"What would suit to your taste?"

I blink for a few times and I remember that we were in the middle of choosing our outfit for the grand ball. I flip the pages of the glossy catalogue and browse through their gowns. We were sitting beside each other in the guests' room where we received the renowned designer.

And every time my skin would brush against his, I could feel a million volts of electrifying my body alive. My fingers tremble as his manly perfume sucks in my nose with how his sturdy chest is closer.

Perhaps I should think other thoughts. No, rather think anything else aside from this handsome gentleman. Right, should I share my knowledge about an amazing invent from the Kingdom of Velez?

The people in that country doesn't use a candle to light their world. Instead, they used this astonishing object called bulb and just hang it on the ceiling and it will impressively lighted the whole area. Literally, you can see everything in without holding a lamp, it was impressive and I wanted it sadly; I can only see the real thing on the books that I've read.

"Hmm?"

He watched me with a smirk on his lips as if it was a jest that I was too focus in staring at the garments seriously. At the edge of my sight, I can tell without glancing, that I become unconscious with my appearance. Did Celine apply me some of the cosmetics that was purchased not long ago? How do I look in his eyes to begin with? Or was it my eyebags with my puffy eyes? Now, that was bothersome.

"Have you already decided?"

"Yes? Ah." I tried to call to him through his name yet my willpower is backing out whenever I see his proud nose, his playful thick eyebrows and soft lips that have ravish my body for a hundred of times. I wonder how many women that fell under his charm spell. Would I be able to escape from this tyrant man?

"What do you think about this?"

He pointed the matching clothes available. The dress was a color of a teal green that looks elegant with less frills but it will surely glitter even at night. While the tux was black however, the ornaments attach to the coat has slightly of the same color with mine.

"That's fine too."

I don't know why; it was quite peaceful for the both of us. Perhaps, Crystal is not here to annoy me. She was force to study, crazily write a few scrolls and copy some of the text of the book. Her teacher was strict, is the reason she can't escaped and I'm glad that I was left alone together with the Grand Duke.

"Then, we will order this," he said to the designer.

"Instantly, Your Excellency."

A few days went by and the extravagant occasion was tonight. The servants woke me early in the morning to make me prepared. I never knew that getting ready was more hectic than hosting a tea gathering.

"Quick! We must shampoo her hair!"

"What about the oil essentials? Would rose scent be good?"

"Massage her shoulder, it's quite stiff."

My head was spinning as I can only feel them pulling me in one place to another and my body would go along with the flow. They've applied face mask while they are scrubbing my skin. As if they weren't contented with only one product, they also added few more drops of moisture damp into my skin.

If I was a middle rank, I would be fine with simply taking a bath and wearing the gown. No more bothering with all of these but it was different with a higher status. After the bath, the fashion designer came and fit the gown for my right size.

"Madam, I beg you not to move," she plead as she tighten the corset. It was a worse experience for me to not even allowed to be breathe.

"All done. Then, I will begin to adjust it. Please excuse me."

She went out to sew the dress and here I thought I will be clothed in for the rest of the afternoon. After the fitting, the servants brought my lunch. Their excuse was, there is no time to waste in walking to the dining room.

So, they decided to deliver my food while they styled my hair. It feels like I haven't eaten for the day. They've assisting me since dawn until the afternoon, there was too much applying cosmetics that I could not even remember.

All I know was when I look at the full-length mirror to see my reflection, I couldn't recognize myself. It seems like I was a different person beyond the glass. My hair was softly curled and my skin was glowing. My eyelashes were long and my nose were defined.

If I didn't move my hand to touch my soft face, I would not have been aware that I was the beautiful woman in front of me nor gain confidence to admire myself.

My mouth parted. This is me. If all of my attendants have these kinds of skill to transform people, they will surely be lying in bed full of golds.

"Amazing," I whispered. Will the Grand Duke fell in love with me if he will see me?

I almost slapped my freshly blushed cheeks. What am I thinking? That was too absurd, it must be the effect of limiting my diet.

And that was a cue for my stomach to grumble in a wrong time. Thankfully, none of my maids heard it. That will be really shameful if they ever did. Perhaps, I will have my part in the banquet.

"Madam, His Excellency is waiting outside along with the Princess," a servant informed me.

My mood instantly dropped and soured just from the name of her title. "Alright, I will be there."

They assisted me in stepping down on the stool until to the stairs. I saw Crystal with her red gown just what the Grand Duke suggested. Revealing her cleavage and her full coverage make-up was appealing, as if she's seducing every man in her own way. She brought a fan with her and impatient was clearly plastered on her face.

"Ugh, shall we both ride the carriage first?" she complained but nothing replies came from the Grand Duke.

