Chapter Thirteen A Little Bit Of Competition I See
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The ballroom pulsed with a swirl of chatter, music, and the rustle of silk. Eloise, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation, navigated the throng, the familiar scent of powder and sweat clinging to the air. Two years in Scotland had done little to dull her senses, she still felt the same overwhelming sense of belonging, of being home, as she stepped into the opulent hall.
Her family, chattering away about the latest gossip, barely even noticed as she slipped away.
Eloise drifted towards a table laden with champagne flutes. Her fingers carefully reached for a glass, only to collide with another hand.
"Oh, i am so sorry" Eloise murmured, her voice barely a whisper.
"No, I apologize" came a reply, equally genuine.
Eloise's heart skipped a beat. The voice was a melody she knew intimately, a melody that had haunted her dreams for the past two years.
Eloise looked up, her breath catching in her throat. "Lilith" she whispered, admiring the taller woman. Her alluring face, usually framed by her silky night-like hair, was now exposed due to her sleek elegant bun. The vibrant hues of her purple silk gown shimmered like amethysts in the candlelight, and her eyes, usually dull and bright, now held a regal serenity that sent a tremor through Eloise.
Before Eloise could speak, Lilith's champagne glass slipped from her trembling hand, shattering on the polished floor.
"Lilith!" a voice boomed, cutting through the murmur of the crowd. A man, tall and handsome, his face etched with concern, hurried towards Lilith. He took her hand, using the other to gently cup her cheek. "My dear, are you alright?"
Eloise's world tilted on its axis. The life drained out of her as she seen Lilith lean into the man's touch, a soft smile gracing her lips. Her gaze fell to Lilith's fingers, where a brilliant diamond ring gleamed.
"Eloise, this is Prince Edward, my fiancé" Lilith said, her voice betraying a hint of nervousness. She turned to the Prince, "Edward, this is Eloise Bridgerton, my dearest friend"
The words felt like shards of ice piercing Eloise's heart. She struggled to find her voice, a choked "I...I should be going" escaping her lips.
Eloise's lungs burned, each breath a desperate gasp for air as she careened through the bustling ballroom. The music, the chatter, the swirling gowns ~ it all blurred into a dizzying maelstrom. The familiar scent of jasmine, always a reminder of happier times, now felt suffocating, like a shroud pulled over her heart. Reaching a secluded room, she attempted to slip through the open doorway, but a burly guard, his face etched with indifference, blocked her path.
"Excuse me madam, this room is not for guests" he stated, his voice a monotone drone.
Eloise, barely able to speak, stammered, "Just for a moment, please le-"
Before she could finish, a voice, richer than gold, cut through the air. "Move aside, Thomas. Miss Bridgerton and i have much to discuss"
The guard, startled, bowed hastily and stepped away. Eloise turned, her heart pounding, to see Lilith standing there, radiating an aura of cool assurance. She was a vision in lavender, her light eyes gleaming with a hint of amusement.
Lilith, oblivious to Eloise's internal turmoil, gracefully entered the room and, with a flick of her wrist, commanded the guard to close the heavy doors behind them.
"Eloise" Lilith began, her voice a gentle murmur as she slid an arm around her waist. "Tell me. What troubles you?" Her lips brushed against Eloise's ear, sending a shiver down her spine.
Eloise bit back a moan, pulling away. "This is not proper, Lilith. We cannot behave in such a manner"
Lilith's lips curved into a weak smile. "Indeed, i suppose you are right. For you see, I am engaged" she extended her left hand, showing off the divine ring.
The words struck Eloise like a physical blow. Jealousy, raw and burning, surged through her. "As am i" the lie tumbled out of her mouth before she could stop it.
"To whom?" Lilith asked, her voice tight, her eyes unwavering.
"To a beautiful woman" Eloise blurted out.
Lilith's jaw clenched. Her hand found its way to Eloise's neck. "Who, Eloise? Tell me her name"
Eloise, her breath caught in her throat, glared at Lilith. "You would not know her, Lilith. It is none of your concern"
"You will speak" Lilith commanded, her voice a low growl. "Tell me who this beautiful woman is"
A soft gasp slipped past Eloise's rosy lips as Lilith pulled her closer. "Her name is Mary"
Lilith released her instantly, her eyes burning with an intensity that could melt steel. "Mary" she repeated, the name tasting bitter on her tongue. "I shall like to meet this Mary, Eloise. I shall like to see for myself if she is indeed worthy of your affections"
Eloise, unable to bear the heat of Lilith's gaze any longer, offered a sarcastic bow. "Of course, Lilith..." she laughed before continuing. "Forgive my last, Princess"
She slowly stood up straight, smiling deviously as she turned on her heels and stormed out of the room.
