All eyes in the room, from the party guests to the residents of Deadbay, were fixed on Ivana. She radiated a captivating beauty that night; her stunning dress and graceful presence made her the undeniable center of attention.
“Damn, she’s absolutely gorgeous,” someone murmured in awe.
“That Broken must feel lucky, being right between Elincia and Ivana.”
“That lucky bastard! I’d do anything to be in his place.”
“Ivana’s not only powerful in battle; she’s so beautiful, she looks like a princess.”
“I wish I could marry her. I can’t stop looking at her.”
“Just look at that smile. It’s so… calming.”
“She’s so kind yet so strong.”
“She really is the perfect girl.”
A figure in a magnificent blue suit approached Broken and his companions—it was Orion, Viscount Sean’s eldest son and Oriana’s older brother. He moved with a confident stride and a benevolent smile, though his thoughts were fixed on one thing: Ivana must be mine.
Orion had played a crucial role in the recent battle, leading Deadbay’s knights and troops. In his mind, his leadership had been indispensable to their success. Despite being only twenty- five, his skill was undeniable-his level had already reached 200. Orion was widely celebrated as Deadbay’s pride and considered the city’s likely future leader.
No woman was immune to his charms-his good looks, power, and charisma were a magnetic force. That was simply the truth, and he took pride in it. Whenever he walked through the streets, young women were mesmerized by him, and young men admired him, drawing inspiration from his example.
I had no idea a woman as enchanting as her was right here in Deadbay, he thought to himself, perplexed. How did I not notice? She’s been in Deadbay since she was a child… she must be thrilled to receive my attention.
Orion walked directly toward Ivana, and she noticed his gaze immediately. Though she recognized him well, this attention made her feel slightly uncomfortable, and she lowered her eyes.
When Orion reached them, he bowed courteously. “Good evening, Lady Ivana,” he greeted with a respectful smile.
Ivana rose at his approach. “Good evening, Lord Orion,” she replied.
“I would be honored if you’d grant me this dance,” Orion continued smoothly. “It would be a gesture of my respect for all you’ve done as a citizen of Deadbay City. Your dedication and bravery are truly valued-not only by the people but by us, the city’s leaders.”
Everyone at the table turned to watch, curious about what Broken would do with another man approaching Ivana so directly. Elincia glanced at Broken, a teasing smile playing on her lips.
“My Lord Orion…” Ivana began, but before she could finish, Broken took her hand, standing firmly. freewebnoveℓ.com
“Apologies, Lord Orion,” Broken said with a calm smile. “But she doesn’t dance with anyone except me.”
Without waiting for Orion’s reaction, he guided Ivana onto the dance floor, leaving Orion momentarily taken aback.
Orion stood frozen in shock, left alone as Broken walked off with Ivana. Everyone at the table averted their gaze, feigning ignorance of what had just happened.
“Phew…” Elincia sighed softly, crossing one leg over the other and glancing away from Orion as if entirely disinterested.
Orion’s expression hardened, his fingers curling into tight fists. Does he really think he’s untouchable just because he’s momentarily the public’s hero after that monster attack? he thought bitterly.
Broken and Ivana moved gracefully across the dance floor, his arms wrapped securely around her waist as they swayed in sync with the music. “Broken…” Ivana whispered softly. “You know what you did, right?”
“What?”
“You’ve once again created an enemy for yourself.”
“What? How? Who?”
“I don’t think Lord Orion was too pleased with what you did earlier.”
“Are you worried, Ivana?”
Ivana smiled, taking a slow breath. She shook her head. “No, I’m okay.”
“You don’t have to go along with everything I do or say,” he added. “If you think I’m going too far, you can always speak up.”
“I don’t think you’re the type to change your mind just because someone complains.”
“At the very least, I’ll listen,” he replied simply.
Broken matched the rhythm as if dancing came naturally to him.
“You’re not bad at dancing, you know,” Ivana said, smiling as she looked up at him.
“That’s because of you,” he replied, smiling back. “You’re guiding me through the steps, so I can keep up.”
They held each other’s gaze, the world around them blurring into the background as the music carried them along. He felt himself completely immersed in the moment, savoring every second.
“I’m not exactly skilled at dancing either, you know…” she admitted with a soft smile.
“Well, I don’t care what people think of our dancing,” he replied. “As long as we’re both enjoying it.”
“Yes, I’m enjoying every moment I spend with you,” she replied gently.
Broken tightened his hold on her slightly, feeling a warmth he couldn’t quite explain.
“I can see the envy in your eyes, Broken,” Ivana teased with a soft giggle.
“Really? Now you’re claiming you can read people’s eyes too, Ivana?”
She giggled again, and he couldn’t help but laugh lightly.
“But this time, I have to admit… you’re right. I get annoyed when someone tries to approach
you right in front of me. And I won’t let it happen.”
“Oh… that sounds like something… well, that could be said with a better, simpler word,” she
teased with another smile.
“Love? Is that what you mean?” he replied, smiling.
“Why ask me, Broken? You’re the one feeling it.”
“Then tell me, Miss Eye-Reader,” he said with a grin, leaning in slightly, “does this look in my eyes say ‘love’ to you?”
She held his gaze, her expression softening. “It’s the look of wanting me deeply… of wanting to protect me. And maybe… a little bit of fear of losing me,” she whispered.
Broken fell silent, her words resonating in his mind.
“That’s exactly how I feel toward you.”
“You really do want it all, don’t you?”
“Not as much as I want you, Ivana.”
Ivana blushed, her gaze dropping as a soft giggle escaped her lips.
Ivana lifted her head. “So… is this a confession of love?”
“Did I get caught?”
She shook her head. “And what about Her Highness, Princess Alora?”
Broken tilted his head, puzzled.
“I saw the same look in your eyes for her. Have you confessed your feelings to her too?”
“So, you really can read people’s eyes, Ivana?”
“Tell me, Broken… who do you love more? Her Highness Princess Alora, or me?” she asked
softly.
Broken paused, caught off guard by her question. But before he could respond, Ivana giggled
and waved it off.
“Sorry…” she laughed gently. “I was just teasing. You don’t have to compare everything.
Besides, you could claim both of us if you wanted.”
“I sound like a heartless person, don’t I?”
“You’d only be heartless if you abandoned one of us for the other. So, my advice? Marry Princess Alora and then come back to me,” she said with a smirk.
He sighed, shaking his head. “I don’t understand how any of this seems so normal to you.”
“Why wouldn’t it be? Isn’t it normal where you’re from?” Ivana asked, smiling. “You could even marry Freya too, and I wouldn’t mind. I like Freya-she’s so kind and always looks out
for me. And I know she cares about you too.”
“You’re taking this eye-reading skill a bit far, Ivana,” he said with a chuckle.
The music gradually faded, finally stopping altogether. From the opposite side of the room, a
man in his fifties entered, flanked by several knights. It was Sean, the Viscount of Deadbay City.
“Greetings, everyone,” he announced, his voice carrying clearly across the room.
***
(Author’s Note:)
Well, well, well… Broken’s got himself into a situation, hasn’t he? Poor guy barely confessed his feelings, and now he’s got Ivana casually suggesting a royal Harem arrangement![] And did anyone else feel that dagger-eyed stare from Orion? Something tells me our suave lord isn’t going to take rejection lightly… []
So, let me know, team Ivana or team Alora? And what would you do if you were in Broken’s shoes? Let’s hear your love advice for our hero in the comments![]
Oh, and don’t forget to drop the Golden Ticket if you’re loving the drama. More tangled hearts and noble politics await in the next chapter![]