“I think they did not like the show, Abi. We have messed up everything this time.” I frowned as I looked down. I was sure that the beats were perfect and I had coordinated well with her. Though I have not played piano in a long while, it was something I have done for years. How could I be weak in it?

But their silence..!

Even the dancers were looking at each other awkwardly. They were anxious too. I wish there could be something like mike available here.

“What a good performance.” I mumbled and started clapping. The other performers looked at me awkwardly when I signaled them to clap too, but they heeded and clapped with me.

Finally as if the spell was broken, or they felt embarrassed that we were the only one clapping, others started clapping too. A roar of cheers filled the room and I took a breath of relief. At least, it was not awkward anymore.

An announcer came closer and shouted in his loud voice that the nobles can start bidding for the jewelry and also can come on stage to see the jewels if they wanted.

A few ladies came to the stage to give a close look at the jewels. 

“Let’s start the bidding with this ring.”

“Its cost is 100 gold coins, so the starting price will be 150 gold coins.” 

“180 coins”

“200 coins” Bella held my hand tight as her eyes gleamed and so did mine. Our hard work was finally going to get paid off.

“Let’s go back to our seats for now.” I whispered in Bella’s ear.

She nodded and we both walked back. 

“Good evening, ladies.” my eyes turned cold as i heard the voice.

“Lord Gerard.” 

“It has been a long time, lady Abigail. I apologize I was busy so I was not able to give you enough time.“ What was he talking about now. It was not like I was waiting for his letter or expecting a meeting. How delusional!

“Are you still angry with me? I promise I will invite you for dinner soon.” he continued when I stayed silent. 

“There must be some misunderstanding, lord Gerard. I was so busy in my affair and serving the crown prince that I didn’t even remember that I had not seen you. So, you need not to be sorry about it.“ In other words, I even forgot about your existence. So, do not try to behave like we were close.

He looked at me with that cold eyes as his expressions turned sour, yet he covered them well in a blink.

“Oh, I think you need some break and rest too. I understand you since everyone here knew how difficult it was to serve the crown prince. He is always unbridled and rude towards everyone. And a delicate girl like you should be pampered and not behave crudely.“ So, now we were playing a game of wits, huh!

You are trying to prove that the crown prince was a tyrant and I was too weak to work. That was why I was so tired that I did not remember things properly.

“Oh my, you do not need to worry about me. I have been fine. His highness stayed busy in his work and academy so he did not bother me at all. It is just that I always seem to forget about unnecessary things.” his face hardened as he looked at me. His eyes were telling me to back out but that was not what I was supposed to do.

“Was it you who played the piano, lady Isabella?” he turned his eyes to hear from me.

“Yes, my lord.” she replied, holding her dress and bowing her head.

“You have really excelled well as a lady, lady Isabella. You must be proud.” she smiled bashfully at his complement. 

Oh lord! Did she not see the fire between us just a while ago?

“Thank you, my lord. But I am still learning.” her voice turned softer and I sighed. If he changed the target from me to her then she could fall into his trap just like I had fallen in my last life.

“You are impressive for your age. Not only have you played the piano well. But you have also faced such a large amount of eyes on you. I am sure your whole family must be proud of you.” he continued to shower her with praises while i just stood there confused on what to do!

If i would drag her away there were chances that she would feel i was jealous because of being neglected and if i let her stay, he would trap her with his honey words.

“Lord Gerard.” I called him to gain both of their attention.

“Yes, Lady Abigail?” a proud smirk formed on his face as if he had already won the battle. So, he was really using her to make me feel jealous. Ha! How naive!

“I was wondering if the problem of your stores is solved?” his smirk turned stiff but yet he nodded.

“It was someone’s plan to make me suffer but I have handled it well. Soon, the preparator would be found too. I will make sure to punish him well. So that everyone will remember it forever.” his eyes blazed with fire as he started that!

“Oh, that is good. I was worried because I read a parchment of northern duke in the academy. It stated that you have punished innocent commerce and beaten all the staff which led them to serious injuries and they were in the infirmary and I even heard that you refused to pay the compensation to nearby stores too. And those who went against you, you used the name of his majesty to silence them. 

I do not understand how they can lie in such a detailed way.. You will not believe but they have even presented the proof against you. Oh my! By any chance have you offended the northern duke?”