She told herself his question meant nothing, that perhaps he simply disliked unfamiliar fashion among the nobility.
Still, the intensity in his voice lingered in her mind, refusing to fade.
Near midnight, as guests gathered for refreshments, Alaric found a moment to approach her again, this time without an audience close enough to overhear.
"I did not mean to offend you earlier," he said, his tone softer than before. "The dress reminded me of something important."
Alina studied his face, searching for mockery, but finding only sincerity.
"It was my mother's work," she said carefully, testing his reaction.
His eyes widened slightly, and for a moment he looked almost relieved. "Your mother," he repeated, as though confirming a private suspicion.
Before he could explain further, Margaret returned, practically pulling Alina away with a tight, worried smile directed at the Duke.
"We should not keep His Grace from his other guests," she said quickly, guiding Alina toward the garden doors for air.
Once outside, Margaret turned to her with barely concealed panic. "You must be careful," she warned. "The Thorne family has a complicated history, and involvement with them could ruin what little standing we have left."
Alina frowned, confused by her aunt's sudden fear. "What history?" she asked, but Margaret only shook her head, refusing to elaborate, insisting it was better left forgotten.
The refusal only deepened Alina's curiosity, especially after witnessing Alaric's reaction to her mother's name.