Chapter 109

[1750 B.C.]

The ball had begun and as host, I had been the first among those with a great title - to enter.

"The duchess first duchess of the first territory, Asra Rubet Ignis, the first of her name, lady of the flames, the phoenix of Bernieri’s empire" announced to me and when I entered, those sharp eyes behind all the masks fixed on me.

I raised my head - just as Asra would and brought the fan she held close to her chest. That was supposed to be Elaine’s ball - it was supposed to be the perfect time for her to shine and I wouldn’t allow anything to go wrong.

"Lady..." a mere countess addressed me, her sharp eyes were fixed in the place more to the corner of the hall, the one with couches and armchairs near the throne "I know I may be being rude as soon as I greet your grace, but... the duchess doesn’t think about leaving all the princes together, does she?"

My lips arched into a half-moon as I waited. I waited to see how far that creature’s boldness w