Chapter 7
Deborah
d there,
completely stunned. Her heart was pounding.
Damian didn’t
say
another word. He was the first to step down from the carriage, then turned back and held out his hand to her.
Only then did Deborah finally remember to breathe.
He wasn’t Simon. She wondered, ‘How could he be?‘ That beauty mark–she’d drawn it herself. It could be wiped off. But the one at the corner of Simon’s eye last night… no matter how hard she tried, it wouldn’t come off. ‘What nonsense am I even thinking?‘
She took a deep breath and lifted the carriage curtain. But the moment she saw Damian’s extended hand, she instinctively avoided it, gripping the edge of the carriage and carefully stepping down on her own.
Damian let out a cold snort and pulled his hand back.
Not far away, Amaris lit up with a bright smile and ran over. “Simon! It’s been so long!”
Alistair also approached with a grin. “Simon, are you bringing your new bride to greet the king and queen today? Congratulations!”
Deborah stared at Damian’s tail, aloof figure, nerves flaring up again.
He still carried that cold, distant air–completely different from Simon’s gentle warmth. She wondered, ‘Could they really not tell the difference?‘
But the two of them chatted with Damian like nothing was out of the ordinary, then walked with him toward the grand hall.
Thomas turned to Deborah and said politely, “Your Highness, it’s getting late. You should head in to greet Their Majesties.”
“..Understood.”
Heart pounding, Deborah hurried after Damian.
The ceremonial greetings were long and complicated.
Yet somehow, Damian–posing as Simon–managed to pull it off without raising any suspicion.
He stayed quiet and distant the whole time, only speaking after Deborah had finished all the formalities. “Grandmother’s not been feeling well lately. I’d like to visit her as soon as possible.”
The king nodded. “Very well.”
The queen, smiling gently, turned to Deborah. “Simon has always had a delicate constitution. From now on, you’ll need to take good care of him.”
Deborah frowned inwardly. She thought, ‘Delicate? Simon?” In the entire year they’d known each other, she’d never once seen him look unwell.
And after what happened last night… he hadn’t seemed the least bit fragile. But this was the palace–full of hidden meanings and sharp tongues. ‘Better to play it safe.
So she nodded politely. “Yes, Mother. Thank you for the reminder.”
The queen smiled, then turned her gaze to Damian. “Simon, you should also take care of yourself. And don’t forget–it’s time to give the royal family an heir.”
“Thank you, Mother,” Damian said calmly. Then, glancing at Deborah, he added, “I’ll do my utmost.”
Deborah’s face instantly burned. Even with her head lowered, she could feel his intense gaze sweeping over her–like he was actually planning to act on those words. He really was a good actor.
The queen chuckled. “That’s good to hear.”
Then her tone shifted. “Simon, do you know how long your brother plans to stay this time? My niece Luisa is visiting the palace this week–I was thinking of introducing them.”
But Damian cut her off without hesitation. “Damian is buried in state affairs. He won’t have time to entertain guests.” Even in front of the queen, his tone remained cold and unapologetic.
Before she could respond, he added, “Father, Mother, I’ll take my leave now.” And with that, he turned to go.
Noticing Deborah still frozen in place, he shot her a look. “It’s time to go greet Grandmother.”
1/2
