Duke Carter arrives

As I stood there, weighing whether to accept the prince's invitation to be his partner, a maid rushed in with an urgent announcement. She whispered something hurriedly to the butler, who then conveyed the message to my father. His expression shifted to one of unfamiliar surprise as he declared, "The Duke of Carter has arrived. Your Highness, may we postpone my daughter's reply? We must welcome our guest, who has successfully completed his Majesty's orders."

I could feel the weight of my father's words; he had seized this opportunity to give me more time to decide.

I was equally shocked, just like the prince. It was rare for a noble to visit without a prearranged appointment. The prince chuckled awkwardly, "Hahaha, I didn’t expect the Duke of Carter to drop by unannounced. I’d gladly wait as long as Miss Helen wishes. I’m truly interested in being the partner of such a gorgeous lady." The maids around us blushed at his words, but my mind was racing with concern about the Duke's sudden visit.

What if he recognized me as the one who aided him in defeating those monsters? Surely, he wouldn’t connect my actions to me, a girl known for her lack of elemental power. The only thing that could raise suspicion would be my eye color; though rare, red eyes weren’t unheard of.

As I accompanied the prince and my father to welcome the Duke, my heart raced with a mix of anxiety and anticipation.

The grand doors swung open to reveal Duke Brakinson Carter, stepping out of his simple yet elegant carriage. He exuded a manly charm in his finely tailored suit, looking neither tired nor fatigued despite his recent return from battle.

"I’m pleased to meet you, our hero warrior," my father greeted him with a smile, though I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was hiding something behind that welcoming facade. I stood behind my father, bowing my head respectfully as I greeted the Duke.

“Oh, my friend, I’m saddened that you didn’t come to see me first,” the prince teased lightly, a playful glint in his eyes.

“I’m honored to meet you, Your Highness. I’m surprised to see you here as well,” the Duke replied, his voice deep and resonant, like rolling thunder. His gaze shifted to where I stood, and as I raised my head, our eyes locked. A flicker of surprise crossed his features before quickly fading into a mask of politeness.

“How have you been, Duke Mackil? I apologize for the sudden visit,” the Duke continued, turning his attention back to my father. “I had to rush here on urgent matters. I hope you’ll consider my arrival a welcomed one.”

The tension in the room was palpable. I could sense my father’s cautious optimism, but my own heart was a tempest of uncertainty. What urgent matters had brought the Duke to our doorstep? And did it have anything to do with me?

"Haha! Is that even a valid question?" my father chuckled warmly. "My home will always welcome the Empire's greatest warrior." With a gracious smile, he welcomed the Duke inside as the servants led the way to the dining room.

“It’s early, and breakfast has just been served,” my father offered politely. “Have you had yours, my lord?”

The Duke returned the smile, his eyes steady and warm. “Yes, I had a hearty breakfast. I’ve come, in fact, to ask for your permission, Duke Mackil.”

“Permission?” Father exchanged a perplexed glance with me and the prince as we moved into the tea room, where the butler gestured for us to sit. Father leaned forward, curious. “Permission for what, if I may ask?”

The Duke's gaze shifted to me, his expression kind but unwavering. His deep, calm voice filled the room. “I would like to invite Miss Helen Mackil as my partner to the upcoming celebratory ball.”

Stunned silence fell over the room. Surprise, shock, amazement—none of these seemed strong enough to capture the swirl of emotions hanging in the air. A second invitation? On the very day the prince had extended his own offer? Coincidence—or something more? Was this a challenge to the prince, a subtle reminder of his lesser power?

The tension was broken by a smooth, confident voice. “Oh, my Duke, I’m afraid you’re just a bit too late,” the prince interjected with a polite smile. “I have already invited Lady Helen to accompany me.”

My father, clearly uncomfortable but trying to keep his tone light, added, “Yes, the prince did indeed invite my daughter.”

The Duke laughed softly, his expression lightening as he looked around the room. “Ah, so that explains the surprise I sensed. I was beginning to wonder what had everyone so puzzled about me inviting such a lovely lady.” His gaze returned to me, gentle but firm. “Lady Helen, have you accepted the prince’s invitation?”

I hesitated, feeling the weight of every eye on me. “I haven’t yet decided.”

The Duke nodded, his smile softening. I could tell he held no romantic intentions, and I sensed there was something strategic behind his invitation. “Then,” he said with ease, “I see no reason not to extend my own invitation. As the future heir of the Mackil Dukedom, and currently unattached, I would be honored to have a chance to earn Lady Helen’s company at the ball.” He glanced at my father and then at the prince, his expression gentlemanly yet determined. “I hope to engage in a healthy competition with His Highness to earn her favor.”

The prince's gaze sharpened, though his smile remained. “I hadn’t expected to find a rival in my good friend,” he replied, amusement glinting in his eyes. “But I’m always prepared for the lady’s choice.”

Father, sensing the weight of the moment, offered me a reassuring look. “Well, Helen,” he said with an encouraging smile, “it seems you have a choice ahead of you. But whatever you decide, you have my full support.”

Taking a deep breath, I looked from one to the other, feeling the gaze of everyone around me.

Everyone in the room had their eyes on me, each one probably thinking the same thing: She must be having a hard time choosing. But in truth, my decision was already made. I had resolved to attend the ball alone. To me, there was no shame in standing without a partner; I didn’t need the arm of a man to make my presence known. If others whispered, so be it—none would dare say a word to my face.

Still, as I glanced over at my father, I caught a hint of something on his face that made me pause. Was he silently urging me to choose? The indecipherable look in his eyes stirred doubt in me.

Before I could say a word, a calm yet authoritative voice cut through the silence. “My Lady, forgive my intrusion,” Lusav spoke, his tone gentle but edged with urgency, his gaze meeting mine with unwavering confidence, unbothered by the presence of the Duke or the prince. “There’s a situation requiring your immediate attention. It seems there’s unrest at the mall—two noble families are engaged in a rather public dispute, and the guards are struggling to de-escalate it. Our reputation is at stake.”

His words were like a lifeline, pulling me from the pressure of the moment. I understood immediately: Lusav was offering me a graceful way out.

My father wasted no time, seizing on Lusav’s suggestion with a supportive smile. “Oh, how unfortunate,” he said, turning to the two men, his tone perfectly polite. “It appears my daughter must attend to this matter. Perhaps she could respond to each of you in writing?”

Nodding, I gathered my composure and addressed them. “Yes, Your Highness, and My Lord. I’ll give you both my answer in a letter, in due time. I trust you’ll enjoy tea with my father while I see to this pressing matter.” My voice was steady, calm but resolute. I didn’t wish to rush a decision, especially one that might mean so much to my father.

Prince William leaned back, his lips curling into a charming smile that softened the intensity in his eyes. “That’s unfortunate, but of course, I’ll wait patiently, Lady Helen. The pleasure of your company is worth every moment.” There was a glint in his eye as he cast a sidelong glance at the Duke, as if gauging his reaction.

Duke Carter’s gaze held mine with a quiet intensity, his striking dark blue eyes, reminiscent of a midnight sky, catching the light. His voice was deep, rich, a contrast to the prince’s lighter tone. “I can only hope, my lady, that you’ll consider my invitation. For a victory ball, it would be an honor to stand beside such an extraordinary lady.”