Chapter 30: Impatient Desire

"Your Royal Highness..."

Papa and Valerian bowed before him while I curtsied. I sighed in relief when His Royal Highness arrived. He was smiling gently while he had this gentle facade. But his expression quickly changed into a meaningful one when our eyes met.

He turned at Valerian. "I am afraid Father needs your presence, Duke Leveaux. The meeting is going to start."

Valerian flinched, realizing that he almost forgot about that. He cleared his throat and nodded. "Ah, yes. I did not notice the time. I shall go there at once." He bowed before him and turned at us. "We shall meet again, Lady Dominixe." He took my hand and did not hesitate to plant a kiss on the back of my hand while he was looking at my father. "And to you as well, Marquis Cantavalle," he said meaningfully.

Papa almost smiled bitterly, seeing that Valerian was trying to provoke him.

"Papa—"

"Lady Cantavalle, may I have a dance with you?"

I looked at the crown prince, surprised that he had asked me for a dance. I glanced