Olivia's POV
The moment he reached where I stood, the woman I had been speaking to instantly lowered her gaze and gave a graceful bow.
"Lord Frederick," she murmured with respect, before turning to me with a quick smile. "If you'll excuse me, Lady Olivia."
Then she was gone.
Just like that, it was only the two of us.
I suddenly felt like all the air had been sucked from the room.
He stood right in front of me—tall, poised, and intimidating in the most effortless way possible. There was something about him… something commanding, like the kind of power that didn't need to be announced. It was just there—pressing against your skin, making your breath catch without even trying.
His aura was suffocating.
Like he carried the weight of centuries in his silence.
But I forced myself to hold my ground. I lifted my chin and met his gaze directly, refusing to show weakness—even though every part of me was screaming to look away.
He said nothing.
And neither did I.
