Chapter 12
When the appointed day arrived, Linden no longer tried to stop her. Instead, he happily accompanied her to watch the festivities.
Ethan had prepared lavishly. Half of Asteria seemed to be part of his caravan, hauling in the bride price he had personally selected. The sheer scale of it stunned the entire city–no one expected Ethan to be so generous.
Even Flora could hardly believe it. Though she was the daughter of the Chancellor, she was not the firstborn. Her biological mother had died when she was young, and under her stepmother’s rule, her life hadn’t been easy. Ethan was the highest noble she could marry to.
She stayed excitedly in her room, secretly overhearing the conversation between her stepmother and Ethan.
Originally, her stepmother had prepared a dowry less than half that of a firstborn daughter’s. But after seeing Ethan’s grand display, she had hastily added more to Flora’s dowry. Even her father began to look at her differently, no longer indifferent as before.
“Our Flora really are lucky to have earned the favor of Earl Sterling,” Mr. Vivian said with a smile.
“Flora and I are of one heart. It’s only natural,” Ethan replied, though his mind was elsewhere, wondering how long Lena could hold out.
After the engagement formalities were completed, Flora appeared with a deep blush on her cheeks and climbed into the carriage.
At that moment, the church bells echoed through Asteria. Almost everyone knew Ethan was about to marry Flora.
The Sterling castle hosted a grand feast, packed tightly with guests. Ethan dismounted his horse and, upon entering, immediately spotted Lena, who was talking with his father.
Ethan’s eyes
brightened as he hurried over.
“Lena, I’ve made up my mind. I will marry Miss Vivian. No matter how much you try to stop it.”
He assumed Lena was discussing with his father how to break off the engagement, but Lena turned back coolly.
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“Ethan, I’ve told you many times. I have fulfilled the wishes of you and Flora. I was only catching up with Mr. Sterling.”
Mr. Sterling nodded awkwardly but had yet to say anything when Linden appeared from somewhere. He wrapped his arm around Lena’s waist, pulling her into his embrace with a roguish grin.
“Yes, Earl Sterling, the Princess and I are deeply in love. How could we ever try to stop you and Miss Vivian? Today, we have already sent our congratulations to celebrate your wedding.”
Ethan frowned slightly. He and Linden had never gotten along; he disliked Linden’s carefree nature. But at this moment, he chose not to show any displeasure. Suppressing his irritation, he respectfully stepped back.
Soon, the bride was brought in. Unlike Lena’s rushed wedding, as the son of a duke, Ethan’s wedding process was much more complicated. He and Flora should first exchange a hand–kiss and vows at the church altar, then jointly hold the scepter while receiving the bishop’s blessing, dance the opening waltz in the banquet hall, and accept the nobles‘ cheek kisses of congratulations: Finally, Ethan would led Flora, holding silver candlesticks, into the rose–covered bridal chamber to complete the ceremony.
Yet for some reason, although Flora was the woman he had long desired to marry, his thoughts remained fixed on Lena.
She was the princess, seated beside Linden in the place of honor with the best view. But she never once looked at him directly. Ethan forced himself not to think too much and went through the motions of finishing the vows and the ceremony with Flora.
Just as they were about to enter the bridal chamber, Mr. Sterling suddenly spoke.
“Ethan has often spoken of Miss Vivian. He said that one dance of hers once stunned everyone and captured his heart. Today, as Sterling castle celebrates, and with so many guests present, why not have Miss Vivian dance again for everyone?”
It was only a suggestion, but it reminded Ethan of that day. One fleeting glance had left him captivated by Flora’s stunning presence.
Without that moment, he might never have fallen for her.
A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, and his gaze softened.
“Flora, my father is right. Today is a day of joy with many guests. Maybe you should let us see your charm. After all, I fell for you at one dance. Everyone should get a chance to see your grace.”
He expected Flora to agree immediately, but instead, fear flickered across her face. Even Mr. and Mrs. Vivian frowned.
“That’s odd. Flora has never learned to dance. She only knows embroidery. She certainly didn’t learn anything like this from the Spaniards.”
Hearing that, Ethan’s smile froze.
Chapter 12
“Flora, you’ve never danced flamenco?”
Flora couldn’t bring herself to answer. She stammered, avoiding his gaze. But who didn’t know the answer?
As Ethan looked puzzled, a mocking chuckle sounded nearby.
“Don’t make things difficult for Miss Vivian. If you want to see flamenco, I’ll perform for you. Consider it a celebration of your wedding day.”
Ethan turned to find Lena smiling knowingly at him.
