Episode 4 – Whispers in the Shadows

The music swelled softly around them, violins and flutes weaving a tender melody as Elenora moved in the duke’s arms. At first, her steps were clumsy, her nerves tightening her every motion, but the steady firmness of his hand at her waist guided her with ease. His movements were precise, disciplined, like a soldier on the battlefield—but to her, they felt like an anchor keeping her from drowning in the sea of watching eyes.

Her heart beat faster with every turn, her gaze drawn up unwillingly to his face. His expression was unreadable, lips pressed in a thin line, but his steel-gray eyes never left hers. It was overwhelming, as though he were studying her—measuring her soul, not just her steps.

“You are nervous,” he murmured, his deep voice carrying only to her.

Her lips parted slightly. “I… I do not dance often.”

“Then follow my lead.”

She nodded, her golden lashes lowering. She tried to match his rhythm, and slowly, she found herself moving more easily. The whispers of the nobles around them faded from her mind, replaced by the sound of the music and the steady strength of his presence. For the first time that night, her fear eased, and she allowed herself a small, shy smile.

The duke’s eyes flickered at the sight, though his expression did not soften. Still, the faintest shift in his gaze betrayed something—an acknowledgment, perhaps, that the timid princess was not as fragile as she seemed.

When the music ended, the hall erupted into polite applause. Elenora curtsied gracefully, cheeks flushed, while the duke gave a curt bow. Together, they returned to their seats, though the weight of countless eyes still followed them.

As the evening wore on, and the nobles grew more comfortable with their wine, their whispers became bolder. Elenora excused herself for a moment, seeking air in the side corridor just beyond the hall. The cool breeze drifting through the open windows calmed her racing heart. She leaned against the marble pillar, pressing a hand to her chest.

But then, voices drifted from around the corner.

“She looked like a frightened child clinging to him,” one noblewoman sneered. “How long before she embarrasses the crown?”

“She has beauty, but no presence,” another voice added, mocking. “A duchess must command respect, not hide behind flowers.”

Their laughter stung worse than thorns. Elenora’s throat tightened, her eyes watering, but she forced herself to remain quiet. She had no strength to face them. She only clutched her skirt, praying they would leave.

Before the whispers could cut deeper, a colder voice sliced through the air.

“Is this how you spend your evening—spitting venom behind closed doors?”

The corridor fell silent. Elenora’s breath caught as the duke’s footsteps echoed against the stone floor. He emerged from the shadows, his imposing figure towering over the nobles. His steel-gray eyes were colder than ice, his presence enough to make them shrink back.

“D-Duke Ravenwall—” one stammered.

“You speak of her as if she cannot hear,” he said, his tone sharp and unwavering. “Know this—whether you see her worth or not, she is mine. And I do not tolerate insults to what is mine.”

The nobles paled, bowing hastily before scurrying away like frightened mice.

Elenora stood frozen, her wide eyes fixed on him. She had not expected his defense, nor the possessive weight of his words.

When his gaze finally turned to her, her heart leapt. For a moment, she feared he might scold her for eavesdropping, but instead, he simply said, “Do not waste tears on those beneath you.”

His voice was low, firm, almost rough—but beneath it lingered something unspoken, something that made her chest ache with warmth.

Before she could reply, he turned away, his cape sweeping behind him as he walked back toward the hall.

Elenora pressed her hand to her lips, her cheeks burning. His words replayed in her mind again and again, like the echo of a vow.

Mine.

For the first time, the timid garden princess wondered if, beneath his armor of ice, the duke’s heart might already have begun to thaw.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***