Chapter 32
Azalea stood in front of the mirror as Vick carefully helped her into her dress, adjusting the straps and smoothing the fabric against her skin. The gown was a deep shade of emerald, complimenting her dark hair and eyes, and Vick gave her a satisfied nod once everything was in place. “You look perfect, my lady,” she said, stepping back to admire her handiwork.
Azalea glanced at her reflection, her face calm, though her thoughts were elsewhere. Tonight’s dinner wasn’t something she was looking forward to, but it was part of the charade she had agreed to with Federico. Their contract may have dictated their actions in public, but she was under no illusion about what it meant behind closed doors.
Federico was across the room, adjusting the cufflinks on his royal robe. The quiet sound of his movements was interrupted by the sharp ring of his phone. Azalea glanced toward him just as the phone lit up on the nightstand. The caller ID flashed: Maya.
Her expression didn’t change, and she went back to fastening the jewellery Vick had selected for her. Federico’s eyes flickered briefly toward her before he picked up the phone.
“I’ll take this,” he said, his tone curt, already moving toward the door. Azalea nodded absentmindedly, not bothering to ask who was calling. Their arrangement didn’t involve sharing personal details-not even something as trivial as a phone call. It was understood from the beginning that Federico had his world, one she didn’t need to be part of unless it concerned their public image. Besides, Azalea had already seen the name on the screen.
Federico stepped out of the room, leaving Azalea with Vick as she completed her final touches. Vick noticed the phone call but wisely kept her thoughts to herself. There was no point in stirring a pot that didn’t need stirring.
When Federico returned a few moments later, he gave a slight nod toward Azalea. “Maya called to inform me that dinner is ready.”
Azalea met his eyes in the mirror and offered a polite smile, her expression unreadable. “That’s wonderful,” she said, her tone light. She wasn’t surprised by Maya’s call, nor was she concerned. Maya had made her intentions clear from the start, but that was something Azalea had learned to deal with.
Federico studied her for a moment longer as if searching for something, but when Azalea’s calm demeanour remained intact, he simply nodded and turned to leave. They had perfected this act, this careful dance of pretending, and tonight would be no different.
Once they were both ready, they made their way down to the car, where Gabe was already waiting to drive them to Maya’s house. The journey wasn’t long, as Maya’s father, Lord Drummond, lived only a short distance from the palace. Federico remained quiet during the drive, his gaze occasionally flicking toward Azalea. She sat composed, her posture elegant, her face betraying nothing of the inner thoughts she held.
He was impressed, if not a little surprised, by how effortlessly she kept up the facade. There wasn’t a hint of hesitation, not a trace of discomfort, despite the knowledge that tonight’s dinner was with a woman who had long harboured feelings for him. It was one thing to maintain this act in front of their pack but to do so in front of Maya was another challenge altogether.
The car came to a smooth stop outside Lord Drummond’s estate. Gabe stepped out, opening the door for them as they exited the vehicle. The house loomed before them, stately and grand, and as they approached, Maya’s butler greeted them at the entrance, bowing deeply in acknowledgment of their royal status.
“Your Highnesses,” he said, his voice polished and formal, “it is an honour to welcome you.”
Federico gave a curt nod, and Azalea followed suit, offering the butler a gentle smile. The man quickly stepped aside to allow the head maid to escort them further inside, guiding them toward the dining room where the rest of the Drummond family awaited.
As they entered, the atmosphere shifted. Lord Drummond, his wife Lady Margaret, and their daughters Maya and Marie all stood to greet their royal guests. Polite smiles were exchanged, and formal pleasantries were spoken, but Azalea’s sharp eyes didn’t miss the flicker of disappointment that crossed Maya’s face upon seeing her.
“Your Highness, it’s an honour to have you both here tonight,” Lord Drummond said, bowing respectfully. His words were cordial, but there was an underlying tension in the room, one that Azalea could feel as they exchanged greetings.
Lady Margaret, however, wasn’t as subtle. After exchanging formalities, she turned her sharp gaze to Federico. “I must admit, I thought you would be coming alone tonight,” she said, her tone laced with surprise. “It seems your wife decided to tag along.”
Azalea smiled, her expression as serene as ever. “I couldn’t possibly let my husband attend such a lovely invitation without me,” she said smoothly. “After all, it’s not every day we get to enjoy such fine company.”
Her words were polite, but there was an edge to them that wasn’t lost on Lady Margaret. Federico, too, remained silent, his face unreadable as Azalea took her seat beside him.
Maya’s expression tightened ever so slightly, but she managed to maintain her composure, though Azalea could see the frustration bubbling beneath the surface. It wasn’t hard to imagine that Maya had hoped for a more intimate setting, one where she could enjoy Federico’s company without the interference of his wife.
As they all settled into their seats, Lord Drummond gestured for the dinner to begin. “I hope the meal is to your liking, Your Highnesses,” he said, his voice tinged with nervousness. He was a man who valued tradition and respect, and having royalty at his table wasn’t something he took lightly.
Azalea gave a gracious nod. “I’m sure it will be delightful.”
The meal began, and the conversation turned to the usual topics-politics, pack alliances, and preparations for the upcoming ball. Azalea listened quietly, occasionally offering a polite comment or two, but she kept her focus on the dynamics around the table. Maya, for all her attempts to hide it, couldn’t mask the lingering glances she sent Federico’s way, nor the slight irritation in her voice whenever Azalea spoke.
At one point, Maya leaned toward Federico, her voice soft but audible enough for everyone to hear. “It’s been a while since we’ve had the pleasure of your company, Federico,” she said, her tone sweet and familiar. “Perhaps you could come by more often. I’m sure my father would love to have you.”
Before Federico could respond, Azalea spoke up, her voice smooth and unwavering. “I’m sure we’ll be happy to accept your invitation again in the future,” she said, a small smile playing on her lips. “My husband and I always enjoy spending time with such gracious hosts.”
Maya’s smile faltered for a moment before she forced it back into place. “Of course,” she said, her voice tight.
The rest of the meal continued with strained politeness, and as the evening wore on, the tension in the room only grew. Azalea could feel the weight of Maya’s jealousy, but she remained unbothered, playing her role to perfection. After all, this was part of the agreement-presenting the image of a united couple, even in the face of personal rivalries.
As the dinner came to a close, Azalea and Federico rose to leave, thanking Lord Drummond and his family for their hospitality. The butler once again escorted them to their car, bowing deeply as they exited the estate.
Once inside the car, Federico glanced at Azalea, still trying to read her expression. But as always, she gave nothing away, her face calm and composed, as though the evening had been nothing more than a simple social call.
“Impressive,” he finally said, his voice low.
Azalea raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a faint smile. “It’s what we agreed to, isn’t it?”
Federico didn’t respond, but the look in his eyes said enough. He was beginning to realise just how skilled Azalea was at playing this game.