CHAPTER 99 You’re Not Just Any Debutante You’re Our Debutante

Henrietta

Lilith pulled at the peach-colored lace trim on my shoulders and smoothed down the matching day dress I'd chosen for the afternoon tea.

My senses were sharp enough that I could feel Keith pacing in the lounge. He'd been nervous all morning, even waking up early to go with me while I did some morning training.

I allowed the hovering because he was pretty, even if his accursed clothing was fixed to look prim and proper. I didn't know how to bring up how much I missed his disheveled look, like he'd just rolled out of bed … Maybe I could do something about it after we were married.

"Lilith, you don't have to fuss. I'm not looking to catch anyone's eye at this tea party." I waved off the lizardwoman, who had finished with my dress and gone back to playing with my hair. Again.

"But Princesss," Lilith argued, using a pin to secure a stray wisp into place. "You're not just any debutante; you're our debutante."

The sentiment hit me harder than I could have expected. I whispered, "Thank you," and let her finish fussing over me.

My hair had been twisted into strands framing my face, starting at my forehead and ending in a bun at the nape of my neck, and then tucked all over with small white pearls. My makeup was light, with just a touch of color on my lips, a thin line of coal on my eyelids, and a brush of glitter around the eyes.

I was as ready as I'd ever be. I opened the door to indeed find Keith pacing. His gaze traveled over me, and I loved the way his entire demeanor softened. He stopped when his eyes landed on my hands.

"I'm not allowed to bring Jacqueline to the tea party," I explained, raising the sword I was holding. "So I was wondering if you would watch her while I'm away? She will probably be fine, but if I get into trouble, she might … act out."

Keith tentatively took the sword, wincing a bit. "Act out how?"

"She won't attack you." Probably. "She'll just get upset and go looking for me."

The first time I'd been sent to the punishment room after I'd bonded with Jacqueline … well, she'd reacted poorly to my initial upset. It had taken a year to repair the damage she'd inflicted on the castle trying to get to me. I had to figure out other ways to sneak out after that.

"She'll be a reliable alarm to let you know if I'm in danger," I finished.

Keith gripped the sword firmly. "Then I'll take her with me on a walk … If she suddenly tries to find you, it'll cause less damage to the palace."

It was my turn to wince. I would hate to face Grand Duchess Calisto if my sword blew out one of her walls. Better to lock me in a dark room and throw away the key.

Who am I kidding, I'd face a thousand disappointments before choosing to suffer that again.

Maybe I should stop joking about it, even in my own mind. I sighed.

"I'd also like you to hold on to this." I shoved a ring at him.

When Keith took hold of the small black ring, it magically resized itself to fit on his smallest finger. "Isn't this … ?"

"I think you need +2 Constitution more than I do." I reached out and wrapped his fingers around my grandfather's ring, securing it in his palm.

I wasn't the one who couldn't take a hit.

"I thought this was an heirloom piece?" Keith asked.

"We've already broken up the set. My father has the +4 Dexterity necklace, and my mother has the other earring; it grants +4 Perception. There's a bracelet in my sock drawer at home that gives +2 Strength. I hate wearing it because it gets in the way while swinging a sword."

I rubbed the ring etched all over with lilies that Keith had gifted me. "Besides, now we're fair. Unless … you won't accept the ring, as you've already rejected my proposal?"

"You know that's not fair." Keith slipped the ring on awkwardly as he juggled the sword at the same time. Afterward, he slipped Jacqueline through his belt, dangling her so she was held up by her handles hooked on his belt alone.

I laughed. "Let me."

He lifted both his arms, and I stepped under them, focusing on tying the sheath properly to his belt.

Keith took a deep breath and tensed. When I was done, I looked into his eyes. Slowly, he leaned forward, but instead of kissing me, he pressed his face into my shoulder and the curve of my neck. "I plan to accept all of your gifts," he murmured, his breath hot against my nape.

I shivered. Maybe I was teasing him too much. I reached up and ran my fingers through his hair. His horn was on the opposite side of his head, and it didn't poke me. I grew bolder and actually touched it, running my hands over the hard surface. Keith's lips parted and he muffled a moan into my shoulder.

"Princesss." Lilith coughed from the entry. "It really is time to go to the tea party now. We don't want to be late."

Keith took a deep breath and stood straighter. "Thank you, Lilith. This is your day, Ria, and you can't be late. The tea party is held in the gardens, so it's a bit of a walk. May I escort you, Princess Henrietta?" He offered his arm.

I took it. "It would be my pleasure, Dark Lord Keith."

We walked down the stairs and into the castle proper, where many other young nobles had gathered. Just before we joined them, Keith leaned down and whispered, "One last thing? Try not to get upset on my—on Nilheim's behalf."

"What does that mean?"

"You keep forgetting that I'm the Dark Lord."

He let go of my arm as an attendant welcomed me to the throng of clamoring youth.

There were a few last stragglers, and then an announcement that we were welcome to follow the staff.

Suddenly, Duke Wyldon of Servalt was beside me and offering his arm. "Shall we?"