"The Temple announced the Grand Duke has found a mate. A rather striking couple, aren't you?"
It was a calculated insult. Lowell's status made him unfit to be the Grand Duchess, and Felix, the cursed sorcerer, was constantly ridiculed. Saying they made a good pair was meant to sting. But it had no such effect. In fact, Felix's ears turned visibly pink—he looked almost pleased.
"It is an honor, Your Majesty."
Seeing Felix now blushing down to his neck, Lowell replied in his place, playing the role of an oblivious young man with a bright smile. The Emperor looked at him with thinly veiled disgust.
"Yes. And when will the weeding be?"
"After the child is born. Well hold the ceremony in the territory."
Felix's subtly shifted to shield Lowell behind him—an instinctual move to protect his mate.
"May it go well. I worry, you see. Felix, born by draining the life from my dear sister..."
The Emperor's voice was cutting. The word happened sister carried a strange note of affection and loathing—only Lowell seemed to catch it. The other nobles burst into sycophantic laughter, praising the Emperor's compassion. Felix, stung by the barely veiled violence, said nothing. His earlier smile was already gone, replace with a familiar gloom.
That bastard. So he brought up sister on purpose.
Lowell's blood boiled at the sight of Felix shrinking into himself. Of course, only he saw it that way—others would think Felix's mere glare at the Emperor was outrageously arrogant.
"Thank you for Your Majesty's wise concern. I'll be careful with my health. The Grand Duke is incredibly kind and supportive."
Lowell's calm, assertive reply made the Emperor sit upright. The boy he'd assumed to be an idiot was more defiant than expected. The Emperor narrowed his eyes, unsure whether Lowell's boldness came from stupidity or steel. Lowell forced the brighter smile to mask the anger roiling in his gut.
Who cares what so-called Emperor thinks.
To someone raised in a liberal democracy, Lowell—Eunoh—felt only contempt for tyrants. The Emperor's attempt to crush someone with authority was pathetic to him.
Just another decrepit old man using power to abuse the weak.
Deliberately, Lowell rested his head on Felix's shoulder. Felix flinched but didn't push him away, and even seemed pleased. Around them, nobles struggled to hide their disbelief. That black devil? The youngest son of House Clarke must be insane, their faces clearly said.
"Yes. Grand Duke Felix has found a truly excellent match. Congratulations to you both."
The Emperor lost interest and turned away. Lowell, still leaning against Felix, exhaled quietly. The tension had made him lightheaded again.
We can't leave until the Emperor exists.
He would only leave after the first round of dancing between partners. Lowell wanted to get it over with and crawl into bed.
°°°°°°°
The orchestra swelled, signaling the official start of the banquet. After the Emperor and Empress danced, it was time for the high nobles. Felix and Lowell prepared to join the floor.
"Grand Duke, I'll be in your care."
Thankfully, with many couples dancing at once, the attention was somewhat dispersed.
But we'll still have the most eyes on us, I'm sure.
Lowell fully entrusted his body to Felix, who led even more smoothly than before. During turns, Lowell practically floated, leaving now chance to misstep.
From teh outside, they'll just think Felix is strong—not that I can't dance.
It was satisfying outcome. But as the music near it's end, something unexpected happened.
Dizzy.....
It wasn't just the heat or the dancing. Now that the banquet had begun, Alpha pheromones filled the air—subtle, but unmistakable. In normal circumstances, such uncontrolled pheromone release would be frowned upon, but in this setting, it was considered a display of power.
To Lowell, it was nauseating.
I fell sick.
It was like standing in a perfume store—oberwhelminf and cloying. Pregnant, Lowell's body rejected any pheromones that wasn't Felix's. As the dance ended, he nearly collapsed into Felix's arms.
"Are you unwell?"
Felix had noticed Lowell's flagging steps midway and now looked at him with deep concern. He quickly guided Lowell to a seat, fussing as he touched his forehead and rubbed his arms. Lowell, too tired to speak, simply shook his head.
"I'll bring you water."
The tables nearby held only alcohol. Lowell nodded—cool water sounded like salvation. Felix, unthinking, rushed off to fetch it himself. He didn't even consider commanding a servant—it was faster this way.
"Are you all right?"
While Felix was gone, a man with an orange scarf drapes over his arm approached. Lowell curled in on himself and shook his head.
" I have some medical knowledge. Would you let me take a look?"
Lowell moved to wave him off—but the man stepped in faster. Even through Lowell's blurry vision, something gleamed.
That's—!!
The man pulled a dagger from his thigh and aimed it at Lowell's stomach.
No one saw.
But seated at the highest throne, the Emperor was smiling.