“Ah, before that, I have something to give you.” Before he went inside the Duke’s mansion, Albus slowed his steps and stopped. Then, he took out something from his pocket.

“That is…”

“Take it. I bought it because I thought it would look good on you.”

It was a rare-looking ring; three red stones beautifully shone in a row, and Evelyn stared at it like she was bewitched.

“It’s pretty.”

“Can you try putting it on?”

“Yes.”

Evelyn put the ring on her finger, not on her ring finger since another ring that Albus had gotten for their engagement shone in that spot.

“As expected, it fits you well.” Albus swiped Evelyn’s hand and the ring simultaneously. “Shall we go? We can’t have the Duke waiting for us.”

“Yes.” Evelyn placed her hand on Albus’ arms with a smile on her face. The red ring on her finger glowed eerily.

*      *     * 

The party went along smoothly and there weren’t many guests. They didn’t have to spend much time on greetings, but every single guest ranked above a marquess, and they had to mind their manners more carefully than usual. Evelyn suffered from the heat surrounding the party; the smell of the perfume that floated whenever people passed them, and the fatigue she...