I Will Hold Your Hand Gently

Chapter 43: Last Minute Change

Rebecca's attention shifted to the Ballroom as a sudden silence filled the air. The lively chatter and the music had ceased, drawing her gaze to the grand entrance. There, she saw the King and Queen entering, gracefully making their way toward the throne. Rebecca's eyes widened in shock, and without a second thought, she swiftly grabbed the Duchess's arm.

"What's wrong?" the Duchess asked, her voice laced with concern.

"The King and Queen have arrived!" Rebecca replied with urgency, "We need to leave... No, you need to head back in, Your Grace!"

The Duchess's eyes widened as she realized the gravity of the situation. With a quick, understanding nod, she turned toward Hugh.

"Don't forget the plan," she reminded him.

Hugh nodded, as he watched the Duchess and Rebecca hurry back toward the ballroom, their footsteps quickening as they blended into the crowd. Hugh glances at his hand and notices that theyaree no longer tightly held in. His hand has also stopped shaking. Hugh took in a deep breath before heading back into the ballroom as well.

Rebecca maneuvered through the crowded ballroom, gripping the Duchess's hand tightly as they pushed forward. They had to reach the front before the King and Queen took their seats. Rebecca's eyes darted around, searching for Zwei among the sea of nobles. Finally, she spotted him near the front of the crowd. With great effort, they made their way to the front just as the King and Queen were about to sit.

"All rise," King Reinhart commanded as he settled into his throne.

The room fell into a hushed silence as the nobles stood and lifted their gaze to meet the monarchs. It was now time for the customary greetings, and the first to approach the throne were those of the highest rank, the Duke and Duchess. Rebecca watched in awe as the Duke and Duchess of Sigma walked hand in hand, making their way toward the rulers of the Nova Kingdom. Their movement was being carefully monitored from the shadow by the eyes of someone with hostile intentions.

When they reached the throne, the Duke and Duchess stopped and, in perfect unison, bowed deeply before King Reinhart and Queen Alice. The Duke spoke first, his voice respectful and steady.

"Your Majesties, thank you for your gracious invitation. We wish you both continued health and prosperity."

The Duchess added her well wishes with a warm, respectful tone, "May your reign be long and prosperous."

Reinhart stared at the Duchess in silence, his gaze fixed on her. He had long wanted to meet the woman married to Zwei, and now that he finally had, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. There was something about her that he couldn't quite put his finger on. Alice was the one who broke the silence and accepted their greeting. She was smiling, her expression warm and appreciative. The other nobles soon followed the example set by the Duke and Duchess. Once the couple was out of sight, the Duchess was the first to release the Duke's hand.

Rebecca watched as the Duchess apologized for holding the Duke's hand without permission before excusing herself. Rebecca found this interaction strange but didn't dwell long on it because she had something to do. The Duchess had asked her to find the musicians who were supposed to accompany Hugh. Surely, at least one of them didn't want to be involved in Tristan's plan to humiliate him. Since the repurcation of going against the King's order wasn't something to take lightly.

Rebecca scanned the first floor and asked around, but no one had seen any musicians from the LILY Opera. She kept asking until a waiter informed her that he had seen the LILY musicians enjoying themselves on the second floor. Rebecca thanked him and quickly made her way up to search for them.