The music shifted, the upbeat tempo filling the air, and the crowd parted, allowing Nin and Rodrigue to begin the first dance.
Nin counted the steps in her head—one, two, three, one, two, three—and focused on the movements and pauses as Cedric had instructed. She remembered to smile when Rodrigue brushed hands with her, his grin reassuring and charming. Polite applause followed before the music changed, and other dancers took the floor.
Another partner asked for a dance, and another. She was required to accept each with a nod and a smile, engaging in meaningless conversation. From her mandated studies, balls were social events where couples, married or betrothed, must dance with multiple partners. This ensured no guest was excluded, and no host insulted. If she danced with Rodrigue too often, and consecutively, it would inspire a scandal regarding impropriety.
Somewhere along the way, the steps became hazy, and the only thought that echoed in her mind was Cedric and the dance she wished they could share.
But etiquette dictated otherwise. It would be improper for him to ask for a dance as Captain of the Princess’s guard. Even though he was born to nobility, his duty outweighed her wishful desires.
However, her mind wandered back to three nights prior.
Of unguarded, coy banter and easy laughter. Of strong hands wrapped around her waist, and a blur of movement that made her breathless. To the stunned silence that followed as Nin stared into Cedric’s dark eyes, his handsbraced around her head, and the tingling awareness that shocked through her system.
When he had pulled away, she couldn’t understand why disappointment stung in her chest.
If she had her way, she could have danced all night with him.
Her current partner, the vicomte, bowed, signaling the end of the dance.
When he left to take a different partner, the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. Turning, Nin glimpsed Adelina’s glare before it melted into a smirk. Fashioned after her homeland of Ehrenmark, the gown was a perfect creation of lustrous silver that gleamed like polished metal. Sparkling diamonds decorated her throat and ears, catching the light with each turn. But she wasn’t alone.
Prince Rodrigue was in mid-bow, asking Adelina to a dance.
Nin ground her teeth, but kept a pleasant smile. What was wrong with Princess Marianne’s cousin? Why was she wedging her way between not only an alliance but a genuine relationship? It made little sense for her to pursue a man who already had someone in his heart. Was that not common sense among royalty?
Nin exhaled a slow, controlled breath through her nose. She could not let Adelina worm her way between Princess Marianne and her fiancé.
Before she could take action, a tall, slim figure stepped in front of her. Ambassador Otto Dennhardt.
“I hope you can indulge me with a dance?” he asked, his voice low and even. His ash-brown hair, streaked with silver,was neatly combed, revealing a deep brow. When he smiled, it was polite, but it didn’t quite reach his gray eyes.
Nin looked over at his sharply tailored black suit, to his awaiting gloved hand. She nodded politely and took his hand to join him on the dance floor, as declining would have been rude.
The dancers formed two lines, and she curtsied opposite him. The music swelled, signaling the start.
“How are you this evening, Princess Marianne?” he asked as they slid past one another.
“I am well,” she said evenly.
“I’m pleased to hear it,” he replied. They clapped in time with the music. “Aurelion is fortunate to have its princess.”
“Thank you,” she murmured, twirling gracefully around him.
Something collided with her shoulder, knocking her off balance. Nin turned as Adelina spun away, catching the slight curl of her lips. A hand caught Nin at the waist, steadying her.
“Forgive her,” Otto said as he released her. “Tonight stirs some… emotions.”
Nin pursed her lips, her curiosity piqued. “If I have offended Her Highness, I would wish to rectify it,” she said carefully.
Otto sighed as he stepped in time with the music. “Princess Adelina carries considerable expectations from her parents. She was raised to secure what benefits her country, even if it belongs to someone else.”
She only nodded and smiled, but her instincts hummed with unease atthe explanation.
When the last note of the orchestra lingered in the air, Otto bowed.
“Your Highness,” he said. He made his way toward Adelina, who continued to chat with Rodrigue. He whispered something in her ear, and with a huff, she spun around, masked her displeasure, and marched away.
Nin wasn’t sure what he had said, but he glanced at her with a small, knowing smile.