It was because, he was staring at me. He wet his lips and offer his hand at the last step of the stair. When I took his hand, it felt like a dream come true. Not to mentioned, we also wore the same color of the pair of gloves.

"Beautiful," he whispered in my ears. And just like that, the people that was surrounding us, watching our every move suddenly disappeared in my sight and he was the only one remain in my vision.

He was handsome before, but it seems he also turned into a different gentleman that was more handsome. With his suit and family crest, he does looks dignified and firm.

"Let's go or we will be late!"

The pleasing moment was only interrupted by her.

Two carriages came and the Grand Duke carefully assisted me, with care and tender in getting inside, daring not to leave my side which leads to Crystal being hot-tempered.

"What? I will ride a different carriage? Not with His Excellency?"

The coachman answered Crystal. "Yes, since the chosen person that will escort you is Sir. Josh."

"Unbelievable, a lowly knight. I do not remember agreeing with this."

"Crystal, don't make a ruckus."

The Grand Duke glance at the horseman of our carriage. He gave a nod, a signal that his granting him a permission. "Let's depart."

Crystal hissed and crossed her arms with an attitude with no choice on her hands. "Fine, but fulfill you're promise."

When we reached the Imperial Palace. Everyone is in their best glamorous clothes were shining despite the darkness of the night. As we entered the venue. A hired butler asks for our surnames with respect to announce our entrance for the people inside the venue will be aware to our presence.

"Grand Duke Alcide Cajarte and Grand Duchess Madelaine Austria Cajarte will be now entering!"

They opened the two large doors and the orange light from the big chandelier welcomed us. People glance at us as we both walk along the red carpet. My hands tremble that was interlace with his arm as we received the audience's gazes.

They must have not expected the appearance of my husband. They move backward, as if a parting sea and making a way for us.

"My wife, let's pay respect to the Emperor."

"Of course."

We walk straight to the ruler, sitting down on the throne. Watching the nobles that were socializing and drinking the champagne. When we reached to his front. The Grand Duke kneel his one leg and bow his head. "Greetings to His Majesty, may the Arello flourish with your reign."

I did the same thing with the Grand Duke however I did not get to bend my knees on the floor. How can I? With the current garments I'm wearing. My gesture was already enough to acknowledge him as the ruler.

"Wonderful. What brings, the war hero into my haven?"

"I dare not to decline the offer when my wife got an invitation. It was an honor."

The old man laughs heartily. "Your presence is highly appreciated."

A servant went to His Majesty and whispered something. "Is it time for that?"

The man answered with a nod before going back to his post.

"Alright, we shall continue our talk later."

We agreed. The Emperor stood up and clang his wine class with a fork to get the people's attention. He cleared his throat, perhaps he is going to announce the Crown Prince's Entrance.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for gathering in the birthday of my son. Let us all welcome him, Crown Prince Allerick Sander. The next ruler of the Empire."

There, I saw the His Royal Highness from the gold stair case in his extravagant suit. He walks down, highly with a warm smile that reflects like his father. When he reached the stage where his chair resides besides the throne. He, before sitting down begin to receive the champagne and raise it up in the air.

"Please enjoy the ball with all your heart," he ended his speech and everyone begin to toss their glass with one another. As well as the Grand Duke next to mine.

"Now, I shall declare the first dance of the event!" the Emperor informed and orchestral music begin to play and filled the hall.

From the moment Josh went near to me, was the picture of the Grand Duke leaving my side. He went to Crystal to fulfill his promise to be her first dance. I look at the Knight and we smiled with each other.

"Is there anything that displease you?"

"Not at all Sir. Josh."

"If you are worried about His Excellency, do not fret. He clearly warned me not to let you dance with the other gents."

"What are you implying?"

"You didn't know his plans?"

Now he caught my interest. I look at him directly. "Was he hiding something?"

He averted his eyes and tried to change the topic. "Look, the Crown Prince is walking towards our direction."

"Sir. Knight?"

"May I ask for a dance?" Before I knew it, the Crown Prince was already sweetly offering his hand and I was about to accept for it will be rude to decline him and that it may tarnish his name when suddenly, someone else hold my wrist to stop me.

The Grand Duke with his firm eyes, clench his jaw. "Forgive me, Your Royal Highness. But my wife can't dance you, she hasn't dance with me yet."

"Alright. I'm out of here," Josh stated with both of his hand raising as if he doesn't like to meddle with the triangle.

"Aren't you busy with your concubine?"

"Is that a declaration?" they stared at each other's eyes for a couple of seconds then, the Crown Prince suddenly burst a laugh.

"My friend, why are you too serious? It's just one dance with your wife."

The Grand duke that was supposed to answer ceased his words. The lights shockingly turned off and everything was dark. Then, a loud explosion made all the people panic!

"We are under attack by the assassins!"