<b>287/289</b><b>: </b>How <b>Dare </b><b>You </b>


    Beatrice looked at herself in the full–length mirror. She looked magnificent in her gown <i>for </i>the masquerade ball.


    It had been days since shest saw Uriel, and she hoped he would attend the gathering tonight.


    Princess Ri had told her that Uriel had suddenly asked for leave for two days, and no one knew where


    he had gone.


    “Seriously… was it really that hard for him?” she muttered in annoyance as she stared at her reflection.” Why is the wall he built around himself so difficult to break?”


    At this rate, all the hope she once held was slowly beginning to crumble. She had thought everything would go smoothly ording to her n, but it seemed she had overestimated herself.


    She believedpeting with a dead woman wouldn’t be so difficult. But she had been wrong.


    Uriel still seemed convinced that he didn’t deserve happiness… not when he believed he was the reason


    a woman lost her life and her future.


    Beatrice felt like she was only going in circles, especially after the way Uriel simply ran away from her that day at the market.


    She could feel it. Uriel cared about her. She had already managed to get under his skin, in a good way.


    Still, she didn’t want to assume. Actions alone were not enough for her. She wanted to hear the words. After all, people could be fickle.


    She scoffed softly as she remembered how Uriel had once indirectly used her of being fickle about liking him. When in truth, she had only been pushing him… hoping he would finally make a move and


    im her.


    A knock sounded on the door. After she gave her permission, it opened. Her father, Marius, stepped inside with a wide and proud smile on his face.


    “<i>My </i>daughter is truly beautiful and stunning,” he praised as he offered his hand.


    Then his forehead creased slightly as he added, “But why do you look troubled? This is a special day. You and Princess Ri will be meeting all the eligible bachelors of the kingdom. Come now. The gathering is about to begin. Ri is already waiting with the Queen Mother at the entrance.”


    Thatst sentence finally made Beatrice smile brightly.


    “Ah… this gathering is also a deration that the two families will soon be joined together, right?” she teased gently.


    Her father’s face and ears instantly reddened,


    Laughing softly, Beatrice wrapped her arm around his and leaned her head against his shoulder.


    <b>1/3 </b>


    287/289 How Dore You


    +25 Bonus


    “You and the Queen Mother deserve to be happy, Father. Don’t hesitate anymore. You’ve waited long enough.”


    She lifted her head and smiled at him reassuringly.


    “And don’t worry about me. I’m not a little girl anymore. I’m a woman now. I can take care of myself. Don’t wait until I get married first… just settle down with the Queen Mother already and let me call her


    Mother soon.”


    Her father chuckled but didn’t say another word. He simply escorted her to the door, where Princess Ri was already waiting.


    “You look so gorgeous!” Beatrice couldn’t help but praise her friend.


    “Beatrice,” her father scolded gently.


    Realizing her mistake, she quickly lowered her head and gave a proper bow. She had grown so close to Ri that she sometimes forgot her decorum. Ri was still of royal blood… still their beloved princess.


    “It’s alright, Lord Marius,” Ri said warmly as she slipped her arm around Beatrice’s.


    “Beatrice and I are like sisters. There’s no need to stay formal with me.”


    She signaled the guards, and they immediately announced their arrival. The doors swung open.


    Beatrice and Ri both wore elegant half masks that covered only part of their faces.


    Smiling behind them, they stepped forward together and slowly descended the grand staircase to greet their guests.


    “Is Uriel here?” Beatrice couldn’t help but ask, even as her eyes were already searching the crowd in every direction. Despite the masks, she was certain she would recognize him anywhere.


    “Hopefully,” Ri replied gently. “But maybe it’s better not to expect too much tonight. Just enjoy the evening, Beatrice.”


    Beatrice gave a small shrug before lifting her chin with forced confidence.


    “Hah! I will. Let’s see if someone catches my interest enough for me to finally move on from Uriel.”


    She meant every word.


    She had already made her feelings clear to him. If he was still hesitating, then she would not push any further.


    At least… that was what she told herself. Deep inside her heart, she knew she was still stubborn enough to hold on to her first love.


    The masquerade soon began, and she joined Ri in the opening group dance. It allowed them to move gracefully from partner to partner, exchanging polite conversation with each bachelor as the slow, elegant music carried them across the ballroom floor.


    <b>2/3 </b>


    B


    287/299 How Dare You


    <b>+25 </b>Bonus


    Beatrice tried her best to remain friendly with everyone, offering the same politepliments to one man after another. Before long, she found herself growing bored.


    “Finally, it’s my turn,” Lord Evan’s familiar voice whispered near her ear. “Are you enjoying dancing in circles with different men, mdy? Don’t you think you deserve some rest?”


    Beatrice chuckled softly. Lord Evan was someone she genuinely enjoyed being around, though not in a romantic way. Being with him felt easy andfortable, almost like having an older brother by her side.


    “Well, if you’re able to break the dance routine, then why not?” she replied with a yful smile. “But be prepared to face theints of the other gentlemen still waiting for their turns.”


    Evan was known for being proper and disciplined, someone who followed every rule expected of him. He had built a strong reputation for doing what was right. The man was almost too perfect.


    Although he was not as strikingly handsome as Uriel, he had a quiet charm of his own.


    <b>If </b>she and Uriel truly were not meant to end up together… then perhaps she would choose someone like


    Lord Evan instead.


    She was taken aback when Lord Evan suddenly held her hand more firmly. It was obvious he intended to break the traditional dance routine and lead her away from the circle.


    But before he could move, Beatrice felt another firm grip close around her other hand.


    “How dare you take her away when it was already my turn?!<b>” </b>


    The voice was sharp, familiar… and impossible to ignore.


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