Louis's POV

I led Claire back to the castle, hand in hand.

Compared to the lively atmosphere earlier in the afternoon, there was now a tense air in the ballroom. Obviously, news of what had happened in the ladies' lounge had spread among the guests. Many wore nervous expressions, fearing they might incur wrath themselves. But there were also a few with smug looks, Cathy being one of them.

I smirked inwardly, surprised by the audacity of this girl. After I explicitly ordered her to leave the castle, she dared to sneak into my ball, wearing a false and nauseating smile, weaving among the young nobles, trying to find herself...