Chapter 305: The Innocence Of A Child
Lara coughed, trying to recover her composure as Sandoz looked at her with wide-eyed innocence. She waved a hand, as if to brush away his words, but her heart was suddenly beating faster.
"Sandoz, you shouldn’t say such things so carelessly," Lara said gently, though a smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
"But it’s true!" the boy insisted, his face earnest. "When Prince Alaric looks at you, his eyes go soft. Just like my father’s do when he sees my mother. It means he cares about you."
Lara glanced at Linnea, hoping for rescue, but the woman merely hid her smile behind her hand, eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Come," Lara said, changing the subject before she blushed any deeper. "Let’s go greet the Grand Duke."
They rode the distance to the Grand Duke’s Estate while Sandoz used his new bike to travel.
The grand hall of the Duke’s castle was a vision of splendor. Sunlight streamed through high arched windows, catching on crystal chandeliers and gleaming marble floors. Long tables were laden with fruits, meats, and delicate pastries, while the air hummed with the soft strains of stringed instruments.
At the far end of the hall stood Prince Dakota, though his back was stooped because of age, his bearing as proud as ever. His silver hair was neatly tied back, and his dark green tunic was embroidered with the crest of the Duke of Arches. At his side stood Sandoz’s father, Connor Arces, who greeted Lara and her family with quiet warmth before pulling Linnea to stand by his side.
Eloisa, who just came from the kitchen to check if everything was in order, gritted her teeth and clenched her fists.