Chapter 493
Chapter 493
Natalia had long seen through Rowell's facade, and that's why her gaze was icy as she addressed him with biting sarcasm. "Lord Rowell, if it wasn't for the fact that the Queen summoned me, | bet you wouldn't even have bothered with my existence, would you? You probably wouldn't even know | walked this earth! So please, spare me your hollow pleasantries. | do not need them."
With that, Natalia turned on her heel and walked away without a backward glance, refusing to engage with Rowell any further.
Rowell's face darkened with anger, but he was in a public setting and needed to maintain the demeanor of a nobleman. Thus, he could only force a strained smile and turn to Callum, who was preparing to leave with Natalia. "Duke Callum, look at this daughter of mine, refusing to even acknowledge me. How undutiful.”
"Duke Rowell, as they say, you reap what you sow. It's the circle of life, isn't it?" Callum responded with poise, giving a slight bow before turning to follow Lexi. He had no interest in exchanging more words with the hypocritical Rowell.
Rowell was fuming inwardly after being rebuffed by both of them, but since Natalia was the Queen's esteemed guest, he dared not trouble her openly. He had no choice but to swallow his pride and slowly work on mending relations with Natalia moving forward.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Callum announced as the host of the banquet, noticing the Queen's arrival with her entourage. "Let's welcome Her Majesty with a round of applause."
As the Queen approached, the room erupted in applause. She raised a hand to quiet the crowd before speaking gracefully, "Thank you all for attending this dinner in honor of the talented designer Natalia. Her last creation, a crown with a touch of vintage charm, received much acclaim during my international tour. Tonight, | would like to commend her and also to request another unique piece of jewelry."
The Queen looked toward Natalia. "Miss Natalia, would you do me this honor?"
Aconfident smile graced Natalia's face. “Your Majesty, | am flattered by your praise and will endeavor to create a piece that is truly unparalleled.”
The applause that followed was thunderous and prolonged.
As the dinner commenced after the Queen’s speech, Natalia became the center of attention, with guests vying to curry favor with the designer in the Queen’s favor.
However, Natalia was not one for socializing. After exchanging pleasantries with a few society ladies, she felt her face stiffening from the forced smiles.
Nevertheless, she managed to endure until the end of the event and stepped out of the banquet hall at Magnus’ urging.
Outside, the moon and lanterns softly lit the palace's tree-lined paths, but Natalia was in agony. She rued her choice of stiletto heels, which made her feet feel as if they would break after hours of standing.
Magnus noticed her faltering steps and asked softly, "Are you in discomfort?" Natalia nodded miserably. “Yes, my feet feel like they are about to fall off. They hurt so much."NôvelDrama.Org holds this content.
“It must be from standing too long," he said, examining her swollen feet before sweeping her up in his arms. "My dear, if your feet hurt, you shouldn't walk. Let me carry you."
Natalia blushed, playfully chiding him, "Put me down, Magnus. We're not at home, and it's embarrassing to be carried like this in the palace with so many onlookers!"
Magnus continued forward, unbothered. "What's the worry? Isn't England the land of romance? Besides, | am carrying my wife, there's nothing secretive about that."
"But..." Her protest trailed off as she noticed the guards passing by. She hid her face in Magnus’ chest and was too embarrassed to look up.
The palace guards, however, showed no sign of amusement, simply walking past without a glance. Displays of affection were commonplace to them.
Feeling reassured, Natalia allowed Magnus to carry her a while longer before softly insisting, "Put me down. | can walk on my
own. Magnus kept walking. "Why should I? Your feet are swollen. Don't worry about my strength, dear, | can handle it."
Sensing his determination, Natalia fell silent and rested against him as he carried her through the palace grounds.
Behind them, the streetlamps cast their glow on the couple, silently observing this perfect match.
They didn't return to Callum's castle but to a small villa arranged by the Queen, complete with a Gothic fagade and a charming garden with a burbling fountain.
Once inside, Magnus gently placed Natalia on the bed and fetch
basin oF wasmyyeiel © lsdak her feet. “Daring your feet are terribly swollen. Some warm water will help with the pain and swelling." Please read the original content at NovelDrama.Org.
Natalia tried to take over. "I can do it myself; there's no need for you to help with my shoes."
Magnus looked at her with twinkling eyes and a playful grin. "My dear,
you shy about shaving line your eet? Thyra Hotfing on you | haven't seen before. And with all those straps, are you Sure you can manage?" Please read the original content at NovelDrama.Org.
Caught in her embarrassment and helplessness, Natalia had no choice but to accept his tender care as he gently removed her shoes and eased her feet into the soothing water.
Natalia's cheeks were flushed like the rosy hue of a sunset. "But I've been walking all day; my feet must be filthy."
With a tenderness that belied his strong frame, Magnus knelt down and gently unlaced Natatia's Goes! Heyifted hate’ ana eased them into the warm water. "Who said you are dirty? Not a chance. Every inch of you is pristine, my love. It's my honor to wash your feet." Please read the original content at NovelDrama.Org.
Awave of warmth surged through Natalia's heart. This man, wealthy beyond measure, who stood defiant in the face of any challenge, was now humbly washing her feet. How could she not be moved?
“Honey, I..." Natalia's eyes brimmed with tears, and her voice choked with emotion.