Chapter 1628: Chapter 1628

Jenkins had no intention of killing the man. As he said, it wasn't something worth taking a life over. Still, an investigation into the background and motives of Viscount Vicktum, now being escorted out by the guards, was necessary. While it seemed like a simple provocation between contenders for the throne, there could be other reasons.

He didn't wonder why Vicktum had suddenly tripped and made a huge fool of himself; Jenkins assumed it was one of Alexia's little tricks. Coincidentally, Alexia thought the very same thing about Jenkins.

"I believe Miss Windsor mentioned that the name Vicktum is connected to Queen Isabella's maternal family."

Jenkins mused for a moment, then turned to Alexia beside him.

"What a mood killer. But we can't let that spoil our evening. Shall we dance again? I imagine Miss Windsor and the Stuarts will be here soon."

The minor commotion at the entrance didn't stop the orchestra from striking up another elegant dance tune. Jenkins rarely had the chance to dance with Alexia alone, and he didn't want to waste the opportunity.

"Alright, one more dance," the petite woman agreed with a beautiful smile, though she complained in a low voice, "But honestly, Jenkins, you're stiff as a board when you dance. And you keep staring down at my shoes. It's truly dreadful."

The second piece was shorter than the first. After it ended, there was still plenty of time, and Jenkins was about to ask for another when a young woman with black hair, dressed in a long black and white chiffon gown, approached them.

She was a little taller than Alexia, with a fish-shaped clip in her hair—an unusual style, but one that perfectly suited the girl's youthful, adorable charm.

The black-haired girl asked boldly, her voice lively, powerful, and even a little playful. Her large, beautiful eyes blinked at Jenkins, her face lit with a sweet smile. She acted as if she'd known Jenkins and Alexia forever.

Jenkins was taken aback by the sudden invitation, while Alexia immediately turned to look toward the sofas. She froze, then spun back, a strange expression on her face as she looked from the girl in the black and white gown to Jenkins, and then back to the girl again.

"I'm sorry, I have a partner," Jenkins replied, his tone gentle. Though she was doing the same thing as Viscount Vicktum, he could sense no malice from her.

The girl held up a single finger, then blinked her big, lovely eyes at Alexia. Though she said nothing, her meaning was perfectly clear.

Alexia had never been in a situation before. She thought for a moment and, astonishingly, let go of Jenkins's hand.

"You may, but I'll be watching from the side."

Jenkins stared at the petite woman in amazement. She just shrugged, looking the black-haired girl up and down.

"Just this once, mind you." Follow current novels on novelꞁire.net

Alexia didn't sound angry; on the contrary, she seemed to have stumbled upon something incredibly interesting.

"Of course, just this once," the black-haired girl said excitedly. She then completely ignored Alexia and reached for Jenkins's hand.

"I'm sorry, but I have my partner," he insisted.

He respected his companions, and Alexia had just turned down the young viscount. For him to accept this dance, for any reason, would make him seem despicable and hypocritical.

"I already gave my permission. At a ball , if you only dance with me, people will start gossiping about Dolores," Alexia offered a rather flimsy explanation, then actually gave Jenkins a firm push. Seeing her chance, the girl grabbed Jenkins's hand again. He shot a puzzled look at Alexia as the girl pulled him into the throng of dancers.

The girl was remarkably agile and an excellent dancer. Even with a preoccupied Jenkins as her partner, she led him through the steps with flawless grace.

Standing on the edge of the crowd, Alexia watched them dance and beckoned a waiter for a glass of champagne.

"I never imagined the man I've set my sights on would..."

She muttered to herself, then took a large gulp of the wine to calm her nerves. Like Jenkins, Alexia rarely drank, which only highlighted the turmoil of her current mood.

Holding the glass and crossing her arms, she blinked. A string of runes flashed before her vision, and the world reflected in her eyes shifted, becoming subtly different from reality. Yet, in this altered view, Jenkins and the girl in the black and white gown remained unchanged, appearing perfectly normal.

"Audrey once said I'd be entangled with a cat my whole life. I always thought it meant I'd be afflicted with some cat-related curse, but I never expected..." she thought, just as she saw the happily smiling girl wrap her arms around Jenkins's neck.

Soon, the music ended. The strange girl let go of Jenkins's hand and vanished into the crowd, not even giving him a chance to ask her a question. Still utterly bewildered, Jenkins walked back to Alexia's side. Before the petite woman could even ask, he spoke.

"Have I met her before? She feels so familiar. Yes, an incredibly familiar feeling..."

The petite woman pursed her lips and said nothing. Holding her champagne glass, she turned her head away from him, which only deepened Jenkins's confusion.

It was time to greet Miss Windsor and the Stuarts. Miss Windsor arrived a bit early and was slightly surprised to find Jenkins waiting for her in the courtyard. Her expression fell with a hint of disappointment when she learned it was Queen Isabella's request.

Thanks to their collaboration, Miss Windsor already knew Alexia, so no introductions were necessary. She tentatively asked if Hathaway and Briny were also coming, and seemed to breathe a sigh of relief upon hearing they were not.

Miss Windsor had arrived without a male companion, so she joined Jenkins and Alexia. The three of them discussed the recent political situation in Bel Diran, then moved to a more private spot to review their meeting that afternoon with the army corps commander.

Things had gone smoothly. Jenkins Williams's reputation as a legitimate royal descendant simplified matters greatly. After all, this wasn't a usurpation of the throne, but a move to reclaim his "ancestral rights." He was the protagonist, standing on the side of righteousness.

Because of Jenkins's royal lineage, Miss Windsor's original supporters, though they had their opinions, found it acceptable for her to step aside and back him. Most of them were making a political investment; they cared more about the prospects and potential returns than about the specific person they were backing.