Cecilia rolled her eyes, struggling to suppress a smile. "Ah, please. If I wanted to be dramatic, I’d form my attack by recounting all the times you’ve embarrassed yourselves in front of the ton."
Tristan piped up again with a smirk. "Yes, and it’s not like you yourself have any embarrassing stories we could tell? You’ve always been the perfect little lady, haven’t you?"
Just as the banter reached its peak, a tall figure approached, cutting through their playful exchange.
"Good evening, my lords! And Lady Cecilia, what a lovely sight you are today," The Earl of Alexandria, Andrew Hugh spoke, flashing a charming smile.
Tristan was the first to speak, and after exchanging pleasantries, his demeanor shifted slightly, a protective glint in his eye. "What brings you to our side here, Hugh? Surely you have better company to keep at such a fine ball."
“Am I not allowed to stop by to exchange pleasantries with friends?” Hugh waved his hand with a laugh. "In truth,” he began, his eyes lingering over Cecilia a moment too long. “I watched you three across the room and was hoping to engage in some delightful conversation with Lady Cecilia. Surely, she would enjoy other company beyond her two overbearing brothers?"
Cecilia felt a sense of unease, unsure how to respond as her brothers exchanged quick glances.
Nathaniel stepped forward, his voice firm. "Actually, I believe our sister is quite busy at the moment. Isn’t that right, Cecilia dear?"
Caught off guard, Cecilia nodded silently, her cheeks slightly flushed.
“Indeed,” Tristan’s tone was almost frighteningly firm. “This is an important ball. We plan on making important steps and discussions toward her future. Those are far more pressing than whatever you had in mind."
Hugh opened his mouth to protest, but the men fell in step in front of Cecilia, their expressions leaving no room for argument.
"Come now, you can’t just shoo me away like that," the earl let out an awkward laugh, trying to maintain his composure.
Tristan glared him down, his tone unwavering. "Shooing only happens as a last resort to chase off determined yet unwanted persons. If you’ll excuse us, we have matters to attend to."
As the trio walked away, Cecilia felt a wave of relief wash over her. She glanced at her brothers, trotting protectively by her side.
"I suppose I should give thanks to you two?" She laughed softly, appreciating their fierce loyalty.
Nathaniel smirked, "Just doing our job, dear sister. No one gets to bother you without going through us first."
Tristan nodded, a playful grin on his face. "Besides, we can’t have anyone thinking they can sweep you off your feet without our permission!"
Cecilia laughed, feeling grateful for their support, even amid their teasing. “S till, what was that all about?" Her curiosity piqued, she made a final glance back at the earl.
Tristan sighed, crossing his arms defensively. "You need not know, sister."
Nathaniel leaned close with a smirk. "Oh, come now! The earl is just a friend of Tristan. That should be enough for you to understand why we don’t want him noticing you."
Cecilia raised an eyebrow, her interest only growing. The pieces of the puzzle were there, yet she wanted to hear it in words to fully confirm. “What kind of a man is he exactly?”
Tristan's expression darkened slightly as he answered gruffly, "The kind that’s a rake, Cecilia. Now, enough about him."
Cecilia narrowed her eyes, a playful challenge in her voice. "And what makes you think I haven’t grown used to the rakish behavior by now?”
Nathaniel cackled, clearly enjoying the banter. "Oh, I believe she’s referring to having experience with you, big brother.”
Tristan shot him a glare. "This isn’t a joke, Nate. I’m serious. The earl has a reputation. He’s not the sort of man you want to attract, sister."
Cecilia leaned in closer, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "And what if I do want to attract him? Maybe I’d like to see what all the fuss is about."
Tristan growled, his voice low and firm. "Maintain your manners in public, Cecilia. You don’t toy with men like him. They’re dangerous. Not every man can handle your oddities with grace as your brothers do."
"What’s to say those oddities don’t make me equally as dangerous?" she countered again, a teasing smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
Nathaniel’s laughter rang out again, “Cecilia, the intriguing! No worries, if you end up in trouble, Tristan and I will be right there to rescue you, as always."
“Don’t encourage her,” Tristan rolled his eyes grumpily.
