Chapter 43
Once the carriage arrived at Riverwatch Duchy, the grand estate of Duke Alaric Alexander and Duchess Serena Alexander, Turner stepped down first and opened the carriage door.
The journey had taken longer than expected. Between Owen's awakening and the excitement throughout Emberforge, Aurora had been delayed.
Turner offered his hand. Aurora accepted it gracefully and stepped down from the carriage.
For a moment, even Turner forgot to breathe.
The champagne-coloured gown shimmered beneath the lantern light.
No layers of fabric large enough to hide a small army.
Yet somehow, she looked more regal than every noblewoman already inside.
Turner swallowed, "You look beautiful, Lady Aurora, remember that."
Aurora smiled softly, "Thank you, Turner I will."
The faint blush on her cheeks nearly made the knight forget his own name. Thankfully, they reached the entrance before he embarrassed himself.
As they approached the grand doors, laughter and music spilled from the banquet hall.
The doorman struck his staff against the floor.
"Lady Aurora Ambrose of Emberforge Duchy!"
The announcement echoed through the hall.
Silence followed.
Every conversation stopped.
Every noble turned.
Every gaze landed on Aurora.
For several heartbeats, nobody spoke.
Then the whispers began.
"Is that Lady Aurora?"
"She looks incredible."
"That dress is breathtaking."
"I've never seen anything like it."
"Isn't she supposed to be obsessed with the Crown Prince?"
"I heard the engagement has been broken off."
"No wonder the Crown Prince looks miserable."
"Where did she get that gown?"
"I want one immediately."
"My daughter will be wearing something similar next season."
One older noblewoman frowned, "That is hardly proper noble fashion."
Another noblewoman immediately replied, "Then why can't you stop staring at it?"
Several ladies hid their laughter behind their fans.
Aurora pretended not to hear any of it.
Years of noble society had taught her one thing. The more attention you gave gossip, the stronger it became.
Turner leaned closer, "If anyone causes trouble, I'll be in the hall."
Aurora smiled, "Thank you."
He bowed and stepped aside.
Aurora entered the hall alone.
Her posture remained elegant and confident despite the dozens of eyes following her every movement.
Across the room, Lucian froze.
Beside him stood Bella, Isaac, Charles, Brian, and Anton.
None of them expected this.
Aurora walked past them without so much as a glance....Not one.
It was as though they did not exist.
Lucian's chest tightened. For years Aurora had always looked for him first. Tonight she didn't even acknowledge him.
Meanwhile, Bella's smile nearly cracked.
She could feel every noble, in the room watching Aurora.
And she hated it...Absolutely hated it.
Aurora walked directly toward the hosts.
"Good evening, Duke Alexander. Duchess Alexander."
Duke Alaric smiled warmly, "Lady Aurora, it is wonderful to see you."
Duchess Serena looked her up and down with open admiration, "My dear, you are absolutely stunning."
"Thank you, Your Grace."
"I almost didn't recognize you."
Nearby nobles continued whispering.
"I heard she broke the engagement."
"Perhaps she finally realized her worth."
"Or perhaps the Crown Prince realized too late."
Several people discreetly glanced toward Lucian.
The Crown Prince's expression darkened. Unfortunately for him, half the room noticed.
"Wow," Isaac muttered.
Charles blinked, "I hate admitting it, but she's beautiful."
Brian chuckled, "Only now you're noticing?"
Silence
"And intelligent," Brian added, "I met with her recently. She's nothing like the rumour's."
Anton nodded slowly, "Neither is she anything like the girl we used to know."
Bella's fingers tightened around her fan.
Inside, jealousy burned fiercely.
She had watched Aurora for year embarrass herself. And now, Aurora had walked into the room and stolen everyone's attention without even trying.
Lucian remained silent. His gaze never left Aurora.
Bella noticed and it terrified her. For the first time, she felt a small flicker of fear.
What if Lucian regretted everything?
What if Aurora wants him back?
And worst of all...
What if that made Lucian want her even more?
Across the room, Aurora approached Selene Alexander.
"Good evening, Lady Selene."
Selene's face lit up, "Lady Aurora! I'm so glad you came."
"Thank you for inviting me. Congratulations on your coming-of-age celebration."
Aurora handed over a beautifully wrapped box.
Selene opened it and gasped. Inside rested a delicate golden butterfly hairpiece adorned with white diamonds.
"It's beautiful!"
"I'm glad you like it."
"I love it."
Katherine Indigo immediately appeared beside them.
"Lady Aurora, your gown is absolutely gorgeous."
"Thank you."
"And if you don't mind me asking..." , Katherine leaned closer, "Who made it?"
Aurora laughed, "I did."
The surrounding ladies stared.
"You made it?"
Aurora nodded.
The collective gasp could probably be heard in the neighbouring duchy.
Soon several young ladies surrounded her.
Questions began flying from every direction.
Meanwhile, Aurora was beginning to regret leaving the safety of her estate.
Across the room, Anton approached her near the refreshment table.
"Lady Aurora, how are you?"
"I am well, thank you, Duke Anton."
"I haven't seen much of you at social events lately."
"I've been occupied managing the duchy."
"I heard about your parents. How are they?"
A genuine smile appeared on Aurora's face. "My mother is recovering well, and my father woke up today."
Anton looked relieved, "That's wonderful news."
"Duke Anton, I was actually hoping to arrange a meeting with you."
"A meeting?"
"I would like to discuss exporting products from Emberforge."
Anton blinked....Then chuckled.
"Surely your managers handle those matters. You should focus on tea parties and social events."
Aurora stared at him.
Anton suddenly felt nervous.
"Sexist much?" she replied.
Anton blinked, "What?"
Aurora sighed, "What I mean is, I am currently managing the duchy. Therefore, discussing duchy business is literally my job."
Several nearby nobles nearly choked on their drinks.
Anton stood speechless, "But your father has recovered."
"And I intend to continue assisting him." , Her smile remained polite.
Her eyes did not, "If you wish to continue doing business with Emberforge, please arrange a meeting."
Then she curtsied elegantly, "Now, if you'll excuse me."
She walked away.
Leaving Anton standing there.
Frozen....Confused...And oddly impressed.
A moment later Charles, Isaac, Brian, and Lucian appeared.
"What happened to you?" Charles asked.
Anton stared after Aurora.
For several moments, he couldn't answer. Finally, he laughed.
"That..." He shook his head, "That is not the Lady Aurora we grew up with."
His eyes remained fixed on her across the ballroom, "That woman is dangerous."
Brian grinned, "Welcome to the club, who is Aurora?"
And somewhere across the room, Lucian watched Aurora laugh with the other ladies.
For the first time in years, she looked genuinely happy. And for the first time in years, he realized she no longer needed him.
That realization hurt far more than he expected.
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