Under the Oak Tree - Riftan's POV - Multiverse

Chapter 32 - Red Lipstick

The commander sited next to Riftan and his eyes wonder around the magnificent hall and follow Riftan glare. Hebaron was approaching Lady Croix, who took Hebaron hand and start to dance with him. A very upset Leon was glaring at Hebaron in the same way that Riftan was doing it. Both knights have suddenly joined their upsetting feeling through the owner of the hands who were now dancing with Lady Croix.

Riftan was sooo upset that he couldn't help but shift restlessly in his seat, hesitating whether to approach her or not. He could casually ask her for the next dance, but his feet didn't move to approach her.

"You must be bored with the banquet, Sir Calypse."

Riftan's head turned to the unexpected voice. An attractive beautiful woman in a rosy dress was smiling at him. Riftan only arched an eyebrow but the woman fearlessly flashed him a smile and boldly extended a hand towards him.

"I'm also getting bored with all the conversation. I want to lighten my mood, but I don't have the right partner. Will you care for my dancing partner?"

It was customarily unusual for a woman to ask a man to dance first. Riftan was taken aback by the woman's boldness, but the commander kicked his shin under the table. He stood up reluctantly, as the commander warned with his eyes that he would humiliate the lady if he didn't accept the offer. A satisfied smile flashed on the woman's lips. Riftan eyes follow Maximilian and Hebaron who were just dancing without a worry in the world. His bold started to boil as he kept walking next to the woman.

"I've heard that you actively took part in the conflict and played a huge role. His majesty must be very proud of you."

As they awkwardly walked to the middle of the ball, the woman whispered to him softly. Riftan frowned as he tried to recall her name, and no call her Maximillian by mistake since her name was the only name in his mind. Despite being introduced to him the other day, he couldn't remember anything else about her but that she was the younger sister of a knight. Riftan nodded bluntly as a response.

"It's a relief it is over but it's a pity that it went on longer than expected."

"Is His Majesty a strict man?"

"He expects highly from his subjects."

"I heard rumors that His Majesty especially favors you."

Riftan sneered cynically, the king was only interested in his skills. However, since he found no reason to divulge that information, he remained silent. Despite his poor manners, the woman constantly chattered and engaged during the dance. Riftan glanced at Maximilian Croix as he twirled the woman. Unexpectedly, he met her eyes as he turned his head. Could it be that she was looking at me? Riftan was sick of himself for thinking such expectant thoughts. She was still dancing with Hebaron, but this time her glaze when to him again. Riftan hearth stopped and he want to push the woman away and go to Maximillian.

As soon as the music switched, he drew away from the woman like an animal escaping from a trap, but the woman was faster. The noble woman whom he didn't remember the name suddenly stumbled over his arms and leaned against him.

"I'm feeling a little dizzy. I must have drunk too much. I wish to return to my room and rest... will you help me?"

He let out a sigh at her blatant invitation. Noble women treated him in exactly two different ways. First was avoiding him like he was carrying a plague, and the second was treating him like a pet dog to play with in bed. The woman now seemed to be the latter type.

"Today is the last night of the banquet. I want to have a special time."

She gave him a seductive gaze, squeezing her supple body against him. Riftan tried to shake her off coldly but he didn't want to cause a scene, so he escorted her out of the banquet hall.