The royal ball dance ended with a loud of applause from the crowd. The Duke and Duchess were then surrounded by the southern officials and nobles. Almost everyone wants to create favorable impression in order to gain more political influence.

The Duchess was greeted by her family and her father's political associates. Since she assumed the title of Duchess Astrid, a political faction has emerged. A merging of the Monchy and Camelon clan is causing the southern kingdom a political turmoil. Those in the political factions from the Carlyle party are getting nervous of this new development.

Viscount Luther is surrounded by young noblemen including from the opposition group. His number one enemy, Count Jerald Nicholas, son of Marquis Nicholas, leader of the Crown Prince political party is showing his distaste to the Viscount.

"Holding to one's affection is not a guarantee to maintain your position. When the frenzy is gone, a new toy will emerge to satisfy the new thirst. You know what they say nothing last forever". Count Jerald is spouting vicious remarks to anger the young Viscount.

"Tsk tsk tsk. Why are people drawn to eat bitter fruits these days? Is it a trend that I'm not aware of?"

He snorted, "Pfft! a borrowed strength is not permanent. The master can always take it back since it has been long used without an investment return". Luther is spouting a dangerous political inuendo.

Just in time, the Duke is heading to approach his sister but Luther interrupted his brother in-law.

"Your Majesty! This pitiful brother in-law would like to invite you to my wedding".

Count Jerald gets a contemptuous glare from Luther as he acknowledges his powerful backing.

Sebastian looks at the young noblemen and understood the situation. His mouth raised in a sinister way. "Hm. Remember your family status and don't upset your sister". He taps Luther's shoulder and whispers in his ear. "You owe me this one".

The noblemen bow down in respect to the Duke and they saw Luther in a new light. Now they wanted to get in his good terms.

Sebastian couldn't approach his wife because he was suddenly surrounded by the southern officials.

***

While drinking champagne, Rachel observed that the majority of the noblewomen were dressed provocatively, exposing their obscene cleavage. She is the only person wearing a gown with a covered front.

She left the noble ladies and approach her husband. She then pulls Sebastian's sleeve and whisper, "Husband, do you like women with big tits?". When Rachel looked at her breasts, she noticed that they were smaller than the healthy, jiggling breasts she saw everywhere.

Sebastian was talking with the nobles when he was interrupted by a tug on his sleeve. His wife appears to be tipsy from drinking champagne and she's spouting funny nonsense.

He noticed how she was staring at her breast and appeared to be complaining.

"Wife, are you seducing your husband right now?". He whispered with a warning on his tone.

Rachel whispered back, "Husband, I see big tits everywhere. I don't understand why I'm not allowed to show my cleavage. Mine is tiny compared to theirs". She pouted as Sebastian hold back his laughter.

"My Wife, your tits are enough to make me hard. Should I punish you for provoking me?" He then firmly grabbed her waist with his hands and kissed her hair.

The nobles surrounding them popped their eyes out for they witness how affectionate the Astrid couple. They seemed to be on their own world and whispering words that they can only understand. So, it's true that the Great Duke Sebastian Astrid is smitten with his wife. He looks at her with devotion and a hint of obsession.

While on the side, the crown prince can't believe what he just witnessed. Sebastian is showing a public display of affection to his wife which is not his character. He is very cold and elusive in public while his private affairs remain hidden. From the moment they entered the banquet ball, Sebastian kept his eyes on Rachel. He keeps following all of her movements even though he is busy talking with other nobles.

Hugo is now aware of Sebastian's obsession to Rachel. Although she had the same face and body as before, when he met her again, she seemed to be a different person because of how brightly her aura shone. She has eyes as brilliant as the sky, which he was unaware of. You can't help but want to stare at her even more because of her cool demeanor and her sweetest smile as she was greeted by the aristocrats. Although he has always been aware of her unparalleled beauty, her vulgarity has contaminated his opinion of her.

'But after seeing her again, I realized that she resembles a celestial maiden who has come to tempt men.'

Did she changed her vulgar behavior because she wants to please Sebastian? It appears so. She looks at Sebastian as if he is her entire world. It appears she have forgotten him so easily while she was in the north.

'Hah! Did Sebastian planned all along her exile to pursue her? Is there a back story that I wasn't aware of?'

Hugo's mind is racing with so many doubtful questions that he didn't notice his clenching his fist so tightly.

"Your highness? The Crowned Princess has entered the ball". Victor, his secretary interrupted his thoughts.

Hugo sigh deeply and went to the entrance door to escort his wife. Ara made a grand entrance as all the noble guests stop what they are doing and anticipate the arrival of the Crown Princess.

She intentionally came late to catch all the attention of the people inside the banquet ball. She entered the ball wearing a modest gown but with an open back just to show her delicate appearance.

Her innocent demeanor returned and shyly waited for her husband as he approaches her.