Reborn Assassin Princess: The Only Path To Revenge Is Falling In Love!

Chapter 8 The Unwanted Marriage Proposal

Crouching behind a row of meticulously trimmed bushes, I curse under my breath at the ridiculous dress impeding my movements. The conversation between Duke Sinclair and Lady Clarissa is heating up, their whispered words tantalizingly close but impossible to make out clearly. Even if I can read lips, I wish I could move closer, but this blasted gown would give me away in an instant.

Suddenly, Lady Clarissa's stare turns icy cold, her gaze unwavering as she steps menacingly close to Duke Sinclair. "You think I have nothing at stake in this?" she hisses, her voice low and threatening. The Duke, so confident and arrogant moments before, seems taken aback. His sharp features are contorted in surprise, his eyes wide and searching for an escape.

Lady Clarissa's voice takes on a dangerous edge as she presses a finger against the Duke's chest. "Believe me," Lady Clarissa continues, "I want this as much as you do. There is much more on the line for me than you can possibly imagine."

The air is thick with secrets, and each word they utter is a piece of a puzzle I'm desperate to solve. What does Lady Clarissa mean? What goal do they have in common? My curiosity piqued, I risk leaning in closer when unexpectedly a shadow looms over me, blocking the moonlight.

Startled, I whirl around to face the unknown presence behind me. My hand instinctively curls into a fist, poised to strike at the throat of whoever dares to approach me. But as my eyes adjust to the darkness, I recognize the handsome figure of Sir Tristan. His tall, muscular frame looms over me, his striking features barely visible in the dim light. His piercing gaze meets mine with confusion, and I struggle to suppress my trained assassin instincts.

"Princess Seraphina," Tristan says, his voice smooth despite the confusion etched across his face, "What are you doing there?"

My heart races as I scramble for an excuse. "I, uh, lost a bracelet," I stammer, wincing internally at how utterly unconvincing it sounds. "Got it now, though," I finish.

"Glad you found it," Tristan replies with a smile that practically oozes charm. I can just imagine him practicing it in front of a mirror for hours, trying to perfect its devastating effect. He extends a hand to help me up, and I grudgingly accept, trying to hide my irritation at his untimely interruption. I was so close to uncovering more about the conspiracy that led to my death!

Suppressing any signs of irritation, I bow my head and grasp Tristan's hand tightly. As I rise to my feet, Tristan's hand immediately finds its way to my waist. His touch is gentle yet tinged with a hint of sensuality that sends a shiver down my spine. He pulls me into his embrace, and I immediately catch a whiff of his lavender cologne.

His features are undeniably handsome and he's impeccably groomed, though his appearance seems almost too perfect, like he's spent ages carefully arranging every strand of hair. His clothes, too, are elegant and meticulously tailored, emphasizing his lean, muscular build.

"Seraphina," he murmurs in a low, seductive tone, "I've been looking for you all over. You weren't in the ballroom."

Disgusted by his hands on my waist, I swiftly but gently remove them, putting some distance between us. Trying my best to feign a smile, I ask, "Why are you here, Tristan?"

"Ugh, why won't he just go away?" I think to myself, my frustration mounting. I desperately want to return to spying on the Duke and Lady Clarissa, but Tristan seems determined to thwart me as he simply shrugs and gestures for me to follow him.

He doesn't answer my question, instead taking me by the arm and intending to lead me further into the garden. His grip is firm but not unkind, and for a moment, I consider slapping his hand away and running back to continue eavesdropping on the conspirators. But what can I do? If I make any noise, the Duke and Lady Clarissa would be alerted, and I can't risk being discovered. Besides, that's not the way Princess Seraphina would behave anyway.