Chapter 2
The moment Roland lifted his eyes, Eleanor saw a bottomless blackness in them.
Perhaps it came with being royalty, but even after being caught red–handed, his expression didn’t so much as twitch. Calmly, he tucked the portrait beneath the pillow, his long fingers slowly tightening his belt with infuriating composure.
Within seconds, he had returned to his usual cold, ascetic demeanor–like the man moments ago, flushed and undone, had never existed.
Eleanor let out a soft, mocking laugh. “Stuffing it back in already? Afraid you’ll explode from holding it in? Want me to help?”
Roland didn’t even flinch. Instead, he leaned subtly away from her, widening the space between them. “Does the Lady Viremont need something from me?”
He was always like this. Lusting over Cecily’s portrait like a lovesick fool, but standing before her–before Eleanor–like some bloody monk who’d taken a vow of chastity.
Her nails dug into her palm as the image of Cecily’s bland, milk–toast face flashed through her mind. That girl lacked the grace or beauty to rival her, yet somehow everyone fell for her meek, practiced charm.
No matter. Eleanor possessed a radiant countenance, vast wealth, and a fire that outshone her sister’s frail glow. From this moment, she’d care nothing for those too blind to see her worth.
“New collection drops at the Jewel Hall tomorrow. You’re coming with me.” Her tone was flat, commanding. She didn’t wait for a reply just turned and walked off.
Behind her, Roland frowned. “I believe I’m off–duty the next two days…”
“Cecily’s going too,” she said without turning back.
Silence fell behind her–brief, but telling–then his low voice rang out. “Understood, my lady.”
wwwwwww
www
A sharp pain stabbed through her chest. As expected–mention Cecily, precious sister, and let them both choke on their so–called devotion.
and he‘ ‘d break every
rule in the book. So be it. She’d soon send him to serve her
The next morning, Eleanor stepped out of Viremont Manor to find Roland already waiting beside the carriage.
The black leather doublet hugged his broad shoulders and narrow waist perfectly. In the morning light, the edges of his face seemed gilded in gold. Normally, this was when she’d lean into him with a fake stumble, or whisper something breathy his ear just to see his restraint crack.
But today, she said nothing he climbed into the criage without even glancing at him.
Roland blinked, visibly surprised. He glanced her way–once-
in
but said nothing, silently taking the reins.
*
They rode toward the Jewel Hall in silence. Eleanor stared out the window the entire way, not bothering to find excuses to talk as she usually did. The air was so quiet, she could hear their breathing.
The Jewel Hall was a famed boutique in Crownspire–each time new pieces arrived, nobles swarmed in like bees to nectar. Perfume, silk, and whispered gossip filled every corner.
Eleanor had barely stepped inside when she spotted Cecily up ahead. She was dressed in a rose–hued pleated gown, her hair pinned into an elegant high twist, her pale neck like a porcelain swan. She was laughing with a few highborn ladies, pure and delicate as always.
Roland’s eyes changed in an instant.
Though he stood behind Eleanor, playing the part of loyal guard, she could feel it–his mind had already drifted to Cecily.
“Eleanor!” Cecily called out sweetly, hurrying over and wrapping her arm around Eleanor’s like they were the best of friends. “What a delight to find you here! Are you browsing the jewels as well?”
Eleanor yanked her arm free. “Don’t touch me.”
”
Cecily’s eyes reddened at once. She turned to Roland, her voice soft and wounded. “Roland, I only wished to mend things with my sister…”
Roland’s brow twitched, his gaze toward Eleanor now laced with quiet contempt.
Cecily seized the moment, tugging lightly on his sleeve. “Roland, is it true? They say when I was struck with that dreadful fever, you braved a storm to bring me honey cakes. I was too ill to recall clearly, and I’ve been frail ever since. I never had the chance to thank you properly.
”
Chapter 2
GoodShort Trapped by a gangster
Drama
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Roland’s sharp features softened. “our kindness humbles me, Lady Cecily. It was but a small gesture.”
Eleanor almost laughed aloud. He’d been gone for five hours that night. Soaked through when he returned.
That was “a small gesture“?
“Well then,” Cecily beamed, “you must let me treat you to a meal sometime!”
Roland didn’t refuse this time. “As you wish, my lady.”
vite Eleanor too!” Cecily turned to Eleanor and blinked in pretend concern. “Oh dear, you look so tired today by Is HO VAY WELTAS S
“I don’t recall
Cecily’s face
us being close,” Eleanor cut in coldly. “Watch your mouth, bastard.”
e went pale. Roland’s frown deepened.
Thankfully, the shopkeeper’s voice broke the tension. “Esteemed guests, the auction may now begin.”
Eleanor didn’t bother responding. She strode forward, eyes already scanning the displays.
She would be marrying into the Wolveston family soon. Counting on Baldwin for a proper dowry was a joke–if she wanted to look the part, she’d have to buy it herself. That was the real reason she came to the Jewel Hall.
The first thing she saw was a sapphire–encrusted gold diadem, priced at a thousand crowns.
She didn’t hesitate.
Just as she signaled to purchase it, Cecily spoke up behind her. “Two thousand.”
Eleanor turned. Cecily smiled sweetly. “I quite like this piece too, Eleanor. You don’t mind letting me have it, do you? I mean… Father does give me a bigger allowance than you.”
Eleanor snorted. Bigger? Try a hundred times bigger.
Since they were children, Baldwin gave Cecily five hundred crowns a month.
Eleanor? Five.
If not for the fortune her mother left behind, she’d have starved years ago.
But now?
Now, she had a million gold crowns.
“Three thousand,” Eleanor said, raising the stakes.
Cecily faltered, then clenched her teeth. “Three thousand five.”
“Four.”
“Four five.”
Round after round, the tension grew. Cecily’s face was losing color.
“Eleanor,” she snapped, “how do you get all this money? Don’t tell me you can’t actually pay-”
“One thousand crowns?” Eleanor scoffed. “Try ten thousand.”
Gasps rippled through the room. Cecily’s face turned ashen. Even the shopkeeper hesitated.
“My lady… would you like to continue bidding?” he asked politely.
Cecily turned away in panic and whispered something to a servant, who darted out the door.
Half an hour later, the servant returned–alone.
Her face fell completely. Refused.
Of course he did. He’d already handed over the million to her–what did he have left to feed his precious darling?
Eleanor’s lips curved ever so slightly.
ww
Just then, a guard stormed into the hall and bellowed: “By order of Prince Roland–all of today’s jewels now belong to Lady Cos
