Chapter 5 – Part 6

“I was only joking, Your Grace.”

Then a subtle smile tugged at the corners of his closed mouth.

“I know; you don’t have to tell me.”

“You seem to have a stern look on your face.”

“Where would one find a gentleman who remains serious in front of a lady dancing?”

His chin tilted, but Liese focused on her movements again. The movements she’d repeated hundreds of times in her faded memory blossomed into synchronization.

The waltz grew more and more grandiose. It was approaching its tragic middle section.

They didn’t break their intertwined gazes as they moved their feet. They glided smoothly across the polished floor, their gazes and fingertips connected even as they turned.

Perhaps it was due to the dynamically changing movements. Since facing him, her heart has been pounding. She didn’t realize that the pulsating beats from their closely touching chests might transmit. Liese took a deep breath.

… My heart is pounding.’

It was uncomfortable. The chin tilted up and the stare was uncomfortable. The gentle grip of his hand, the hug of his chest, the brush of his inner thighs with every step. Her mouth was dry, and she kept wetting her lips with the tip of her tongue.

His penetrating gaze seemed to drop every time she did so. Seeing her moist lips and then returning to her eyes, he seemed to playfully understand her tangled thoughts. His eyes seemed to say he would watch for when she would make a mistake.

From the moment she realized it, Liese was short of breath. Her laughter, unsmoothed by her slightly parted lips, leaked out.

Two steps backward. They stood again, facing the same direction as at the beginning, and Marcus wrapped one arm around her waist and lifted her in a swift motion.

Her light body twirled in the air. Her long hair and skirt fluttered in the breeze. The setting sun’s rays through the glass windows bathed Liese in full glory. Liese laughed out loud.

It sounded innocent to her ears, like a child’s, as her body rose. She felt a bit embarrassed, belatedly. As soon as her feet touched the ground, Liese tried to conceal the joy that spread across her face.

Instead of grieving, she burst into laughter. She glanced briefly at him. In contrast, Marcus wore a completely composed expression, devoid of any hint of laughter. His blue eyes, looking at Liese, were only shadowed by deep contemplation.

The waltz rushed towards its climax. They were reminiscent of a couple nearing a cliff, dancing away without a care.

They held hands, then extended their arms apart before pulling back together. As their bodies drew close again, Marcus bent his upper body and swiftly lifted Liese into a tight embrace, his cheek against her ear. Liese sucked in a shaky breath as he wrapped his arms around her.

Unlike the coldness of his hands, a considerable warmth enveloped her. The man’s fragrant scent and the sound of his breath were transmitted without any restraint. They moved slowly together.

Did such a movement exist…?

“Liese.”

The voice was low, ringing in her ears.

“The finale of the original Waltz of Porneff…”

“…….”

“It’s an old custom for a man and woman to end the dance with a kiss.”

Liese leaned her chin on his shoulder and blinked wide-eyed.

‘They should kiss? Where? On the lips, no way? ’

“I believe you said that you learned everything about the waltz from beginning to end.”

She didn’t know. She hadn’t learned such a thing.

Madam. Orelline was a teacher who detested anything suggestive, and Liese, her student, was young. So why hadn’t she been taught? Or was it such a common custom that even Mrs. Orellin might not have known?

While these thoughts were floating around, the curtain came down: The bell rang, and the waltz was over. A beautiful finish was the key to the Waltz of Porneff.

‘What should she do?’

With her cheek against his broad chest, Liese didn’t know what to do. Marcus, standing straight, gazed at her intently. No emotion could be read from his straight face.

A step to the right. Back into position. And a turn. Only seconds remained until the finale.

The soaring violins stopped and the bell rang, signaling the end. The two were back in the center of the ballroom. There was a stunned silence.

Liese swallowed and her slender neckline rose. She turned slowly on her heel toward the Duke, who was waiting to greet her. She raised her hands and cupped his face.

Then, twisting his chin, she pressed her lips against his cheek.

“…….”

After a brief moment, Liese opened her eyes after unknowingly closing them. Marcus was the one who received the kiss, but her face turned as red as an apple. Was it an appropriate ending?

Marcus looked her in the eye with his dark, sunken gaze. Liese’s chest heaved, and he leaned in slightly.

A strange sensation settled on her rounded forehead. It felt soft and dry. Only after a long while did Liese realize that he had kissed her forehead.

“I liked your gift.”

The soft voice tickled her skin. As she slowly raised her face, Marcus smiled warmly.

“The giver may say it is not a gift, but the receiver sometimes thinks otherwise.”

“I’m glad you liked it, then….”

“Let’s keep the deal going. As a token of gratitude, would you like to hear an interesting fact?”

Their hands were still clasped together. Marcus smiled more affectionately. A sense of warmth passed through Liese’s chest.

“The Waltz of Porneff was a favorite of the late Duke and Duchess when they were alive, and it was played at every ball they hosted.”

Liese stiffened all over. A monotonous bass voice spoke, as if reading from a script.

“It was especially beloved by the duchess who hanged herself after her dead husband. The weak woman who took her own life, leaving behind a young son, heard it again and again, even the day before she was found pale and lifeless.”

“…….”

“Her son was the first to discover his mother’s body. He missed the dances she’d danced with him right up until the moment she hanged herself, and he found her album next to her overturned chair.”

Marcus tucked Liese’s hair behind her ear. The scar at the end of her eyebrow had faded. Her long-sleeved dress hid the blue bruise without effort. She didn’t show any sign of pain when he deliberately nudged the bruises as they danced.

Except for her pale complexion. She was in shock as she realized what she had given him. Marcus stared into her face, unsure of how to respond.

“Liese.”

“…Yes, Your Grace.”

“We’re having a dinner at the mansion this coming weekend, a ceremonial gathering before we begin our social season, and my aunt, the Marchioness Witrock, will also be attending.”

“…….”

“I’d like to invite you to be there; will you be free?”

He asked, knowing the answer. Liese nodded hastily.

“Yes, I’ll attend. Thank you for inviting me.”

“You’re welcome.”

With a tilt of his chin, Marcus gave her a gentle smile. His hair was unusually red in the setting sun. Liese barely managed to pull up the corners of her mouth.

“You’ve gone through a lot to please me. I’ll make sure you receive your reward today as well.”

His light tone felt like a sharp knife to Liese. Strangely, she felt a tightness in the pit of her stomach.

“You came all the way up to the mansion; you deserve what you get.”

“…Thank you for your consideration.”

As Marcus called for the steward, it didn’t take long for a thick envelope of money to be handed over. Liese took it with a downcast gaze, barely able to hold back her tears.

“I’ll take my leave first.”

With a quick bow, Marcus turned and walked away. Raising her head, Liese watched his retreating form for a moment.

***