Chapter 6
I handled everything with ease, keeping a flawless smile on my face, without missing a beat.
Mallory was so well-behaved, quietly standing by my side, his wide, brown eyes curiously taking in the scene.
I shielded him, keeping him separated from the adults and all their pretenses.
Halfway through the party, the gentle sounds of music drifted through the hall.
I settled into a quiet corner and offered Mallory some treats.
Suddenly, a shadow loomed over us.
I looked up.
Andy stood before us, holding a wine glass.
He had swapped his formal attire for a black everyday outfit, embroidered with subtle gold patterns, making him look even more striking and refined.
The air around us seemed to freeze.
Everyone kept sneaking glances at us.
Mallory paused mid-snack and looked up at the tall man.
Andy didn't even look at me. His eyes were locked on Mallory the whole time.
There was something in his gaze I'd never seen before—something almost gentle.
"So you're Mallory Chasey?" Andy asked.
His voice was noticeably softer than when we met at the study.
Mallory glanced at me, and when I didn't react, he stood up and bowed, just like he'd seen the adults do.
"Greetings, Your Highness," he said.
Andy nodded, his throat moving slightly.
He crouched down so he was eye-to-eye with Mallory.
That small gesture made my heart skip a beat.
"You look so much like..." Andy hesitated, as if about to say something, but stopped himself.
He simply reached out, as if he wanted to touch Mallory's head.
But Mallory instinctively hid behind me.
Andy's hand froze in mid-air.
His eyes lost their light in an instant.
The atmosphere in the hall shifted, turning subtly awkward.
He slowly stood up and finally turned his gaze to me.
Our eyes met.
It was the first time in five years we'd been this close, really seeing each other.
His eyes were still as deep as the ocean, but now a storm of emotions I couldn't even begin to understand was raging beneath the surface.
There was joy, pain, regret, longing...
All those feelings crashed together inside him, threatening to pull him under.
My heart skipped a beat.
But I forced myself to stay calm.
I kept a distant, polite smile, as if he were just a stranger to me.
He finally spoke, his voice hoarse and thick with emotion, "Sapphire."
He called my name.
But I acted like I hadn't heard him.
He took a deep breath and stepped closer.
The air around us grew even more tense.
He fixed his gaze on me, his eyes filled with suppressed joy and a wild surge of emotions.
"Are you done playing around?
"It's time to take Mallory home with me."
His words weren't loud, but they exploded in the quiet corner like a bolt of lightning.
Several society ladies nearby, who'd been straining to listen, let out a collective gasp.
I looked at him, and out of nowhere, a smile broke across my face.
It was radiant, but cold as ice.
I rose to my feet and picked up a wine pitcher from the maid's tray.
Then, I personally filled his empty glass to the brim.
The crystal-clear wine mirrored Andy's stunned face.
I pushed the glass toward him, my smile radiant and cold.
"You're mistaken, sir," I said.
"My husband is waiting outside for me—he's probably getting anxious."
His hand jerked as he gripped the glass.
The warm wine splashed out, soaking his fancy robe.
He didn't even seem to notice—his eyes were locked on me, completely stunned.
"Husband?" Andy choked out, barely able to get the word out.
I nodded, my smile never wavering.
"Of course, the father of my child," I said, coolly.
"Thank you for showing interest in Mallory today, sir. As for him becoming your student, we'll have to wait until my husband returns. The two of us will discuss it together before making any decisions."
My words were airtight, not leaving a single crack for him to slip through.
I made it clear Mallory's father wasn't him, and deftly sidestepped the whole matter of apprenticeship.
I reached for Mallory's hand and pulled him close.
"Mallory, let's go. We don't want to bother the King's Tutor while he's drinking," I said.
Then, I turned and walked away without a second glance.
Behind me, there was dead silence.
I could feel his gaze searing into my back, so hot it felt like it could scorch right through me.
It wasn't until I walked out of the hall and the night breeze brushed against me that I realized my palms were slick with cold sweat.