Chapter 728: Blind date.
Dora stood at the top of the stairs and clenched her hand on the balustrade. She still couldn’t believe she’d agreed to this. A blind date, orchestrated by the council and her father. And with Kael Ignis, of all people.
"Just get through it," she muttered to herself, steeling her nerves. "Smile, be polite, and then get out. That’s the plan. Do not engage. And do not challenge."
She looked at herself one last time in the mirror and nodded in satisfaction. For a date with anyone else, she might have gone casual. But with Kael, she needed an armour.
Hence, here she stood, decked up in a fitted dress, looking all unapproachable and regal. Satisfied that her expressions matched the aloof look she wanted to convey and started to walk down the stairs slowly.
What was his problem, anyway? She hadn’t had any choice in this matter, but couldn’t he have refused? It wasn’t as if he needed to obey his ministers’ every whim; that was more Rafe’s headache than his. So, why had Kael agreed to this blind date?
After all, he was not the heir so he did not need to get married anytime soon. Was it part of some elaborate plan for revenge this time again, considering how she had ditched him and disappeared after their last encounter? If that were the case, then...
But as she reached the bottom of the stairs and caught sight of him, all her thoughts came to an abrupt halt. Damn it! If he had looked handsome before, losing weight should have made him look gaunt or something—anything that would have made this easier. But no, instead, he looked even more attractive, damn him.
Like her, he had chosen an all-black ensemble. A perfectly tailored black suit paired with a black shirt, making him look every bit the dark, brooding figure straight out of those romance novels. And Damn it again! They looked like they had coordinated their outfits on purpose.
As she reached the final step, he moved forward, extending his hand towards her in a gesture that seemed both polite and expectant. She stiffened at the sight. Did he really think she would just place her hand in his as if they were old friends? However, before she could ignore his outstretched hand, she caught sight of the paparazzi and other onlookers discreetly stationed at the corner of the room. Instantly, her expression softened, a beaming smile replacing her frown as she gracefully placed her gloved hand in his and thanked him with a composed nod.
But, of course, he couldn’t just settle for holding her hand. No, that would have been too simple! Instead of the expected formality of placing her hand on his elbow, he wound his arm around her waist, his hand settling possessively on her lower back. Her body went rigid at the contact, her teeth clenching in frustration and she shot him a smile that was all teeth, a smile that promised retribution as her eyes sent a clear message—I will break your hand if you don’t remove it.
She’d been so glad that she was wearing gloves and wouldn’t have to feel his touch. But now, his hand remained on her bare lower back. Instead of taking off his hand, he gave her a knowing grin, and murmured," You look stunning, Princess Dora. Thank you for dressing up for me."