Page 73 of When the Duke Met His Match

Eric straightened his spine in response while Theophilus cleared his throat with a nod, offering his arm to her. “Of course. Let us go then.”

She was right. They needed to concentrate, even if he couldn’t help but force back the bile that crept up his throat.

Time was closing in on them, and they needed to act fast.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

ODETTE

The ballroom was a spectacle to see. No expense had been spared in creating the general’s vision for the event. Vibrant colors beckoned them inside, with beautiful bouquets, exquisite chandeliers, and the finest things money could buy.

It truly was an event fit for a king, with elaborate costumes and masks all gliding across the floor like anonymous phantoms in the night. The orchestra plucked away beautifully to create an enchanting evening Odette was sure they’d never forget.

It was a shame to know the rebels would be arriving any moment to send the manufactured magical world into ruin and chaos.

She could only hope they had a change of heart.

Her brows furrowed as she took in the costumes around her, all seeming to follow a specific guideline.

The gentlemen strode into the room dressed as highwaymen and pirates, putting on mock accents to play the part and causing the others to erupt in roars of laughter. The ladies donned bright silk and satin gowns, topped with feathers, jewels, and elaborate masks. Some took on the faces of animals, while others were uncanny faces that made her skin crawl.

Odette wondered if it was a mistake, forgetting she didn’t look much different from the other women. It was Theophilus and Eric she was worried for, seeing as they were dressed fancily and very unlike crooks and criminals.

“It seems we missed the dress code,” Theophilus murmured to her, glancing around the room. “At least we won’t be here long.”

Everything about the ball was dazzling as if they had been transported to another time and place.

The music changed, indicating a new dance would soon be underway.

The partygoers partnered up and stood in formation, with the ladies wearing their flirty smiles and batting their lashes as prettily as they could.

Odette thought she might choke on the heady mixture of flirtation and intrigue in the room, active in the air like electric shocks. She could only assume it was from the excitement and secrecy of not knowing who one’s partner was.

Many of the couples spoke as they danced, clearly attempting to discover the other’s identity without revealing their own.

It was a scandalous idea; if the circumstances had been different, she could see herself participating in such an event. However, she would not be a welcome guest at this ball if anyone discovered her identity, and it was difficult to accept that fact. She was there to stop an assassination, not pretend to be a lady of high esteem and great potential.

“I’m out of my depth,” Odette confessed, whispering to Theophilus.

He pulled a smile like nothing was out of the ordinary as if they had arrived at the ball with no intentions other than dancing and socializing with proper society. “I have every belief in you. Just follow my lead.”

“I’m not so sure I have that belief in myself,” she murmured, being led through the room toward the dancers.

“Remember to remain alert,” he murmured, easing them through the crowd until they reached an opening. Beginning the steps with their hands together and bodies close, he continued, “If you find anyone who looks familiar or might be one of the rebels, alert us immediately. We will handle it.”

Odette nodded, finding it strange to look at him with his mask on. While he mostly looked like himself, his face was skewed just enough to trick her mind into thinking he was someone else entirely. It gave her a funny feeling and a flicker of excitement at the idea.

They swayed and spun just like the other couples, following the steps as if they had practiced beforehand. While Odette never cared for balls or being a debutante, she couldn’t forget the lessons she was forced to take at her mother’s demand, even if her parents didn’t push her to find a husband in the end.

It was likely that Theophilus had similar lessons, for they both moved as naturally as everyone else.

The realization struck her suddenly, and she couldn’t stop herself from smiling. They felt like a real couple without all the running and worry to stop them from being normal.

Theophilus smiled back at her after finishing a turn. “What is so amusing?”

Warmth filled her cheeks, heart clenching with how much she adored him. “This is our first real dance, almost like we were personally invited.”

His eyes softened at that, then a sad smile followed. He took her hands in his and guided her backward. “If I had become the son my father wanted, I would’ve been invited here.”