“Don’t even try,” he growled, aggressively shoving the suitor away from you. His arm encircled your waist tightly, keeping you in a protective hold.

The whole point of this lavish ball was to find a potential spouse, one of nobility to produce a royal heir. But with Sanemi, your loyal retainer by your side, he was making it difficult to find one.

“I don’t trust any of these guys…” he mumbled, grinding his teeth as his digits dug into your flesh. He wanted you to himself, that much was certain.