The day of the party was fast approaching. As promised, Isaac delivered the results of his work to the Amanda after three days. Everything was going as planned, and all that was left was to draw Layla into their snare.
Seueug, seueug.
There was the smooth sound of silk as Amanda tied the cravat on Oliver’s neck. It was part of her daily routine now, and she was far more skilled at it now than her first awkward attempt. She firmly kept her gaze away from Oliver’s piercing eyes as she worked, but he spoke up in a low voice.
“Has there been a change in heart?”
Her cheeks suddenly turned pink in guilt. She spoke carefully, worried that her feelings about him were written all over her face.
“Why are you suddenly asking me?”
Oliver glanced at Amanda’s dress and jewelry, which were far more ornate than usual.
“You’re dressing up more beautifully than you usually do, but I don’t think it’s for my eyes.”
“Ah…”
She realized what he was talking about. Oliver’s observation wasn’t wrong: today, Amanda put in tremendous effort to make herself look as beautiful as possible. She wore rare and distinctive emerald jewels that she had received from Oliver, and chose the most striking dress that Amelia had ever created. If Oliver showed up at the party now when there was talk of him taking a second wife, it was obvious that everyone would look at Amanda. She didn’t intend to be discouraged in front of the other nobles.
“I…I’m not sure, Oliver. But for women, a beautiful dress is like a weapon in society.”
Oliver gave a soft chuckle.
“Everyone should be nervous to see you fully armed.”
Oliver didn’t know that it was he who made her nervous. Dressed in a handsome black swallowtail coat, he was guaranteed to catch the attention of all the women at the party. Amanda wanted to stand in the place where everyone else coveted—next to Oliver. His right-hand position was entirely her own.
“I’m finished.”
She smoothed over the cravat with one hand, and before she could stop herself, she looked up in Oliver’s eyes. She saw him looking at her, a soft smile in his gaze.
Dugeun, dugeun.
Her heart pounded loudly in her chest, but she managed to give a calm smile in return. Every moment with Oliver was like a gift. As she cautiously admitted her feelings, she was fully able to experience the thrill.
“Why don’t we get some air after the party?”
“Air?”
She looked at him curiously, and he replied in a gentle voice.
“You’ve never gone outside the Imperial Palace since we married. You must be frustrated not having the chance to go out.”
“I don’t know…palace life is busier than I expected.”
But somehow, Oliver managed to sneak his way into Amanda’s heart.
“Think about it.”
Oliver extended his hand to Amanda, his face as handsome as ever. Now that they were fully prepared, it was time to go to the party venue. Amanda gave a small nod and took his hand without a word. As their pair exited the palace, Jobbers, who was waiting at the entrance, heralded their appearance.
“Hail to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess!”
The people outside the palace gave way to them. Everyone bowed and chorused loudly,
“Hail to the Crown Prince and Crown Princess! Eternal Glory to the Keith Empire!”
The voices swelled together as if it were a single loud shout, and Amanda and Oliver slowly boarded the golden carriage. The journey seemed quite noisy at first, but she gradually became accustomed to it.
Amanda stared at Oliver’s profile. When she first met him, she proposed to him to fulfill her own purposes…but now she hoped she could be with him for a long time.
As if he felt her gaze, Oliver turned his head from the window to look into her eyes. He looked like an image from a dream, leaning on his elbow as the warm afternoon sun washed over him. His sapphire blue eyes burned with a mysterious heat as he fixed his gaze on her.
“Don’t be too beautiful, my wife. If you keep staring at me like that, I’ll want to take you away somewhere else.”
Amanda couldn’t help but give a small laugh. He was looking at her so sweetly it tickled her heart.