Stand By Me Darling
Chapter 310: Pleading Or Plotting?

Chapter 310: Pleading Or Plotting?

"Are you hiding from me, Your Royal Highness?"

Talia with struggle, kept her plastered smile as the little Duke of Luxxenshire asked her with a sneer.

"Oh, My! Whatever made you feel ignored?" Talia didn’t even wish to address him properly. This guy still thinks everyone owes him something for whatever narcissistic reason he comes up with. But for her, he looked so little. Not because she was taller than him, or because of her higher status, but because of his cunning and lowly mind.

"Igno-" he gritted his teeth as he got enraged. "I see you are plugging in your family nicely with our aristocratic circle," he scoffed looking in the direction of her grandfather.

"Yes, because my grandpa was no one before today, and just by his presence here, he became one of the richest businessmen in the world. Bravo! Nice observation. I should thank you for this miracle," Talia’s face hurt by her smile, but her eyes were throwing daggers at the man who got more and more enraged.

King Louis noted Talia in a difficult situation and wanted to offer help, but he stopped seeing Talia shaking her head subtly, asking him not to interfere.

"Remember while you are being so snug surrounded by your family in a place where they are not welcomed by all, my only son is rotting in a jail cell." His voice began to shake. "Even his bail requests are getting denied. Every year my son would be so excited about the Spring Ball and this year he’s... he’s eating bland food while... My wife and I couldn’t even eat properly these days-"

While he was talking, Talia could hear Mr. Ed talking to the photographers who were focusing on her, to move elsewhere. Talia knew this Duke is trying to make a scene by riling her up, while he acts pitiful.

Well, little man... I can act too.

"I feel sorry for your troubles, Mr. Trembley." her smile was replaced by a poignant look and a glaze formed in her eyes making her look so empathetic. "However, you forgot that Asher isn’t your only son. If only he didn’t r@pe and molest women and threaten them to silence, you could have been snug with your son, sitting in your table eating all the delicacies. And don’t think for a moment your youngest son is missed here. I bet a lot of women are happy he’s not here." she spoke with the same empathetic look and watched the Duke’s eyes redden with anger.

Judith who was standing at a distance walked closer and she wasn’t pleased. "You are so cruel for letting my son suffer inside a prison cell. His cellmate hates him and the other day he had many bruises on him... He is very depressed. As someone who went through depression, you should-"

"Ah, why is it any of my business what happens to that scum?" Talia found her composure cracking. Judith bringing up her depression had touched her nerve.

Just as she was about to speak further, she felt a gentle hand holding hers. "Can I ask for a dance, Your Royal Highness?"

It was Walter and Talia took in a deep breath and composed herself. "Sure," she nodded with a smile and proceeded to hug Judith. "You should be thankful that your son is inside. If you believe he’s unsafe in prison, I have a bridge to see you." Talia smirked as she whispered in Judith’s ears. "Just know that if he’s out and about, he’d be mauled by a virulent bear, for threatening me with dogs."

Talia let go of the stunned Judith and walked to the dance floor with her sympathetic smile now replaced with a casual one. "Thank you for interfering there and helping me excuse myself, Lord Rodenberg. I almost lost my temper with Judith." Talia tactfully got her hand out of Walter’s loose hold.

"It is amazing how she gets on everyone’s nerve, even you, Your Highness." He looked at her with a smile and took a step back. "However, I really want a dance with you," He bowed and extended his hands.

Talia was trying to stay hidden exactly for this reason - to avoid Walter as much as possible. But it is unavoidable now. Her eyes frantically searched for Celine.

"If you’re searching for Lady Celine, you should know that she was the one who asked me to have a dance with you," Walter said with a smile.

Talia was surprised by this development. For him to specifically mention Celine now... "You Know? What do you know?" she asked, with a playful smile, hiding her surprise.

"Mmm... Shall we?" Walter pointed at the dance floor and Talia stepped in with no hesitation now. Her curiosity had gotten the better of her this time.

"Speak," Talia said as they started the dance. It was a Waltz and they were standing pretty close, but she felt nothing, except curiosity to know the developments between Celine and him.

Walter on the other hand wasn’t as casual as he tried to show himself as.

He had in a way tricked her to dance with him. His heart was beating in his throat and he felt like he’d mess up the simple steps. Her curious eyes were solely focusing on him and his throat went dry. Her mesmerising scent, her pretty blue eyes, those lips that are... even through the gloves, he felt like her warmth touched his hand.

But...She is not mine!

"Lady Celine said that I should get over you with a dance." he said as he did a natural turn.

"That’s it?" Talia was disappointed. She thought he might have figured out that Celine has a thing for him by himself, even if Celine haven’t confessed yet.

What are you doing Celine?

"What else did you expect?" Walter smiled, "By the way, are you going to tell me about those pair of eyes that were looking at me?" He raised his brows.

Although he asked, he pretty much had guessed who it might be by now. The Princess doesn’t have many friends here and to know such intimate detail, it should be a very close friend. And by the way Celine acts around him, he guessed it could be her. But she never confessed although they spent a lot of time together lately. So he had doubts, but the Princess confirmed it now just by accepting to dance with him after he brought up Celine.

"No, you should find her yourself. There lies the fun," Talia said with a smile, but she froze as she saw Celine leaving the hall to the balcony. It seemed like she was crying.

Oh dear!

"Won’t you find me frivolous if I get over you this soon?" Walter asked. Talia looked at Walter in the eye. It was not hard for her, but she could see his pupils dilating.

"No, I’d rather you get over me sooner." She was blunt.

Walter said nothing, but stared at her with his jaws clenched. As the song ended, Walter sighed.

"Can I borrow her?"

A very familiar voice interrupted their silence and Talia winced.

Heavens help me!