Chapter 429
“Father Benedict!”
Prince William’s booming voice could rival Preston’s, and Niamh felt her ears ringing from the sheer volume.
“Prince William, could you please let go of me first?”
The moment Niamh said this, Prince William realized he’d gotten carried away–again. He immediately released her, looking sheepish.
“Sorry, sorry! I just can’t believe I’m meeting Father Benedict in person! This is incredible!”
Though this was the first time Niamh and Prince William had met face to face, Queen Elizabeth had introduced them via email some time ago, and they’d
exchanged quite a few messages since then.
Niamh always kept things strictly professional, but Prince William had a knack for steering the conversation into personal territory.
He’d ask if she was seeing anyone, compliment her photos, and even offer to set
her
up with friends.
In Niamh’s mind, a prince ought to be dignified, reserved, and the picture of nobility.
The reality, however, was quite different. Prince William was friendly, endlessly curious, and more than a little nosy.
Still, given that he was a bit younger than her, Niamh simply thought of hi little brother.
“You don’t have to call me that! Just use my real name.”
“Of course! Absolutely!”
In front of Niamh, Prince William acted like a starstruck fan meeting his idol, practically bouncing with excitement.
as a
Marigold, watching from across the room, looked so shocked her jaw nearly hit the floor.
“What on earth is going on with Niamh? She knows Prince William?”
Sprague, standing beside Marigold, stayed silent, his brow furrowed deep enough to
cut marble.
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Chapter 429
Hayes and the others, seeing Niamh not only remain at the party but chatting amiably with Prince William, finally let out the breaths they’d been holding.
Out on the dance floor, Jonathan wasn’t the only one standing stock–still among the swirling couples.
Ramona was there too.
Since Jonathan was her partner, and he refused to move, she couldn’t very well dance on her own and make a spectacle of herself.
The instant Prince William hugged Niamh, Jonathan had dropped Ramona’s hand. Now both eyes were fixed on Niamh and Prince William, practically burning a hole through them.
Even after Prince William let go, Jonathan remained rooted to the spot, as motionless as a lamppost in the center of the dance floor.
Ramona, however, seemed more amused than annoyed. She folded her arms and studied Jonathan’s face with frank curiosity.
It was an exceptionally handsome face.
“Still hung up on your ex–wife, are you?”
The sudden question snapped Jonathan out of his trance and he turned to look at
her.
His eyes were dark and fathomless, like the ocean on a winter night.
He was silent for a while, his striking features unreadable–neither happy nor sad, just frozen in place.
At last, he replied coolly, “You’re overthinking it.”
Ramona smiled, casually flicking her hair over her shoulder, the movement full of flirtatious grace.
“If that’s the case, why aren’t you dancing with me, instead of staring at your ex–wife like you can’t tear your eyes away?”
Jonathan let out a cold laugh. “Who says I’m not going to dance with you?”
He reached out his hand to her.
At the same time, just beyond the dance floor, Prince William was offering his hand to Niamh,
“Miss Niamh, may I have this dance?”
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Chapter 429
Niamh gave a wry little smile. She knew Prince William was just being respectful, but being called “Miss Niamh” made her feel years older than she was.
“Just call me Niamh, please.”
“Alright, Niamh… would you do me the honor of a dance?”
“Of course.”
She took his hand and let him lead her onto the floor.
At this gala, held before the auction officially began, every young debutante in the room had dreamed of dancing with Prince William–even the slimmest chance might mean an invitation to join the royal family someday.
Yet, all evening, Prince William hadn’t danced with a single woman. Until now.
