During that ball, Lucian realized how "popular" Magnus was. Many noble men greeted him and talked about work and business, to which the Grand Duke responded skillfully. It sounded like a strange language to talk about something that Lucian didn't understand very well, and yet it was beautiful to see. Magnus' elegance in talking with such propriety about business was... strangely exciting although still boring.
Of course the socializing part was important for them, especially to show off the beautiful engagement ring that they shared. For Lucian's pleasure, at that party he did not have to step in the center of the hall and spin like a hawk, since Magnus was not someone who had fun dancing.
However, it was still tiring to see so many people talking to them and asking the same questions.
"Your Grace, how did you end up together?"
"I'm looking forward to the engagement party, when will it be?"
"Will we have more good news soon?"
The flattery was so much that it could give a headache, especially because it was clear that few were really happy with their union. For the first time that night, and since he arrived in that world, Lucian was the object of envious glances.
Alphas, men and women, looked at him with disdain and envy for being next to Magnus Grimwood.
"Keep your head up", whispered Magnus before sipping a sip of wine.
Lucian looked at him curiously and let out a low laugh.
"Are you worried about me?"
"Considering what I know about you, I admit that I am slightly concerned that you may feel pressured. Which would be one of the reasons why I am not attracted to you."
"That would be a nice lie, since you found out I don't beat with your preconceptions."
Magnus opened a smile and drank another small sip of wine, a silent answer that left the prince content.
"Did I give you reason to believe that I feel something?"
"Thanks to our little secret, I must remind you that I know how to make him moan at least."
Rolling his eyes, Magnus left the cup on a table and turned to the eighth prince.
"You seem to be the type who boasts of having gotten a night of pleasure."
"But of course. My first night was watered to a drug under the company of the famous Grand Duke."
"Beware... someone might hear us."
"Don't worry about such details. I'm just saying that I have reason to feel proud and use it to my advantage."
"Frankly... why did it have to be you among so many people?"
Lucian had a low laugh, really enjoying teasing Magnus. While he was stuck in his little magic bubble, he noticed that a certain protagonist was at the party too, but unaccompanied. Lucian watched closely the figure of Maverick, who looked like a small-minded brute and stood out for his wild beauty.
"I'll talk to Sir Sageclaw for a moment, avoid trouble in the meantime."
"Oh, will you abandon your fiancé to talk to another alpha?", teased Lucian when Magnus let go of his arm.
"That's right. I'll be back soon, so enjoy socializing a little."
"Wow, you are more evil than I imagined."
Magnus just gave that sneaky, malicious smile that Lucian certainly loved to read, and now he could see it firsthand. And just as the sand runs between his fingers, the Grand Duke went through the ballroom to go to Maverick.
"Maybe I shouldn't celebrate our engagement so soon", Lucian whispered to himself.
Now alone in that room full of people, who talked in small groups, Lucian realized that he did not know many people there with whom to mingle. That place was already hot and noisy, and seeing Magnus interact with Maverick did not suit him. Before any curious could start any rumour was furious, Lucian opted for a strategic retreat.
At least that night he was not accompanying Raven, and also he would be the only member of the imperial family to attend the party. But the crown on his head drew attention, and Lucian understood perfectly what frightened the true eighth prince.
From the moment he stepped out of the carriage, Lucian became the object of stares. Regardless of the reason for looking at him, whether it was because of his person or because of Magnus, this did not diminish the pressure of judgment. Seeing people staring at him and then turning to each other and whispering something secret... was an absurd pressure.
Thanks to the fact that he lived in a modern era — maybe even in another reality? — allowed Lucian to deal with that pressure without falling into his trap. Or would it be better to say that this was due to the lack of credibility in relation to your new reality?
Lucian, most likely, had not fully accepted that costume.
Walking down the long corridor he found an open door to an empty balcony. It was there that Lucian leaned on the balcony and drank a sip of lemonade, feeling relaxed for finally having escaped from the zum zum zum infinite mixed with the musical notes and the curious looks.
