I Became the Fake Fiancée of the Ice Duke!
Episode 4: The Royal Test & A New Rival
[The Throne Room – After Elysia’s Response]
Elysia had barely caught her breath after surviving King Atlas’s scrutiny when another voice chimed in.
A voice smooth as silk, yet carrying an unmistakable sharpness.
？？？
What a beautiful response, Lady Elysia. But love is not so easily proven with words alone, don’t you think?
Elysia turned—and immediately understood why the entire court had gone silent.
Standing gracefully among the nobles was a woman with striking golden curls, a soft shade of pink eyes, and a posture so regal she could have been mistaken for a princess.
Draped in an elegant lavender gown embroidered with silver, she exuded effortless confidence, her gaze assessing Elysia with cool curiosity.
King Atlas
Ah, perfect timing.
King Atlas
Lady Seraphina, I’m sure you are quite curious about our guest as well.
The name sent a ripple through Elysia’s mind. She had heard it before—whispered in merchant circles, spoken of as the “Jewel of High Society.”
Elysia Verdan
*whispering to Aedrian* Who is she?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
The daughter of Duke Everhart. One of the King’s strongest supporters.
Elysia Verdan
*narrowing eyes* And?
Then, Aedrian finally turned to meet her gaze, his expression unreadable.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
She was once my betrothed.
Elysia barely stopped herself from choking.
Elysia Verdan
*whispering sharply* EXCUSE ME?!
Aedrian’s jaw tightened ever so slightly, but before Elysia could press for details, Seraphina gracefully approached.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
You must be the woman who has captured His Grace’s heart.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
I must admit, I was surprised when I heard the news.
Elysia matched her polite smile.
Elysia Verdan
*sweetly* I get that a lot.
Seraphina chuckled, but something about her gaze sent a chill down Elysia’s spine.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
You must be quite extraordinary to have changed him so quickly.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
After all… Aedrian has never been the type to show affection so openly.
The way she said Aedrian—so familiar, so natural—made something sharp twist in Elysia’s chest.
Elysia Verdan
Well, love works in mysterious ways.
Seraphina’s smile widened just slightly, as if she found that amusing.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
Indeed.
The tension between them was so thick it could be cut with a knife.
King Atlas
*watching with amusement*
King Atlas
Since you are already acquainted, Lady Seraphina, I’m sure you’ll be looking forward to tonight’s banquet as well.
Seraphina’s eyes flickered toward Aedrian.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
Always. *softly*
Elysia clenched her fist under her gown.
Something told her… this woman wasn’t going to be just another noble.
She was going to be a problem.
[A Private Hall – Emergency Dance Lessons]
Elysia stomped onto the dance floor of the empty ballroom, arms crossed.
Elysia Verdan
You didn’t think to mention your EX-BETROTHED before now?!
Aedrian sighed, adjusting the cuffs of his coat.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
It was years ago. It’s irrelevant.
Elysia Verdan
Irrelevant?! *mocking*
Elysia Verdan
Oh, don’t mind me, just the woman fake-engaged to a man who was nearly married to a duchess!
Aedrian raised an eyebrow.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Are you jealous?
Elysia Verdan
I’m just saying, maybe I would have liked some WARNING before walking into a conversation with the woman who was supposed to be your wife!
Aedrian merely extended a hand, clearly unimpressed by her outburst.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Less talking. More dancing.
Elysia groaned but placed her hand in his, letting him guide her once again.
Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Seraphina’s sudden appearance was no coincidence.
And that, sooner or later… she would be forced to confront exactly what the noblewoman wanted.
[The Royal Banquet – A Dance of Three]
The banquet hall shimmered with candlelight, casting a golden glow over the polished floors. Nobles swayed elegantly across the ballroom as musicians played a soft waltz.
Elysia took a steadying breath as Aedrian led her to the center of the room.
Elysia Verdan
Let’s hope I don’t step on your foot. *muttering*
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Then I suggest you focus.
They moved together in perfect synchronization, gliding across the ballroom with effortless grace. Aedrian’s hand was firm at her waist, his presence grounding.
She barely realized when she smiled.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
You’re enjoying yourself again.
Elysia Verdan
Shocking, I know. *smirking*
But before she could get too comfortable, another voice interrupted.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
Your Grace, won’t you dance with me next? *sweetly*
The waltz hadn’t even ended, yet Seraphina had already approached—her presence commanding attention.
A murmur ran through the crowd.
Elysia’s grip tightened slightly.
Aedrian’s expression didn’t change.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*coldy* I believe my fiancée and I were not finished.
Seraphina chuckled, tilting her head playfully
Lady Seraphina Everhart
Oh, I don’t mean to interrupt.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
I just thought… we could reminisce.
For a split second, something flickered in Aedrian’s eyes—something Elysia couldn’t quite place.
Then, before Elysia could react, Aedrian let go of her hand.
And took Seraphina’s instead.
The ballroom held its breath.
Elysia’s smile didn’t waver, but her heart twisted.
She watched as Seraphina was led onto the dance floor, her movements seamless as she twirled in Aedrian’s arms.
As if they had done this countless times before.
Elysia clenched her fist, ignoring the whispers around her.
This was part of the game.
So why did it feel like something inside her had cracked?
From across the ballroom, Seraphina glanced at her—smiling ever so slightly.
And in that moment, Elysia realized:
Seraphina wasn’t just here to watch
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