Hermione followed Ulrich obediently as he led her toward the dance floor.
She was supposed to walk at his side in a clean line, her posture straight, her hand placed properly, every step perfect the way Elana had drilled into them. Instead, she found herself half a step behind him, her gaze darting everywhere except where it should. She could feel eyes on her from every direction. Nobles, young heirs, women, idle men, far too many people were watching.
This was much more embarrassing than she had imagined.
Practicing inside a room with Elana and her sisters had been one thing. That had been private, safe, almost manageable. This was different. This was a royal hall.
And worst of all, she was dancing with Ulrich of all people.
If anyone had told her, even this morning, that she would end up crossing the floor hand in hand with him while half the court watched, she would have called them insane.
'Why am I panicking?!'
