managed to cut in swiftly. "Of course, my lord, she'd be honored."

Leia shot her lifelong friend a harsh glare. Rhea grinned and shrugged off her friend's annoyance. Leia had no way of declining without making herself into a fool. Reluctantly, she broke from the group, subtly ignoring Matthew's slightly outstretched hand.

Hunter looked dejected and bemused, Rhea pitied the man and engaged him in conversation. Hopefully, Leia would realize her impending feelings for the Earl and discontinue to encourage Lord Barrington.

*Leia*

Leia gazed up at the face of her opponent and glared. Matthew replied with his own that promised retaliation and she was unsure if she should be eager to anticipate it or dread what he had in store for her.

"You are playing with fire, Lady Edmond," Matthew murmured softly.

"Am I, Lord Dalting? How so?" Leia feigned innocence. Matthew looked above her head with grim determination.

"You should not play this game, Leia," he faced her now with a look of purpose. "You must stop before you worthlessly hurt yourself,"

"And who is to cause the damage, my lord? Shall it be you? You forget that I am a woman of my own mind. Besides, you have already demonstrated that you do not intend to act upon my wishes," Leia said fleetingly, unconcerned of the growing anger displayed on her partner's face.

"You will desist of this nonsense, Leia, it will bring no satisfaction," Matthew insisted furiously, he had clamped one of his hands harshly over her waist and she winced.

Matthew gave a slight grimace and turned his gaze away from her. They waltzed in silence and Leia desperately tried to grasp onto the sanity that remained imbedded in her.

Every moment spent with Lord Dalting ensured madness that she wanted no part of, despite her want of the man himself. He was damned stubborn, refusing to let himself consider her proposition.

Leia was positive that he held some emotion for her in him, but he just wanted to deny the slightest hint of feelings toward her other than this fatherly affection he had seemed to develop as a sense of responsibility.

Ha, Leia thought bitterly, the man thinks he can stop what is transpiring!

He was a fool, she decided, to think that he could control every aspect of her life. He had no hold over her, he was not her father, nor her husband or brother. She had no right to follow his demands.

The dance was slowly coming to an end and Leia felt an inescapable urge to flee from Matthew's arms, but he held fast to her. She sent another one of her glares in his direction.

Right as the dance ended, Matthew caught her eyes with his, "Be cross all you want, my lady, but know that you won't be continuing this façade any longer. You will cease to play this dangerous game, I shall ensure it."

He led her to the side, where Rhea, and now Beth were standing. He bid the young women adieu and left promptly thereafter. Beth stared at her for quite some time before grinning at her.

"What say you?" Leia demanded sourly.

"Oh, my dear, you cannot fool us with your unnecessary denials," Beth shook her head, clasping her hand gently over her friends. Leia, ashamed that her friends could see her so transparently, looked away.

"I know not what you mean, Beth," Leia denied.

"Oh, posh, Leia!" Rhea protested, "Anyone can see that you and Lord Dalting have affection for one another,"

"Drat, Rhea, always so nosy," Leia snapped. Rhea only grinned at her friend's irate feelings towards her. "I should not even address you! You threw me out to the wolves!"

"Ah, my friend, but that is one wolf, and he is the wickedest of them all," Beth chuckled heartily. Leia turned bright crimson and sputtered. No matter what she tried to say to her friends, they would not be deterred.

They knew her well enough to know her feelings about the matter, and she was reluctant to admit them out loud - having already been rejected by Matthew himself.

"Enough, I wish not to speak of this any longer," Leia said, adamantly. Beth and Rhea cast each other looks before smiling softly at their friend.

"Of course, dearest, whatever you wish," Rhea surrendered.

Even though Rhea and Beth yielded to her wishes, she had a dreadful feeling that it was not the last of this conversation and soon enough she would have to face these imminent feelings for Lord Dalting, whether she wished it or not.