CHAPTER 121: NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS

Viktor placed one hand lightly on her waist, the other holding hers. He began to move, guiding her with expertise, though there was no warmth in his motion. He did his best to ignore her gaze, even as she smiled at him like a prized jewel on display for admiration.

"You’re such a graceful dancer, Lord Rune," Harriet said, gazing up at him, her voice dripping with admiration. "You must have had an excellent teacher."

"I did," Viktor replied flatly.

Harriet’s smile thinned, barely perceptible. "So, would you be able to teach me sometime in the future? I really need to improve my dancing, and who better than you to help me reach perfection?"

"I’m afraid that won’t be possible," he said.

Harriet tilted her head, eyes narrowing with curiosity. "Why not?"

Viktor didn’t answer right away. He led her through another turn, his expression unreadable.

"I’m a very busy man," he said finally. "My time is reserved for attending to the prince’s needs."

"That’s all?"

"That’s all."

"But you and I, we’ve known each other for years, haven’t we?" Harriet pressed, her voice softening. "I’m sure you could make an exception for me." She leaned in, her tone growing more intimate. "You’ve always been reserved, Rune, but I’ve seen you. I notice how you notice things. Like how I often green, because you once said it suited me."

His eyes flicked to her gown before drifting back over her shoulder. "It does suit you."

Her face brightened, emboldened. "And you remember."

"I remember most things," he said, his voice devoid of feeling.

Harriet drew slightly closer. "Then perhaps you remember the time you saved me from slipping on ice near my carriage after a ball."

He blinked slowly. "That was four years ago."

"Yes. And I never forgot." Her fingers tightened on his shoulder. "I’ve always believed we were meant to be close. You and I, we’re practically fated. I come from a respectable family. My father is a very wealthy man." She leaned in, whispering, "And a very old man. I have so much to offer you, Rune. Why do you keep yourself away from me?"

He sighed inwardly, resisting the urge to pull away. Her voice was too soft, her words too carefully laced with something deeper than fondness. Behind her eyes, he saw not affection, but obsession that unsettled him.

"I don’t keep myself away," he said calmly. "I simply prefer quiet company."

Harriet’s lips curved into something that tried to be coy. "Then let me be your quiet company."

He didn’t respond. His eyes scanned the ballroom, searching for a distraction, an excuse to escape.

The dance continued. Harriet’s hand lingered a little too long during each turn, her gloved fingers brushing his wrist with deliberate slowness. She smiled at every point of contact. Viktor, for his part, danced with the same elegant distance.

"I know you’re quite close to the prince," Harriet said suddenly, her tone shifting, catching his full attention. "You two are practically best of friends, aren’t you?"

"Yes."

"Then you must know, if he’s serious about her?" Viktor’s eyes narrowed slightly. "I mean the girl in the red dress. I believe her name is Lilith, or something like that?"

Viktor’s gaze hardened slightly. "I don’t see how that’s any of your business, Lady Harriet."

"I suppose not," she said airily, though her smile suggested otherwise. "Still, I can’t help but wonder what a girl like her could possibly offer a man like the prince—or you."

"Me? What are you implying?"

"Oh, don’t act coy with me. I’ve seen the way you look at her when the prince isn’t around. I understand why you’re attracted to her, she is a sight to behold. But I..." Harriet leaned in, just close enough for him to catch the faint scent of lilies and rosewater clinging to her skin. "I know you, Rune. You deserve someone who will treat you right, please you day and night. Someone who will worship you like a god. And I’m willing to do all that—for you."

His jaw tightened.

"I want to believe that you’re slightly intoxicated and don’t understand the weight of your words," he said coolly. "But let me be clear, the nature of my relationship with Lilith is none of your concern. Just like her relationship with the prince. And as for being treated right..." he looked at her, voice low and sharp, "you might want to start by treating yourself with respect before speaking of others."

That stung. He saw it, just a flicker in her eyes before she masked it behind a brittle smile.

When the final note of the music faded, Viktor stepped back and released her hand with a polite bow.

"Thank you. Please do not approach me again," he said simply.

Harriet’s smile trembled, painted with desperation. "You’re a fool to refuse me."

"And you’re a greater fool to think I ever would have courted you," he said, turning sharply before she could respond.

He walked toward the edge of the ballroom, his shoulders relaxing slightly as the distance between them grew. He didn’t look back. Behind him, Harriet remained rooted to the center of the floor, her eyes tracking him with aching chest, lips pressed tightly together.

Viktor made his way to where Charlotte sat, swinging her legs while picking through a tray of sweets in front of her. A young man was beside her, speaking or rather, trying to speak to her but Charlotte looked thoroughly bored, uninterested in whatever he had to say.

Her face lit up the moment she spotted Viktor heading her way. The gentleman followed her line of sight, frowning when he saw who it was. He muttered something to Charlotte, who promptly rolled her eyes and dismissed him with a wave of her hand. The man didn’t look pleased, but he walked away nonetheless.

"How was your dance?" Charlotte asked sweetly. "I believe you and Harriet enjoyed each other’s company. She.."

"I’m going to seal your mouth shut, Lucy. Do I look like I enjoyed Harriet’s presence?" Viktor raised a brow at her.

Charlotte, fighting a grin, pressed her lips together. "I guess I mentally began preparation for a wedding too soon."