"Haa... what should I do? I didn't thought Magnus could continue to have feelings for Maverick even though he was involved with me". Raising the glass of lemonade against the moonlight, he kept sighing. "But he won't do anything to commit himself to Maverick... and he won't have lovers. Unless Magnus 'feelings are too strong, but I doubt that this is the case..."
His throat became dry, and even turning all the lemonade in his mouth, he still felt thirsty. Despite this, Lucian remained on that silent balcony for several minutes, having his head working in the most different possible scenarios.
"I should research why I came here. But I doubt very much that Magnus' library has anything... Should I appeal to some religion? Haa... I'm sure that I wrote down in my board something about religion within the book."
He made every effort to remember the details of the book, but for some reason his head seemed covered by a fog that prevented him from advancing in reasoning. Even began to feel a slight sting in his temple, which made him stop insisting on his memories.
"Come, young man, take my advice and follow me, I will never forget that you are a commoner."
"Please, sir, let me go."
Lucian looked over his shoulder a long brown hair. He recognized that hair. The owner of that hair took a few steps back, revealing to be the other protagonist of that story. Leaning slightly to know what was happening, Lucian also noticed an old man who did not hide malice in his smile, which really disgusted the eighth prince.
"Don't be stubborn, just follow me, boy."
"I won't..."
Clenching his fists for disturbing his little moment of reason thanks to a really disgusting situation, Lucian came out of the balcony and approached those two. Unlike his innocent mask that he always wore to avoid suspicion, his expression was similar to the Grand Duke's, cold and intense.
"What's going on here?"
The old man turned quickly about to curse whoever was in his way, but when he noticed the tall Lucian looking at him coldly, he swallowed dry despite still maintaining the arrogant posture.
"It's nothing to worry about."
"Your Highness!"
The old man seemed surprised by how Stephen referred to Lucian, and faced the prince head-to-toe in a careful assessment. Without being bothered by such a lack of education, Lucian crossed his arms over his chest and remained in his role as an overbearing person.
"It's bothering me to hear a discussion at such a cheerful party. Could you please let him go? I am sure that Count Baragnon will be furious if he discovers such a shameful scene."
"But we were just..."
"Will I have to repeat?", Lucian said low and paused, narrowing his clear eyes to the lord. "Am I to take you prisoner for not obeying the eighth prince of this empire?"
"No sir! Forgive me."
The man let go of Stephen's wrist, who massaged lightly and instinctively approached the prince. Upset, the man went out of that corridor as he grumbled, but did not dare to answer the eighth prince.
"It seems that certain things never change", Lucian murmured.
"Thank you, Your Highness!", Stephen said suddenly. "You saved me from a really uncomfortable situation."
"Be careful, drunken men can be more dangerous than when they are sober. Did you come unaccompanied?"
Stephen pulled a long strand of hair behind his ear, looking embarrassed in front of Lucian.
"Actually I came with my family, but I wanted some air."
"Be careful and stay close to them..."
"Lucian, I have finally found you."
Giving a slight jump for suddenly hearing that voice, Lucian looked over his shoulder and noticed the stoic figure of Magnus Grimwood walking down that corridor going in his direction. And by the furrowed eyebrows, he seemed not to be happy.
"Oh, Magnus."
Magnus walked calmly down the long corridor and soon noticed a blushing Stephen there next to Lucian. Raising his eyebrow with suspicion, he interposed between the omega and the eighth prince, who looked at him innocently.
"Hello, Your Grace", greeted the boy timidly.
Magnus narrowed his red eyes.
"Sir Stephen, has something happened?"
"It wasn't a big deal", Lucian stepped in smiling as he went to the side of Magnus, longing to get away from the protagonist of the story. "Is it time to go?"
"Yes, we have done what was necessary."
"Very well", Lucian looked at Stephen and smiled sweetly for the first time, despite being... false. "Have a good night, Stephen. Be careful."
While Lucian and Magnus turned their backs, Stephen stood in that empty and silent corridor staring at them. Taking his hand to the chest, the omega released some of its pheromones as it felt strangely glad to receive the help of the eighth prince.