The Crown's Obsession (WN)

Music Recommendation: Julia by Reeder

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Days passed, and the day for the ball in the Barnes' mansion was hosted during the time of evening for only people who were close to Mr. Barnes. Lucy had dressed herself up along with her other family members who attended the ball.

When they reached the large mansion, Ethan Moryett, who had arrived early, greeted everyone before greeting the princess, "Lady Lucy, you look lovely."

"You look handsome as well, Ethan," Lucy was polite to compliment the man whose hope only rose by her words. He had been waiting for this day and hour of the evening eagerly, hoping to finally let Lucy know his feelings for her.

"You seem to be having quite some spare time in your hands, Ethan," spoke Lady Samara, noticing the little extra attention the man was giving to her daughter. Given that they were far relatives, Lady Samara wasn't kind with her words when it came to him.

Ethan didn't offence to the lady's words, and he answered, "I finished the documents earlier than expected and thought it would do me good to come here."

Lady Samara didn't respond back and only stared before shifting her gaze elsewhere. "Oh look, Lucy dear. I wanted you to meet Mr. Vinter," said the woman, placing her hand on her daughter's back and driving her to walk towards a young gentleman.

"Lady Samara," Mr. Vinter bowed his head. The person was in his late twenties, and he came from a strong political background being the neighbouring King's nephew. "You look beautiful, just as a Queen should be," he complimented the woman.

"You are very generous," Lady Samara laughed softly. Her expression had completely changed compared to the way she had spoken to Ethan Moryett. "You must have seen my daughter Lucy before," she introduced and looked at Lucy, "This is Jensen Vinter, Lucy. King Stephen's nephew."

Lucy felt her hand being picked up, and the man leaned forward to kiss the back of her gloved hand.

"It is good to finally be meeting you, Lady Lucy. I have heard a lot about you and have been eager to meet you," Mr. Vinter was not short when it came to compliments, and Lucy wished she could do the same, but she didn't even know he existed.

"What an opportune time that you have come to attend Mr. Barnes ball. I am sure you would be a wonderful partner to Lucy this evening," said Lady Samar.

Hearing this, Lucy's eyes snapped to look at her mother. Was she trying to set her up with this man? She didn't come to attend the ball for this! Thought Lucy in her mind.

"I wouldn't want to impose on Mr. Vinter. I am sure there are plenty of people that I can dance with and not occupy all his time," stated Lucy, trying to get out of this situation, but her mother didn't let go of her back.

"I am sure Mr. Vinter's wouldn't mind, would you?" asked Lady Samara to the man who smiled.

"Of course not. It would be my great pleasure to accompany you in today's ball," the man looked into Lucy's eyes, and it made her unable to refuse, and she offered the man a tight smile.

"How wonderful!" exclaimed Lady Samara before leaving Lucy's side, and Lucy watched her mother walk back to her father.

The entire time, Lucy had Mr. Vinter's next to her side, and even though the man was not bad, this was not where she wanted to be right now. Her eyes kept wandering around the room, looking for brother Calhoun, knowing that was where she would find Theodore. And like others who were attending the ball, even if he was dressed, he looked as if he was always part of high society.

Her eyes followed him, stealing glances when Mr. Vinter's wasn't looking or talking to her.

She felt her heart squeeze during the rare times his gaze moved to where she stood but not looking at her.

"Lady Lucy?"

"Huh?" Lucy snapped out from her thoughts and saw Mr. Vinter's waiting for her.

The man was polite enough to repeat his question by asking Lucy, "I was wondering if you give me the chance to dance with you."

Not having anything else to do, Lucy nodded her head in politeness.

When they were on the dance floor with the other couples who were dancing, Mr. Vinter's who held Lucy's hand, said, "Lady Lucy, I hope I am not being too forward, but I find you to be a beautiful woman and I think you will be wonderful wife."

"Thanks," Lucy nodded her head, and Mr. Vinter's corrected his sentence.

"I mean my wife."

Lucy, who was looking around, searching for that one person, her eyes turned wide, and she looked up to meet Mr. Vinter's gaze.

"I am flattered by your words, Mr. Vinter's, but…" she didn't know how to refuse politely, and she hoped her mother or her grandmother were not listening in on her conversation with him.

Mr. Vinter's said, "You don't have to feel it right away, we can give it time. You can get to know me and you can then decide."

If her family heard about this, Lucy doubted there would be less knowing and more about preparing for their wedding. To be firm, she said, "Pardon me, but I don't think it would work well."

"Why?" he asked, both their voices hush so that the others wouldn't be able to hear. "Unless you have already chosen someone," and the man noticed the change in Lucy's expression as if he had got it right.

Lucy didn't confirm it through words. The music came to a stop on time, and she was glad. With a small frown, she bowed her head, and he did the same.

"Thank you for the dance, Mr. Vinter's," and Lucy started to make her way away from there when her eyes caught Theodore's who was watching her.