For the first time that evening, Julian found himself at a loss for words.
He had expected Marbella to blush.
To lower her gaze.
Perhaps even apologize for refusing his invitation to dance.
Instead…
She stood before him with perfect composure.
As though speaking to nothing more than another noble.
Julian recovered with a faint chuckle.
"Lady Marbella is more straightforward than the rumors suggest."
Marbella smiled politely.
"I prefer honesty over empty pleasantries."
"An admirable quality."
A comfortable silence settled between them.
Julian rested one hand on the stone railing and looked out across the illuminated gardens.
"The Grand Duke's estate is magnificent."
"My father has always taken pride in maintaining it."
"I can see that."
His eyes drifted toward the ballroom.
"I must admit… I was surprised."
"About what?"
"You chose to dance with my elder brother."
Marbella followed his gaze.
"The Crown Prince is my cousin."
"It seemed only natural."
Julian smiled.
"Many ladies would disagree."
"They would gladly choose a prince closer to their own age."
Marbella let out a quiet laugh.
"Then perhaps they should."
Her answer caught Julian off guard again.
He looked at her carefully.
The young woman before him did not seem interested in impressing him.
Nor did she appear intimidated by his status.
She simply…
Didn't care.
For reasons he couldn't explain, that only made him more curious.
"I hope we can become better acquainted in the future."
Marbella met his gaze.
"If fate allows it."
Not friendship.
Not a promise.
Merely…
If fate allows it.
Julian understood the hidden distance in her words.
Before he could respond, another voice interrupted them.
"There you are."
Wilbert slowly stepped onto the balcony, followed by Lady Eleanor.
"I was beginning to wonder where my birthday girl had disappeared."
Marbella smiled warmly.
"I simply needed some fresh air."
Wilbert's gaze shifted between the two younger nobles.
"I hope I didn't interrupt anything."
"Not at all," Julian answered smoothly.
"I was merely congratulating Lady Marbella."
Wilbert nodded.
"In that case, thank you for attending tonight."
"It means a great deal to House Petrovic."
Julian smiled politely.
"The honor is mine."
After exchanging a few more words, Julian excused himself and returned to the ballroom.
Only after he disappeared did Wilbert let out a small sigh.
"My brother certainly has a talent for conversations."
Marbella remained silent.
"You don't seem particularly fond of him."
She looked at Wilbert in surprise.
"What makes you think that?"
Wilbert smiled.
"You were polite."
"But distant."
"You've never looked at someone the way you looked at him just now."
Marbella lowered her eyes.
"I only met His Highness today."
"Perhaps."
Wilbert didn't press further.
Instead, he changed the subject.
"I heard from Lady Eleanor that you were asking about my medicine yesterday."
Marbella's heart skipped a beat.
"I was only curious."
"So Eleanor told me."
Wilbert chuckled.
"She said you nearly frightened the servants."
"I didn't mean to."
"I know."
His smile softened.
"You've always worried too much."
If only that were true.
She hadn't worried enough.
Not in her previous life.
Otherwise…
He might still be alive.
A sudden coughing fit interrupted Wilbert's thoughts.
"Cough…"
"Cough…!"
Lady Eleanor immediately supported him.
"Your Highness."
"I'm fine."
He smiled reassuringly despite his pale face.
"It seems I've stayed outside too long."
Marbella instinctively stepped forward.
"Your Highness…"
"I'm truly fine."
Seeing the concern in her eyes, Wilbert smiled gently.
"You look as though I'm about to collapse."
Marbella forced herself to smile.
"I hope you never do."
Wilbert laughed quietly.
"What an unusual birthday wish."
Late that night, after the last guests had departed, the Grand Duke's mansion finally grew quiet.
Marbella sat alone in her study.
Several books on medicinal herbs lay open across the desk.
None of them mentioned symptoms identical to Wilbert's condition.
She frowned.
"Not enough…"
She needed more information.
A soft knock came from the door.
"Come in."
Mia entered and bowed.
"My Lady."
"I've already begun investigating the Crown Prince's medicine."
Marbella immediately looked up.
"What did you find?"
"The herbs are delivered to the Imperial Palace every month by the Royal Apothecary."
"Nothing unusual so far."
Marbella nodded.
"And?"
Mia hesitated.
"There is… one strange thing."
Marbella's eyes sharpened.
"The Crown Prince's prescription is never prepared by the Imperial Physicians themselves."
"It is always handed directly to Lady Eleanor."
"The physicians only inspect His Highness afterward."
Silence filled the room.
Marbella slowly closed the book in front of her.
Just as she suspected.
Too many people trusted Eleanor.
No one questioned her.
No one checked what she served.
If someone wanted to poison the Crown Prince…
There could be no better opportunity.
Marbella rose from her chair and walked toward the window.
Outside, the moon hung high above the sleeping estate.
She whispered to herself,
"Lady Eleanor… are you the murderer…"
"Or merely another victim?"