The estate courtyard was already bustling when they arrived. Carriages of all shapes and coats-of-arms lined the circular drive, and attendants in black uniforms moved swiftly to help nobles dismount, check their invitations, and direct them toward the grand entrance.
As Michael and Arianne approached, more than a few eyes turned their way. Conversations dipped and murmurs followed in their wake.
Everyone knew the Duke's daughter.
And tonight, she'd arrived with someone unfamiliar—but no less striking.
Whispers stirred.
Who is he?
That's Duke Evermoon's daughter…
And the one beside her? Mic Nor? The one from the arena?
He's the one who beat Uga, right?
Michael ignored them all.
Arianne, by contrast, wore her confidence like perfume—subtle but unmistakable. She nodded politely at a few acquaintances, offered a short smile here and there, but otherwise didn't stop.
She didn't need to.
The guards at the front entrance stepped aside immediately when they recognized her.
