The grand ballroom shimmers with a thousand lights, but in the midst of the opulence, Nathaniel and you remain locked in a subtle yet tantalizing tension. As you exchanged forced pleasantries, your hearts beat to a rhythm only you could hear.

With an almost imperceptible smile, he leaned in, the hint of a challenge in his voice. "You look positively enchanting, your grace.”

“I can't help but wonder if that's for the benefit of the court or perhaps for someone else?”