The tension between them thickened as Lumiere placed his hand on her waist, guiding her across the ballroom with practiced ease. He tried desperately not to look at her, but it was a futile effort—he had already failed. The way her dress seemed to move as though it had a life of its own, the soft fragrance of her perfume teasing his senses, and the weight of the guests’ scrutinizing eyes made it nearly impossible to maintain any semblance of composure.

He was balancing on the edge of a blade, a precarious dance he had known he’d face the moment he stepped into this castle. Dealing with a woman had never been part of his plans, let alone this woman. His parents’ sudden announcement of a union with the neighboring kingdom—their rival kingdom—had seemed like a cruel joke. Yet here he was, falling hopelessly, inexorably, for the one he was supposed to detest. And she had the audacity to act cold, barking orders at him as though he were a mere servant. The thought made his jaw tighten. He gripped her waist a little harder, spinning her with more force than necessary, though his movements remained smooth to the watching crowd. His eyes, dark with suppressed emotions, locked onto hers, daring her to flinch.

"I never thought you’d be so skilled at dancing, my lady," he remarked, his tone edged with mockery as he led her around the ballroom. To the guests, they were the perfect couple, gliding effortlessly beneath the chandeliers. Whispers of their union—the heirs of Stanislav and Relzvolt, together after years of rivalry—spread like wildfire among the nobles. It was a spectacle no one could ignore.

As the music began to fade, Lumiere brought the dance to its conclusion, dipping her low in a flourish that left the room breathless. His eyes caught the elegant curve of her throat, and for a fleeting moment, he forgot himself. He swallowed hard, his voice dropping to a whisper as he leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear.

"Perhaps you could teach me a few moves,"