Chapter 96: A dangerous game

Chapter 96: A dangerous game "I need to apologize," Abrielle replied to Alfonso, causing him to arch his brow at her. "But won’t that mean to accept the fact that it was not an accident?" Alfonso could not understand her reasoning. "Aside from you, is there anyone that believes that wasn’t the case?" Abrielle asked, she was infamous in the Kingdom. Even if she had never been to the capital, everyone knew of the spoilt, talentless daughter of the Vesper duchy. Abrielle Nightshade would never condone someone else wearing the same dress as her. "So let me guess, you will walk up to them to apologize." Alfonso scoffed; the more she heard him bicker, the more annoying it sounded in her ear. She had no plans of doing that; she would just wait for the dance to end, and then she would politely apologize to Callista. She needed a drink; Abrielle beckoned to the wine steward, who walked in her direction, and then she took a glass of wine. She started leisurely sipping, she knew everyone was expecting her to lash out on seeing Cedric dancing with Callista. She just has to prove them wrong. She cared the least. "That’s your second glass, tonight. I will advise you to be careful with the alcohol, Abrielle." She heard a magnetic voice say from her side drawing her attention. She was surprised to see Lucian approach her. It made her frown a bit. "Prince Lucian, it’s an honour that the crown prince’s eyes caught my attention when you have such a stunning companion." Abrielle chimed despite hating the fact Lucian was talking to her. The one person Cedric hated more than Alfonso was Lucian, the person he considered his rival. In the original plot, Abrielle approached Lucian out of spite after Cedric had his first dance with Callista instead of her, and surprisingly, he accepted. This, of course, led to Abrielle and Lucian’s relationship becoming more strained and pushed him closer to Callista. She didn’t approach him this time around because, of course, she didn’t want to give any obvious reasons for Cedric to hate her. She loved her head being on her neck, but the plot was playing with her, and Lucian actually approached her. "We haven’t been formally introduced, I am Lucian Von Drakkar. Your brother-in-law." Lucian said with a bow as he reached out for Abrielle’s hand to place a kiss. "There isn’t a need. I am know the infamous crown prince, but it is still a pleasure to meet your acquaintance," Abrielle said with a stiff smile when she felt his soft lips on her hands. It didn’t feel the same as Cedric’s kisses that left faint sparks and out of place. "The honour is mine, would you mind giving me a dance." He publicly requested to put her in a tight, difficult situation. She could not reject the crown prince and her brother-in-law as it would be rude, and she could not accept either and get on Cedric’s bad book. This was frustrating. Can’t she have a break? She was still figuring out how to salvage her image by apologizing to Callista, who was dancing with her husband. She felt someone pull her hand, "Unfortunately, brother, I was talking to our dear sister-in-law admiring the priestess. We felt sorry for how Abrielle accidentally spilt wine on her." Alfonso said Abrielle’s eyes went wide to see what was happening. "I asked her for a dance first and I am sure you don’t want the little countess you have been playing with target Abrielle," Lucian said in a low tone, just loud enough for the three of them to hear. Alfonso glanced in a particular direction and shuddered reluctantly, releasing Abrielle’s hand. Lucian grabbed the glass from Abrielle’s hand and stuffed it in Alfonso’s hand. It was one of his lovers; he glared at Lucian; how did his brother know about his Lovers? And worst, why did he have to mention it in front of Abrielle? There was no one for him to glare at because Lucian had used the opportunity to pull Abrielle to the dance floor, he didn’t give her an option. He spun her around with his familiar gold eyes staring into her blue eyes. She should be happy that she was indirectly dancing with her crush in another world but all Abrielle felt was dread. His hand was on her waist pulling her closer while her hand reluctantly grabbed his shoulders. "You are a good dancer," he complimented, trying to strike up a conversation with her. He had a pleasant smile on his face that could melt any lady’s heart. Abrielle was forced to return the smile as they moved slowly but magically according to the music. "I started learning at a young age, I guess all the years of practice finally paid off. " Abrielle chimed while secretly weeping because of the cold gaze she felt on her back from who they all knew. She swallowed hard, wondering what methods Cedric was probably thinking about creative ways to dismember her head. Dancing felt natural to her as it was a skill this body possessed, Abrielle with Lucian did look like a good sight. He was very handsome and she was stunning. Without a doubt, it felt like they were competing with Cedric and Callista. "You seem very skilled; it’s a shame you are already my brother’s. The only way I can court you is if he accidentally dies," Lucian commented, which gave her a funny feeling, although she knew it was a joke. Lucian is not interested in her in the least way and is only dancing with her because of the plot. "That’s funny, but I love my husband," Abrielle said sweetly at him despite almost biting her tongue with that claim. The entire moment, Cedric’s eyes were on them; how could he look away when she was smiling sweetly at Lucian? He hated the feeling. He didn’t care about the annoying voice in his head saying trash or Callista, who was talking about some random rubbish and just wanted to rip Lucian’s arm from her waist. "I am glad you love him, but does he share the sentiment," Lucian chimed with a teasing smile at Abrielle. The music changed, and Lucian spun her around, about to catch her the same as every other couple on the dance floor. Abrielle fell into a pair of strong arms, her face hitting her broad chest with that distinct sandalwood scent that made her freeze. She slowly raised her head to meet his mischievous smirk, "Cedric," she muttered then her eyes quickly wandered around to see Lucian dancing with Callista. Cedric’s eyes were dead on Lucian, but he gave Cedric a challenging smirk.