Chapter 60:
Lucina
I glance at the intruder, visibly shaken by the situation.
I let out a resigned sigh. The weight of the evening's tension presses on me.
With Haroun's steady support, I rise and make my way toward the exit.
"Excuse us."
My voice is firm as we move past the gathered crowd.
We leave the troubled figure behind, retreating to the relative calm of the hall.
The eyes of the room follow us as we re-enter. Whispers and curious glances form a constant backdrop.
Fortunately, the spotlight redirects. Luan takes his place on the dance floor with his fiancée.
The couple is a sight to behold—like something straight out of a fairytale. They dance gracefully. Luan's face lights with an affectionate whisper as his fiancée responds with a delighted giggle.
Their shared moment captures the room's admiration.
I wonder how Lady Starforge is reacting to this enchanting display.
A soft chuckle escapes me.
With Haroun by my side, I make my way further into the hall.
The dance concludes. Stella moves to the center of the room to perform. She thrives on the spotlight, preening like a peacock as she takes her place at the small seat.
She begins to play.
I begrudgingly acknowledge her skill.
The melody fills the hall. Vibrant colors—blue, red, and green—swirl around her, captivating the audience. The scene is mesmerizing. People watch in awe as the hues dance through the air, adding an ethereal touch to the evening.
The music that emerges is a delicate tapestry of sound. Each note a silken thread weaving through the air. The melody unfurls like a spell, casting enchantment over the audience.
Rich, vibrant hues of blue, red, and green swirl and shimmer around her, echoing the magic of her music.
The colors float and intertwine, forming intricate patterns that seem almost alive. They drift lazily through the air, creating a breathtaking visual display that mirrors the music's grace and elegance.
The hall, bathed in ethereal light, becomes a dreamscape where reality and fantasy merge.
Everyone stands spellbound by Stella's performance.
The performance concludes.
The hall erupts into applause.
I join in, clapping. The performance was genuinely enchanting and beautiful.
If only her personality matched.
Seeking a distraction, I make my way to another table laden with snacks.
The sight of so much deliciousness, untouched, is almost tempting. I realize, with a wry smile, that the corsets must be a major deterrent. Their constrictive embrace makes even the thought of indulging seem impractical.
I feel the pressure against my abdomen with each breath.
Despite the discomfort, I sample a few treats.
"May I have this dance?"
A voice interrupts my thoughts.
I stifle a sigh. These events are the bane of my existence.
I turn to see the blue-haired prince, Frederick, standing before me. The younger prince looks expectant. I search my mind for a polite yet firm excuse.
The banquet is held in their honor.
Before I can respond, Cedric steps into my line of sight. A timely reprieve.
"Unfortunately, the princess's first dance has already been called for."
His announcement is smooth.
I seize the opportunity.
"Thank you, Lord Vossenfield."
I offer Cedric a grateful smile.
I place my hand in his.
Together, we make our way to the dance floor. Relieved to escape Frederick's persistent gaze.
The music begins.
Cedric leads me onto the dance floor with practiced grace.
I make eye contact with him. His eyes are indeed a striking blue. He's handsome in a familiar, almost boy-next-door way.
I chuckle to myself. The childhood friend character in a novel.
"I'm sure you hear this all the time."
His voice is warm. Sincere.
"But you are incredibly beautiful, Your Highness."
I roll my eyes at the compliment.
I can't help but feel a bit flattered.
"I'll choose to thank you for that. Especially since you rescued me from an awkward situation."
Cedric smiles.
"It was merely a gesture to make up for earlier. And my selfish intentions."
"Selfish intentions, you say?"
I raise an eyebrow.
He gives a playful twirl, drawing me closer.
"I might never have another chance to dance with the most beautiful woman I'll ever see in my life."
Genuine admiration colors his voice.
"You flatter me. But I don't know if you've heard—my heart is already spoken for." I subtly turn down his advances.
"Unfortunately, there's no space for another."
Cedric stumbles slightly at my words.
He recovers smoothly.
He pulls me close. Almost intimately. He dips me gracefully.
"I dare not reach for the moon."
His voice is a murmur against my ear.
"But I believe I can bask in its light for a few moments."
He guides me back into the dance.
I gasp. My mouth opens slightly in surprise.
Cedric meets my stunned gaze with a smile that reveals his full charm.
The dimples in his cheeks. The sparkle in his eyes.
Devastatingly captivating.
For a moment, I forget to breathe.
Snap out of it.
I am better than this.
But the dance continues.
And his smile lingers. I am a sucker for good looking people unfortunately.