Claudion, returned alone to the private chamber, walked with cautious steps before stopping in front of the door . He turned toward the servants who were moving around, carrying trays of drinks and small tables.
Claudion spoke coldly
"Leave… all of you."
The servants looked at him hesitantly, then withdrew one by one. "He glanced around to make sure no one was nearby he closed the door and approached counsellor Valtimor, his voice and expression shifting completely.
Claudion:
"This is bigger than an election campaign or a railway project… I want power a real power. I want control over the borders."
He paused for a moment, then continued
"Transporting iron alone isn't enough… I need workers slaves. A project of this value can't be done without them. The mines, the factories, the laying of the tracks… they all need hands that neither complain nor stop."
The counselor cast him a heavy look, though he didn't seem surprised.
Valtimor:
"I see… I'll arrange it. But be careful with Black Opal. He's not just a gem trader he's clever… and he knows how to play the game."
He leaned closer, his tone sharp and threatening:
"But make no mistake, Count Claudion… if you fail or if you're exposed, I will not stand by your side. I'll have no connection to this. I won't risk my position for you."
Then he turned and left without waiting for an answer.
Claudion remained alone. He loosened his tie, exhaled slowly, muttering to himself:
"There's no room for failure… Either I rule this province or I'm finished forever."
His solitude didn't last long.
The door was surprisingly opened without knocking.
Black Opal entered with confident steps, holding a glass of wine, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
Black Opal:
"Good evening, Count Claudion… how curious, why wasn't I invited to the ball?"
He paused, then added mockingly:
"I read your speech in yesterday's paper …so passionate, so sincere! I never imagined such concern for the common folk coming from the lips of a man whose hypocrisy echoes through the streets."
Claudion turned toward him, anger sharpening his voice.
Claudion:
"Who do you think you are, barging in uninvited!
You're nothing but a rich youth flaunting his jewels. What could you possibly know about politics?"
Black Opal smiled calmly, walked to the table, and poured himself another glass.
Black Opal mocking :
"Politics? Ah… the art of pretending to be virtuous. I assure you; I've mastered it quite well."
He then moved toward the balcony, gazing at the party below while sipping his wine.
Claudion, his tone tense:
"What are you waiting for? You've donated, had your wine, the nights over leave."
Black Opal:
"Indeed… your party may be over, but it seems others are just beginning."
Claudion looked at him, puzzled.
Black Opal raised his hand, pointing toward the glass window overlooking the garden.
Black Opal:
"Look… what do you think of the two lovebirds standing over there?"...
Inside, Margaret stood beside Kate.
Margaret:
"Where's Amber? She's been gone too long."
Kate (nervously):
"She went to fix her makeup. I'll go get her."
Kate walked toward the eastern wing. As she passed by one of the rooms, she heard something shatter.
She stopped, turned warily, and approached.
The door suddenly opened and Black Opal stepped out, a wide smile on his face. He glanced at Kate but said nothing, ignoring her completely as he walked away.
Kate watched him with suspicion, then hurried into the room.
Her father stood there, his face flushed with anger, the shards of a large vase scattered across the floor.
Kate worried:
"Father…?"
Claudion didn't answer. He was drowning in rage.
Kate froze where she stood, a burning fire rising in her chest. Her hand clenched tightly she was sure Black Opal was the cause.
She turned quickly to leave but as soon as she stepped out, Aaron appeared in her path, smiling warmly, extending his hand to her.
Aaron lightly:
"Kate! I've been looking for you. That first dance was wonderful… what do you say we try it again?"
Kate stopped for a moment, her breath uneven, her features tense. She lifted her gaze to him, but her eyes gleamed differently now… as if a storm was raging behind them.
Kate uneasily, avoiding his gaze:
"Aaron… I'm sorry. I'm busy right now.
Maybe… maybe later."
He blinked, surprised, raising his brows slightly. Taking a step closer, he tried to read her face.
Aaron concerned:
"Busy? What's wrong, Kate? You seem… upset."
She quickly replied, trying to move past him:
Kate: "Please, Aaron, let me go."
And before he could answer, she slipped away, her steps quick and restless.
Aaron stood watching her leave, his expression filled with confusion.
Aaron to himself, quietly:
"Strange… what's troubling her like this? I've never seen her this way before."
His eyes followed her until she vanished among the guests. A. "A shadow of worry pressed heavily on his chest.
Through the gentle hum of the orchestra and the low murmur of voices…
Kate hurried down the stairs, her eyes scanning every corner in search of Black Opal. Her heart throbbed with silent fury, the spark inside her burning hotter with every step.
In the garden, beneath the dim glow of lanterns and the shadows of the trees, she finally spotted him near his carriage.
Kate calling out angrily:
"You! Stop! I want to speak with you!"
Black Opal stopped at the carriage door but didn't turn around. Lifting a hand to his ear mockingly, he said:
Black Opal mocking:
"Ah… my lady, I can't hear you from afar."
Kate pressed her lips together in anger, lifted the hem of her gown, and strode swiftly over the grass.
Kate:
"I said stop!"
But she didn't see the small stone in her path. She stumbled, lost balance, and fell to the ground, catching herself with her hands silence for a heartbeat.
Black Opal smirked, turned toward her, and approached with leisurely confidence. He extended his hand mockingly:
Black Opal:
"It seems you're quite used to falling… to the ground."
Kate looked up from beneath the strands of her fallen hair, slapped his hand away fiercely, and rose quickly.
Kate:
"Don't touch me! Who do you think you are? Why were you in my father's room? What did you say to him? He was furious like I've never seen before!"
Black Opal coldly:
"Ah, he was angry. I didn't notice… Perhaps some people just can't bear to hear the truth. Or maybe… they've grown too fond of lies."
Kate stepped closer, her eyes blazing
"You provoke him on purpose!
Don't think these little tricks will make you popular or gain anyone's allegiance! We know your true nature." We know who you are."
Black Opal running his fingers through his silver hair
"How painful… all of you know who I am!
Are you speaking about me or about your father, who hides his deals in the shadows?
Tell me, do you truly know who he is? or what is he really like?"
Kate fell silent, her eyes tense, but he continued before she could speak:
"But don't worry too much… Your father isn't the one you should be worried about."
He smiled faintly, tilting his head
"Perhaps you should worry about the lovebirds instead…"
He paused, then added softly, "Yes… the lovebirds hiding in the corners."
He gave a short, mocking bow:
"Good evening… my lady."
He turned, stepped into his carriage, closed the door with ease, and the carriage rolled away slowly under the dim lantern light.
Kate stood motionless, her fists clenched at her sides, then shouted under her breath
"You are arrogant, insolent… filthy man!"
But suddenly, his words echoed in her mind. She whispered to herself
"Lovebirds? What did he mean?"
Her eyes widened.
"Amber… and Eric?"
She hurried off in that direction but didn't find them. Her eyes scanned the dim corners; the spot was empty, far from the laughter and music of the hall.
She ran back toward the palace, her racing footsteps matching her heartbeat.
When she entered, she found Amber standing calmly beside Margaret, chatting with one of the ladies.
Kate exhaled with relief, then turned, searching the room with her gaze…
There was Claudion, seated among the guests, laughing loudly, holding a glass, exchanging jokes with a nobleman.
Kate frowned, whispering to herself
"Father? … But he was furious just moments ago."
She looked once more toward the window, where Black Opal's carriage was now fading into the distance, and a strange chill gripped her heart.
"What happened between them? And what did he mean… by those words?"