The wrong Valemont brother

CRESSIDA’S POV The morning I turned eighteen, I was reminded that my childhood had finally come to an end. “Hold still, my lady.” I held my breath as Margaret fastened the final row of buttons at the back of my gown. My arms were already aching as I held them above my head. “I’ve been holding still for nearly an hour.” I complained. “And yet, you have managed to move every time I attempted to fasten a button.” “Perhaps that is because you are attempting to lace into my own gown.” “Young ladies do not dress themselves on the morning of their coming of age celebration.” I sighed as I stared at her reflection in the mirror. “This is perhaps why I should remain a child.” Margaret sighed. “Your mother will have my head if you wrinkle this dress before the ball.” “Indeed.” I chuckled. My eighteenth birthday was apparently important enough to justify this torture. It wasn’t simply a birthday. Everyone made sure that I understood that. I was eighteen now. Old enough to marry Lord SebastianValemont, whom I had been promised since I was a child. “All done.” She placed her hands on her hips proudly. “You look stunning.” “Thank you.” “My lady.” A maid walked inside. “Yes.” I turned to her. “You have a guest waiting in the garden.” She said. “Oh.” I mumbled with a puzzled look, even when I knew well who this guest was. “Lord Sebastian.” I smiled as I made my way to the bamboo bench in the middle of the garden. “My lady.” He flashed me a smile. Sebastian Valemont, the noble son and heir of the Valemont family. I had been promised to him for as long as I could remember, and by the time I was old enough to understand what that meant, the marriage had become an accepted part of my future. Fortunately, this arrangement had never been entirely awkward. Lord Sebastian and I had spent enough time together over the years, at family gatherings and public events. I had naturally grown fond of his company. We were not in love, nor had I ever mistaken our relationship for a grand romance, but there was no denying the fact that he was charming. “What brings you here this early?” I asked, sitting down. “The ball does not start till sunset.” “I’m aware. I just wanted to give you something.” He said. “Is that so?.” I raised a brow. He pulled out a small box from his inner coat pocket and handed it to me. “An early birthday present.” I opened the box and stared at the delicate silver necklace inside. “Sebastian…” “It belonged to my mother.” I looked up. “And you’re giving it to me?” “You’ll be my wife soon.” He smiled. “It’s only right that it’s passed down to you.” “Very well then.” I chuckled. “No more waiting Cressida.” I could feel my heart beating faster when he said this. It was true that I was about to become the youngest Lady Valemont, but somehow it still felt unreal, and exciting. The party began immediately after sunset. The Ashbourne estate was filled with nobles, most of which were father’s acquaintances. Mother’s friends were there too, giving me unsolicited advice on how to be a good wife to Sebastian. It was awfully exhausting. “Having fun?” My best friend Violetta appeared beside me. “No.” I blurted. “Come on.” She chuckled. “Shouldn’t you be happy? I mean you’re finally turning eighteen.” “Yes.” I smiled. “And I’m getting married too.” “Don’t be nervous. You’ve always wanted to get married.” “Yes.” I nodded with a sigh. “It’s precisely why I can’t stop feeling nervous.” “Is this about Lord Sebastian?” She leaned closer. “Have you two not spent enough time for you to decide if you like him?” “I like him.” I said honestly. “He’s a good man.” “Very well.” Violetta smiled. “Don’t sulk around anymore, people will begin to whisper.” As the ball proceeded, mother took me around to greet the guests, and for the first time I was introduced as Lady Cressida to everyone. For the first time, I was treated with a great deal of respect, considering my present and future status. It felt good, having everyone treat me so differently, especially my parents. It was soon time for me to have my first dance with father. Margaret had taken a good deal of her time to prepare me for this moment, and fortunately, her efforts did not go to waste. After my first dance with father, Lord Sebastian and I had our dance. The orchestra began a slow waltz and he led me to the dance floor. “You look stunning.” Lord Sebastian smiled. “Thank you.” I mumbled shyly. If there was one thing I particularly admired about Lord Sebastian, it was how easily he could flatter me. After the music ended, father took the stage. “My dear esteemed guests, my family and I are honoured by your presence tonight.” Father’s voice rang through the room. “May your evening be filled with delightful company and splendid music.” Everyone cheered. Father waited for the noise to die down before he continued. “We also want to use this medium to announce our daughter Cressida’s marriage to Lord Sebastian Valemont, four months from now.” Again, everyone cheered, but this news left me more nervous than I had felt earlier. I had known about the wedding for weeks, yet hearing father announce it before half of the kingdom made my stomach twist. Four months suddenly sounded far less like a distant future and far more like a deadline. I turned to Sebastian and he flashed me a smile. That made me feel better, like it was an assurance that this wouldn’t be a mistake. We had a toast when father was done talking, the Ashbournes and Valemonts. Duke Valemont called it our first official toast as a family. Now that my marriage to Lord Sebastian had been announced to the public, both families had officially become in laws. “Has anyone heard from Lucien?” Duke Valemont asked. The atmosphere instantly changed and I couldn’t help but notice it. I turned to Violetta and whispered. “Why does everyone look so frightened?” She stared at me strangely. “You have never met Lord Lucien?” I shook my head. He was Sebastian’s brother that lived abroad, that was all I knew. But I got curious about who he actually was, with how strangely everyone was reacting to his return. I was still trying to make sense out of the whole situation when a servant approached Duke Valemont and whispered something to him. “What is it?” Sebastian asked. “Lord Lucien has returned.” Conversations around me faltered, the duke’s glass paused halfway. Even Sebastian’s smile disappeared. The large doors creaked open and I quickly turned.