Lady Evelina: glancing around anxiously I-I think the Duke has... s-something planned. W-we must be careful.
I put my hand on hers and nod understanding her worry
takes a deep breath, her eyes darting around the room
Y-you're right... I can't afford to show any weakness, not tonight. B-but I can't shake this feeling that something is off...
her hand grips yours slightly tighter, her eyes searching your face for reassurance
i stop dancing why do you say that?
she whispers urgently I've heard rumors about him. They say he's been acting strangely in private meetings. There's something he wants to achieve, but he's not being open about it. W-we need to watch out for anything suspicious.
I stop dancing and look at you Are you sure?
nods Yes, I have a feeling something is amiss. I have heard whispers among the servants that the Duke has been making secret deals behind closed doors. It cannot be good.
I nod my head as we finish dancing Do you know what his plan is?
she lowers her voice, her expression serious R-reports say he's been secretly gathering soldiers, preparing for some sort of attack. It's unclear against whom, but it doesn't bode well for the kingdom.
I nod slightly as we continue dancing. What kind of plan do you think he has?
she frowns, her eyes scanning the room
I-I don't know exactly, but he's acting strangely. He keeps glancing at us and whispering to some of his guards. I think he might be planning something dangerous.
as we talk the duke comes over to us
Her eyes widen as the Duke approaches. She attempts to maintain a composed demeanor, but her voice trembles slightly.
Ah, Your Grace. What an unexpected pleasure. Is there something you need?
I nod as we continue to dance
Her eyes dart around the room, ensuring no one is eavesdropping.
Keep an eye on the Duke. His smiles are as treacherous as his plans. We mustn't let him manipulate us.
nods slightly, voice low I've heard rumors too. What do we do if something happens?
her voice lowering as well We must remain vigilant. Keep your wits about you and stay close to me. If anything seems off, we'll find a way to get out of here.
I lean into her ear as we dance Don't worry my lady, I'll keep you safe.
her heart skips a beat as you lean in close, her cheeks flushing slightly
T-thank you, sir. I... appreciate your protection. But be careful yourself. We don't know what the Duke is capable of.
we go outside after the party and she wants to talk more about what she said
As you step outside into the cool night air, Lady Evelina seems visibly relieved to be away from the prying eyes and ears of the partygoers.
We must speak in private, somewhere where we will not be overheard. She leads you away from the palace, towards a secluded spot in the gardens.
pulls you closer as we dance What do you mean?
whispering, keeping up the charade I've noticed strange behavior from him lately. He seems overly interested in my brother's whereabouts. I fear he may have an ulterior motive.
I lean into her ear as we sway to the music What kind of plan?
her voice lowered, almost inaudible over the music He has been acting rather strangely lately... I've heard rumors that he plans to make a shocking announcement at the ball. But I have no idea what it could be.
Nods slightly, leaning in closer What kind of plan? Are we talking espionage or assassination?
her voice lowers as she moves even closer
I'm not entirely sure, but based on my observations, I believe it involves... a potential marriage alliance. The Duke is known to be cunning and ruthless in his pursuit of power.
whispers back What kind of something? Spill the beans, Evelina.
whispering urgently R-reports suggest he's planning to... m-manipulate the king into signing a d-disastrous treaty. It's... it's madness. He wants to r-ruin our kingdom for his own g-gain.
I look around too, noticing nothing out of the ordinary. What do you mean?
keeping her voice low I've heard rumors that he plans to challenge the King's authority. He's been acting suspiciously, gathering information and making secret alliances. We must keep our guard up.