18~ The Palace Ball

[Celia's POV]

The ready-to-wear gown was the most beautiful and expensive piece of clothing that Celia had owned. After bidding farewell to Gloria, she entered a store with her mind clouded with thoughts. However, the moment her eyes fell on the maroon-colored dress with a cinched waist and a sweetheart neckline, she forgot everything. The skirt was flowy and looked like it was made from silk. The sleeves were short but modest. The bodice was intricately designed too.

The shop owner, a stout man in his mid-sixties with clever eyes and gray hair, sold her dress at what she would call a 'low price'. Regarding the fitting, she would have to do that herself. But no matter, she could manage it.

"5 pounds," the shop owner had said, a smirk showing up on his thin lips. Celia knew he was looking down on her, but she wanted that dress. She fished out a few bills from her purse and handed it to the stunned shop owner who then begrudgingly went on to pack her dress. Celia was trying to suppress a smile then, knowing the dress cost more than 5 pounds.

When she returned, Mrs. Gibson was the one who greeted her.

"I got a good deal on this dress," Celia said, just too eager to share her happiness with someone. The older woman did not smile back at her, which dampened the other's enthusiasm a bit.

She decided to go and try to work on making the dress a good fit. However, as she was on her way to the room, Mrs. Gibson said, "Don't get too comfortable with all this, Miss Wilson. Remember that we are not the same as the Master."

Celia turned around and nodded. Of course, she knew her place. "I will and have always remembered."

She did not linger for long as she hurriedly made her way to the room.

When she donned the dress and looked in the mirror, she did not know how to react. The dress felt so good on the skin and flared out so well that she wanted to keep looking at her reflection. She had done a high updo and let a few locks frame her face. Although the color did not go well with her eyes and hair, that was the best she could find. She did not have any jewelry to adorn her neck or the hairstyle she had done, so this would have to do.

She walked out of the room just as Lucian too arrived, probably from another visit. He never let a patient visit his house, Celia had realized.

The man stared at her long enough to make her self-conscious. Celia remembered Gloria's words and began to fidget. She had been too eager to dress up. She should have waited until his return. Now what must he be thinking about her?

"I…" she began, wanting to explain but he interjected.

"Wait for me. I will be ready in some time," he said, but now he wasn't looking at her.

Celia was flustered as well so she could only nod.

She went back to her room and wondered why Lucian reacted like that. Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard a knock on the door.

She checked herself in the mirror one last time before opening the door. Her breath caught in her throat. The man was dressed in black breeches, a gold-embroidered brown waistcoat, and an overcoat. His hair was brushed back and overall he looked even more handsome than he already does.

Realizing that she was caught appreciating his look, she looked away and blushed.

"Here, wear this," Lucian said, making Celia look at him again in surprise.

The man's eyes danced with amusement as he produced a small black box. Celia's gaze turned quizzically as her eyes flickered from him to the box and back at him.

"Open it," he encouraged.

She took the box reluctantly and opened it. This time she gasped. A beautiful silver chain with a blue pendant sat inside.

"My Lord… this," she stuttered, looking up at Lucian in astonishment.

He smiles. "I saw that you did not have any jewelry to wear."

Celia's face turned a shade of flaming red.

"But this is…" she trailed off, protesting.

"Wear it," Lucian said gently.

Celia's heart skipped a beat. This was the first time she was receiving something from a man.

"Give me a moment, my lord," she murmured and went inside. She gently unclasped the necklace and placed the box on the dresser. As she was about to wear it, she felt Lucian come and stand behind her. Her heartbeat quickened as he gently took the necklace from her hand and proceeded to put the piece of jewelry around her neck.

The metal was cold against her skin. She stared at him through the mirror for a moment, and he stared back. His fingers brushed against her feverish skin, making her shiver. However, he soon stepped back and smiled. "You look beautiful, Miss Heart."

Celia could only stutter and nod in thanks.

Mrs. Gibson was waiting for them at the foyer, her expression, according to Celia could rival with a blizzard.

"The carriage is ready, Master," the older lady said with a curt bow.

Lucian nodded in acknowledgment and then gestured for Celia to go first.

Everything felt surreal for Celia as she boarded the brownish-looking carriage with blue velvet curtains. The horse was black like the carriage that Duke had sent that day. Celia mentally shook away the image. Why was she thinking of him now?

The ride was pleasant this time, with Lucian speaking about his day, and with Celia sharing hers. However, she did not mention meeting Gloria or that she knew that the young master of the Wilson manor had gone insane. The thought and doubt still lingered in her mind, but for now, she decided to keep it away.

Lucian helped her descend from the carriage, and Celia felt herself shudder again as his fingers grasped hers. He smiled at her and the tenderness in his eyes made her warm all over. She lowered her gaze as he guided her hand to hook around the crook of his arm.

She felt as if she would explode with happiness. Despite all the mystery that shrouded the man walking beside her, she was determined to enjoy today's evening.

They were guided by a tall-looking man, very much like Artemis, to the hall where the Ball was being held. The palace had been lavishly decorated and Celia looked around in awe. Even though she was not ignorant of such events, having stayed with the Wilsons for the better part of her life, the sight of this grandeur took her breath away.

"Welcome, Doctor O'Neil and Miss Heart," a familiar voice greeted. Her gaze collided with a pair of blue ones.

She inhaled sharply as she took in the magnificence of the duke. If Lucian was handsome, then Vladimir Mercei was breathtaking in his royal attire.

Her appreciative gaze was not missed by the duke. Celia felt herself shudder, and the familiar tingle ran down her spine. The duke's lips curved into a dangerous smile and as he approached them, she oddly felt like the prey and he, the predator.