The Emperor's speech caught Lucian off guard. In a way they were generic words that every ruler used, only he said it looking directly at him and Magnus. Perhaps behind the lines was a sword pointed at their necks, as a threat for being careless to come to the point of dishonor.
In any case, the pressure of having those clear eyes and rigid expression on himself remained. Lucian clenched his fists that trembled slightly because of the pressure.
Why did the eighth prince always react that way when he was in front of the Emperor? His cowardice really was a nuisance.
"Are you okay?"
The omega's whispers reached Lucian's ear, who put on his usual mask and agreed with his head. Now that the speech had come to an end and the guests were enjoying the party again, Lucian could see himself free of that tension.
"Perfectly well."
Magnus's arm went to Lucian's waist, pulling him slightly as he looked at him seriously. Frankly, how could Lucian resist that handsome, well-dressed and hairy man holding his waist like that?
The answer would always be simple: do not resist!
"You're shaking. Are you cold? Or is it all fear of your own father?"
"You did not consider the chance of me being so happy that I get to tremble?"
"It would be the most absurd answer I have ever heard."
"Your Highness!"
The soft voice caught the two's attention. Turning, the couple found Stephen next to Maverick, who bowed respectfully. There goes Lucian's great happiness in not having to see those two.
"You have come, sir Sageclaw" Smile Magnus.
Immediately Lucian bit his own cheek to control his anger. What audacity for Magnus to smile that way to a muscular creature like Maverick when you had a beauty like Lucian by your side!
"Congratulations on the engagement, Your Highnesses. I did not know that you were romantically involved."
"Discretion is always essential for a noble" Lucian pinned it sweetly, and then he looked at Stephen "We kept this secret precisely because we are greedy in excess."
'Discretion..." Stephen tilted his head slightly.
Of course he said words with no meaning precisely to confuse Stephen and Maverick, who were not so interested in high nobility. They would agree with you without even knowing what they were talking about and that was hilarious.
"I imagine that the distance of war has made your feelings deepen. Although I do not remember His Grace commenting on Your Highness during the camps."
Why did the goddess of that world give voice to Maverick? If he was quiet it would be much better, isn't it?
Could not the author erase his existence?
Frankly...
"Magnus is a very reserved man when it comes to private matters" Lucian replied, looking from the corner at Magnus who kept staring at Maverick without daring to make guesses "Moreover, a war always leaves us on the edge of worry and uncertainties of the future."
"Wow... you're right, Your Highness. Still, it seems like a sweet love story."
"I like that thought, please keep finding it".
"In fact, Your Highness, I hope you can accept that."
Stephen fished in the pocket of his black suit, taking a small wrap. Extending to Lucian, the omega smiled shamed hoping his gift would be accepted. Lucian was caught by surprise by the act, and accepted the gift opening it at the same instant because of his curiosity.
The surprise appeared on his face when he found a pocket watch with an impeccable workmanship. Its cover was gold with delicate silver work. Upon opening, Lucian perceived the greenish tone of the frame, and the brown pointers matched the vintage style.
Lucian didn't expect such a beautiful and fair gift from the protagonist of that story, and Lucian felt slightly guilty for thinking of Stephen as a boring omega. At least that night he should give up his ego to be grateful.
"You needn't have bothered with a gift, Sir Stephen."
"Your Highness helped me last time and I wanted to give back in some way."
"In that case, thank you very much for the gift. I will make good use of this watch."
Stephen opened such a sweet smile, that he seemed like a cute and lovely boy. Really, only for that night would Lucian leave his rancidity by the protagonist aside. Had not helped him with the intention of getting something back, but since he was getting...
In the middle of that comfortable atmosphere between the two, Maverick let out a grunt and came closer to Stephen. As a defensive act of a possessive alpha, he released his pheromones as a threat to Lucian, who realized immediately. The possession of an alpha was annoying, and Lucian was now the target of a smoky gaze.
What a disgusting protagonist!
"I hope that Your Highness use enough and... what is this smell?"
Stephen was completely oblivious to the situation. Lucian kept the mask of good prince with that innocent smile, yet he was attentive to Maverick and his constant menacing smell.
