The crowd froze, wide-eyed and baffled by the scene unraveling before them.
No one had ever seen the Grand Duke's fury unleashed, and as expected, it was a terrifying thing to witness. His temper wasn't just explosive—it was dangerous, a simring fire that could scorch anyone caught too close.
In the manipulative world of politics, people generally strove to stay on Vyan's good side. With his esteed title, imnse wealth, and the emperor's favor, they were more than willing to support him, even if it ant turning a blind eye to the truth.
The bla could easily be shifted onto Robin, whose infamous temper and jealous accusations were nothing new. They had seen Robin throw accusations around like confetti before. He had publicly accused others of coveting his wife before, often retaliating in ssy, dramatic spectacles.
But today, things were different. This ti, Vyan was involved, and his icy calm unsettled even the most stoic onlookers.
He had kept his composure, his face like carved marble, as he deflected Robin's barbs.
But the mont Robin insulted Iyana, a nerve snapped.
The room seed to shudder as Vyan's face contorted in a chilling fury, his words biting, deadly, and utterly sincere. And in that instant, everyone there felt the gravity of his wrath—they knew he was deadly serious.
Without another word, he seized Iyana's wrist, and they stord out of the ballroom, leaving behind a crowd too stunned to breathe.
———
Outside, the cool night air swept over them as they descended the stairs, Vyan's stride fierce and quick. He scanned the deserted courtyard, a frustrated sigh escaping his lips. "Of course, there isn't any carriage here yet. Just perfect," he muttered, running a tense hand through his hair.
"Vee, I was thinking maybe we should—" Iyana began, her voice gentle.
He whipped around, eyes blazing. "Go back to that party? No way in hell, Iyana. I swear, if I see that man again, I won't be responsible for what happens next. I will just—" He stopped himself, fists clenched, his rage barely restrained.
She quirked an eyebrow, a slight smile dancing on her lips. "Oh, I don't doubt it," she replied, a trace of amusent lightening her tone. "But I wasn't suggesting that. I was saying we should go down to my office and wait there until the carriage arrives."
His shoulders relaxed just a fraction, though his tone was still taut with anger. "Fine," he replied, sounding almost robotic. "Let's go."
Iyana sighed softly, a fond smile playing at her lips as she gently freed her wrist from his tight grip, only to slip her hand back into it. She interlocked their fingers, squeezing firmly, and with a playful tug, she led him forward, navigating the quiet courtyard from the Diamond Palace toward the military quarters.
The world around them was wrapped in a peaceful hush, with only the soft echoes of their footsteps keeping them company, and she let the comfortable silence settle down their thoughts and adrenaline.
Once they reached her cabin, Iyana unlocked the door, stepping inside with him in tow. And as soon as the door clicked shut, she spun around and wrapped him in a bear hug, pressing him back against the door.
"I love you, you know that?" she whispered, her voice warm and tender.
"Uh-huh," he murmured, his arms hanging at his sides. "So… you are not mad at ?"
She chuckled, the sound light and sweet. "Oh, trust , if you hadn't punched that jerk, I definitely would have."
"Good." He finally wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in so tight that her feet nearly lifted off the ground. She could feel the strength of his embrace, as if he wanted to shield her from all the harsh words and scrutiny of the world. "You should never have to put up with anyone talking to you like that."
She humd contentedly, soaking in his assurance, before leaning back just enough to et his gaze with a teasing smile. "Rember how you were teasing yesterday for being possessive?" she asked, tilting her head playfully. "Well, what about you, Your Grace? Wouldn't you go just as far for ?"
His lips curled into a mischievous smile as he lowered her back to her feet with a careful steadiness and his hands settled at her hips. "Do you even need to ask?"
She grinned, pressing her chest against his, the heat between them electric. "No, I don't."
His eyes flickered around the room, taking in her new office space. "Your new office is pretty nice," he remarked, a playful glint in his eyes. "Especially that couch over there—it looks very inviting."
"Oh, it is. It wasn't there during Pembrooke's ti, either," she replied, her fingers threading into the back of his hair. "So, would you like a little test run?"
He leaned down, his breath warm against her lips as he whispered, "I might just take you up on that offer, my lady." And with that, he closed the distance between them, capturing her lips in a kiss that was both gentle and hungry.
———
"Found it!" Vyan's head popped out from under her desk, a triumphant grin on his face as he held up a single earring like it was a trophy.
"Oh, thank goodness." Iyana breathed a sigh of relief, standing up from behind the couch, a smile breaking through her concern.
Vyan squinted at the earring, giving it a little shake. "How the heck did this thing end up here?" he murmured, dropping it into her waiting palm. "We have been searching for so long."
"Sorry," she replied, slipping the earring back into place, her expression both apologetic and sheepish. "Normally, I wouldn't be so fussed about an earring, but you know how much this one ans to ."
"I keep telling you I will buy you a new set. Nicer, sparklier, the whole deal," he insisted.
"Yes, yes, I know," she said, rolling her eyes playfully. "But this one holds a lot of mories. You understand, right?" It was the sa pair she had given the witch in exchange for erasing her mories—sentintal in more ways than one, especially now that he had gotten them back for her.
"Yes, I get it. I an, I wear that locket you gave all the ti, don't I?" he replied, a flicker of warmth in his eyes.
She leaned up and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. "You do. Now, let's get out of here. The carriage must be here by now." Discover hidden tales at m,v l'e-
"I am pretty sure the party's over by now too," he quipped.
As they walked out of the military quarters and chatted with each other, they noticed a small crowd gathered near the fountain in front of the Diamond Palace.
"What's going on over there?" Iyana murmured, curiosity piqued.
"Who cares?" Vyan rolled his eyes, tugging her gently towards the line of carriages. "Let's just get going. I still have a few things left to prepare for your birthday surprise."
But Iyana's gaze remained fixed on the gathering. "Vee," she said, her voice dropping to a tense whisper, "they are all staring at you."
"Well, we did make quite the exit from the party," Vyan shrugged, glancing over his shoulder.
Just then, she spotted Terrence erging through the crowd, flanked by a pair of officers. Her initial relief at seeing him dissolved as she noticed the hard focus in his eyes—locked onto Vyan.
A chill ran through her, and her heartbeat quickened with a sense of foreboding.
Terrence halted directly in their path. "Your Grace, Grand Duke Vyan Blake Ashstone," he intoned, his voice grim, "you are hereby under arrest on suspicion of the murder of Marquess Robin Mathew Ryen."
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