The Duke's Bed Warmer

Chapter 95: Glass Scars

The next afternoon, Alina put the plan in motion. She sent a short note to Dorian through a maid.

I’d like to speak with you. Meet me in the east garden at four. Come alone.

She went to the quieter part of the garden, far away from the sewing circle and sat on a bench, waiting for him. She played with her fingers in her lap, trying to look nervous. But her mind was alert, rehearsing every word.

Dorian arrived exactly at four. He walked in casually, but his eyes moved sharply across the garden. He was suspicious. Just two days ago, she had thrown him out of her room and was now requesting a private meeting.

Something was off, he could feel it.

"Miss Ashworth," he said, stopping a few steps away.

"Sit."

He looked at her with his calculating gaze but eventually sat beside her.

"You asked me to leave your room the other day," he said. "And now you’ve invited me here alone?"

Alina nodded nervously.

"Should I feel flattered or concerned?"

"Both."

She turned to him, looking hurt. She had been practicing this particular expression since the moment she stepped out of Maren’s office yesterday.

"You were right," she said quietly. "About Austin."

Dorian went still.

"What happened?"

"I finally talked to him about the book yesterday. I showed him the page with my mother’s name, and...and he accidentally admitted that he knew about my real identity since before I arrived," her voice trembled.

"He said he bought me because I’m an heir to a rival kingdom, and he wanted to secure me before anyone else could."

Dorian looked genuinely surprised with the revelation. He had his suspicion that Austin knew. But hearing the confirmation from Alina’s own lips and seeing the pain on her face, felt like a victory to him, making Alina’s task easier.

"He accepted it?"

"Yes," she whispered. "He said he did that to protect me from getting exploited by others."

"Do you believe him?"

"No," Alina replied. "Protecting someone doesn’t mean lying to them for months. Especially when everyone could see our closeness."

She looked away, pretending to stop her tears from falling.

"I can’t trust him anymore," she said.

"So... you came to me," Dorian said, testing the waters.

"You’re the only one who told me the truth," she turned to him. "I was angry with you. I still am but at least you were honest unlike others."

"But you know my motives weren’t pure. Then why?"

"Because you’re the only one who can tell me about my mother. And right now...that’s my only priority."

Dorian studied her carefully, trying to find lies in her story.

"I’m willing to take the risk with you," she went on. "I don’t trust you completely. But at least, I know why you want me."

Dorian didn’t say anything. Alina could see the calculation running behind his eyes.

Is she telling the truth? Or is it a trap?

In the end, he decided to go along with the initial plan.

"I’m glad you made this choice," he said. "It must’ve been difficult for you."

Alina nodded, looking down.

"You won’t regret choosing me over a man who bought you as an insurance."

She didn’t reply. Instead, she stood up.

"I should go before someone notices us."

Dorian stood up as well.

"Let’s talk more at the party tonight."

"Sure," she turned and walked away.

The moment she was out of his sight, she leaned against a wall, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.

You did great, Alina. Keep going like this.

That evening, the banquet hall glowed with lanterns. Audrey had arranged everything perfectly. She was meeting and chatting with the nobles with Austin on her side, playing the part of perfect engaged couple.

Alina entered the hall wearing a soft pink dress. She had chosen the soft color especially for Dorian. She scanned the room and spotted Emeric near the wine table, looking a bit rumpled like always. He had been away for days on one of Lord Ashby’s scholarly errands.

"You’re alive," she said, smiling as she joined him.

"Barely," he replied. "Uncle had me buried in archives for four days straight. I almost died."

"I missed you."

"Or you missed my information?" he mocked.

"You. But mostly your terrible jokes."

He grinned.

"What did I miss?" he asked.

"A lot."

"Like?"

"I can’t tell you now. You’ll have to wait."

He sighed dramatically.

"This friendship is one-sided."

Alina laughed.

"How is the wine?" she asked.

"Mediocre. Though the Astorian ambassador is pretending it’s extraordinary."

She smiled. Then she heard a familiar voice calling her from behind.

"Miss Ashworth?"

It was Dorian. Alina turned, smiling.

"Prince Dorian," Emeric bowed.

"A pleasure, Lord Ashby’s nephew, right?" Dorian said, though his eyes had already moved to Alina. "May I have this dance?"

Her stomach tightened. She wanted to stay with Emeric but the operation demanded this performance.

"Of course."

Emeric was surprised. He watched them go and noticed the slight tension in her smile.

What is she up to now?

Dorian took her hand, and they began.

"You look beautiful tonight," he said.

"Thank you."

"The pink suits you."

"I’ve been told that before."

He thought for a second before speaking again.

"About our conversation earlier...I hope you haven’t change your mind."

"Absolutely not," she replied calmly. "I made my decision when I sent you that note."

He seemed satisfied.

"Though my reasons might be selfish, but Astoria will give you everything I promised. You’ll live your best life there."

"Maybe," she said. "But I’m still not sure about you."

He chuckled softly, thinking of it as hesitation. Alina played her part perfectly. She smiled, and talked to him as if she had really given up on Austin and was seriously considering his offer.

Across the hall, Austin stood near the head table with a wine glass in his hand. But his eyes were fixed on Dorian and Alina.

He knew it was a performance. But knowing didn’t make it easier to watch. His heart didn’t care about what his mind was telling him.

Audrey appeared beside him, at the perfect time, like always.

"Dance with me," she said.

"I’m not in the mood," Austin replied, his eyes still fixed on the dance floor.

Audrey followed his gaze and a small smile touched her lips.

"What’s bothering you?" she asked.

"What do you mean?"

"You’re not usually this tense at parties. Well... you’re never relaxed, but tonight you’re worse."

"I’m fine."

Her eyes dropped to his hand and she raised her brow. Austin looked down and saw the wine glass had cracked. Red wine spilled over his fingers, dripping onto the floor.

And the worst part, he hadn’t even felt it. The pain in his chest had bypassed everything else.

Audrey picked up a napkin from the table, and gently wiped his hand.

"Careful," she said. "Glass leaves scars."

She placed the napkin in his other hand, set the broken piece of glass from his hand on the table, and walked back towards the Astorian delegation.

Austin stared at his stained fingers, then at the napkin and at the broken glass. He knew Alina was acting. He had himself approved the plan. Yet his body had reacted, without him realizing.

He wiped his hand properly, and wrapped the napkin clumsily around his wound with his other hand. He then picked up a new glass, and this time, he deliberately loosened his fingers because he could no longer trust his own strength.

Across the hall, the dance finally ended. Alina stepped back, curtsied, and walked back towards Emeric. As she crossed the hall, she glanced at Austin for a millisecond and smiled.

That smile was enough. The tension in his chest eased a little, just enough to remind him that she was his.