Would not be the ideal time for your omega to defend you again?
"Sure I will, Magnus usually complains about my lack of punctuality, isn't it?"
"If this correct your bad habit" Replied Magnus without taking his eyes off the other couple.
Just by the tone of voice made Lucian realize that Magnus really did not care, and his comment made the prince's smile die slowly from shame. The worst thing that existed was your partner talking about a defect in front of other people. It was as if your boyfriend had not overcome the ex who was right in front of him and ignored the fact that they needed to show that they were okay.
Argh! Damn the son of a bitch who invited Maverick to that party!
"Your Grace, don't be so, I believe that His Highness is trying very hard to see you."
The Grand Duke narrowed his eyes coldly to Stephen.
"And why would you know that?"
"H-Ham... well that's..."
"It's just an assumption, my lord" Maverick said, looking at Stephen. "I heard that His Highness helped Stephen deal with a possible pervert before the situation became more unpleasant."
"Maverick!" Scolded Stephen.
"I am also grateful to His Highness for helping my omega."
Lucian's arm was clenched, Magnus' fingers seemed to reflect his disgust at hearing those words. However, the prince seemed more disgusted by that brutamontes thinking he wanted to get involved with Stephen.
"Sir Maverick, I understand your affection for the young Lord Baragnon, but you should not make such remarks so freely" Rebuke Magnus. "Unless you are compromised, this kind of speech can tarnish the reputation of the boy's family."
"It was my mistake, Your Grace, forgive me. Indeed, I have exceeded my limits."
"All right" Smile Magnus lightly.
What a fallacy! He dared to make Magnus smile in front of him? And how could Magnus be so hypocritical! They were engaged just for doing indecencies before the wedding, who was he in the queue to talk about reputation?
"Sorry, I just wanted to give a thank you gift. It was not my intention to cause an unnecessary commotion" Stephen looked worried at Lucian, stepping aside out of Maverick's reach.
"All right, all right haha. We alphas are possessive of our partners, so sometimes we get out of control. Please enjoy the party, yes?"
"Humpf" Maverick growled, still staring at Lucian fiercely.
Seriously!!! Who would trade a Grand Duke with evil and seductive look for Stephen? Lucian purposely made a sharp movement to turn his head, to stretch the neck enough to show a little of the marks that he had on the skin.
Ah, but of course he would be a snob. Wear the mark that Magnus Grimwood left on his skin, showing how close they were. Magnus and Lucian were on another level that differed from the other two who barely held hands.
"Do you have pain in the neck?" Magnus questioned him looking with raised eyebrows.
"I am a little."
Magnus frowned and then rolled his eyes as he perceived Lucian's intentions.
"You're so childish."
"Hehe."
"Stop laughing and get ready for the dance."
"Oh no..."
"Oh yes."
"Haha, Your Highness, I think it's time for you to be strongly pressed into a dance" Stephen laughed sweetly, still remembering the last conversation they had at the other dinner.
"That's what it looks like, isn't it? So if you'll excuse us, I will go to my supplication" Lucian held Magnus' hand gently and guided him into the center of the hall.
Under the watchful eyes of the guests, original protagonists and their parents... Lucian danced for the first time with Magnus Grimwood.
Unlike all the intimacy they had had until then, Lucian felt an electric current running through his body when his hand held Magnus' waist. The proximity between them allowed Lucian to smell the omega's pheromones, and his warm breath hit his face.
Slowly they danced, with Lucian guiding Magnus comfortably. Just like the other times he was forced to step in the hall, his body moved on its own comfortably. Only now he allowed such strangeness, just to enjoy driving Magnus Grimwood, the first villain of his favorite story.
"Stop looking at me like that."
"Which way, Magnus?"
"As if you're in love."
Lucian laughed graciously at his fiancé, turning him gently and holding him again making the guests hold the air.
"What did you say?"
"Stupid mouse."
The two danced gracefully, surprising everyone for their good chemistry and elegance. When the song came to an end, they were ovated with applause and praise for how they made a beautiful pair. Among the noble guests who applauded them, Lucian saw her!
The woman with short hair was near the dance floor. Now he just needed to approach her and...
"Little brother!"