Chapter 174: The Ball: Part Three
With a sigh, Evanna walked down the hallways again, smiling and nodding to others who greeted her. The Princess felt impatient at not finding Conrad. She wanted to resolve everything now and needed to know where they both stood because if this was going to be a nightly occurrence when they were wed, then it was apparent now that she could not ignore it.
Evanna did not want that as a part of her future. Maybe if she did not deem Conrad a friend, and perhaps if she despised him like when they first met, then she could do so. But now, she found her heart twisting and hating him all the same, but for different reasons.
The Princess continued, her feet directing her towards her quarters. But instead of going back to her chambers where Maggie would attend to her and read through the mask displayed on her features, Evanna headed towards her garden. The halls were all but empty of a few servants rushing back towards the Great Hall where they were needed. The Princess turned and walked towards the dark gardens, welcoming the night and the cooling breeze. She walked down the arched hallway and began to descend the small steps onto the small patio, but the sounds of heavy breathing and small moans caught her attention.
Evanna turned her head in the direction of the noise, her heart beating loudly and blood rushing in her ears as her chest tightened from what her instincts were already telling her. She wanted to turn away, but like a siren calling to her, she could not step away and instead followed the noise until her eyes found what she had been searching for.
Before Evanna was Conrad in the garden, her garden, and he was kissing another woman against the wall, one hand on the woman’s hip and the other one sliding across her breast. The Princess stopped, and her breath caught in her throat, her heart dropping to her stomach. Evanna swallowed hard past the lump in her throat, and she started to turn away, her brows furrowing as confusion started to swell in her being.
Thoughts raced across her mind once more. Was Conrad going to be like this throughout their marriage? They hadn’t even shared a kiss, and here he was in HER garden, dry humping another woman in the shadows.
It was so disrespectful. Evanna’s hands fisted at her sides as she fought against the tears forming behind her eyes. That was until she stopped, her mind fixating on a singular thought. Did he do this on purpose? Did he want her to find him in this situation? Was it some sick and twisted game of his? One that might be involved with his brother?
It was blatantly obvious now. If he had any respect or did not want to be caught, Conrad would take the woman to his quarters, not where Evanna frequented the most. That alone made the decision very clear for her. Whatever game Conrad was playing, she didn’t want any part of it.
"Your highness," The woman moaned.
"Conrad," He breathed.
"Conrad, I heard you adore the Princess. If she finds us-"