Chapter 185: Dancing at the gathering
Music Recommendation: One Last Dance - Kris Bowers
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Emily glared daggers at Raylen when she thought no one was watching her, but little did she know, she had earned a few admirers who were secretly appreciating her from a distance. As the king, the man didn’t have to write down his name on anyone’s card, as any woman who received his invitation to dance considered herself fortunate.
"If you keep staring at me like that, people are going to get the wrong idea, Princess," Raylen remarked in a lowered voice as he stood beside Emily. She looked away from him, focusing her attention on the couple and briefly conversing with Janelle. "Not that people won’t relish the opportunity for some juicy gossip about the niece taking a liking to her uncle. I must say, I wouldn’t argue with your taste."
"Why aren’t you with your various companions, savouring drinking blood and enjoying worldly pleasures?" Emily inquired, mirroring his calm smile. She preferred to keep her distance from him rather than cause herself any more embarrassment than she already experienced.
Raylen flashed a grin in response to Emily’s smile. "Look at that brilliant smile," he remarked. He continued, "I would have joined them, but then I remembered I had to check on how you were doing. But it looks like you’ve already managed to find some decent suitors." He casually picked up her card and read the written names.
Emily subtly withdrew her hand, as if tucking a strand of her hair away from his view, and replied, "Thank you for your interest, but as you can see, I am managing just fine on my own."
"Indeed. As expected from a princess," Raylen replied, appearing to chew on something. "You’ll end up with squinted eyes," he teased when she shot him a small glare and turned her gaze in another direction. "It will be hard for you to find a suitable man if that happens."
"A man who cannot accept me for who I am might not be deserving of having me, then," Emily responded, her chin held high, and she refused to look at him again. The room they were in was filled with music, and as people started clearing the area where elegant chandeliers hung from above, some couples began making their way towards the centre of the room.
"Well, since you clearly can hold your own," Raylen murmured, before turning to her friend and saying, "Lady Janelle, how about that promised dance?"
Emily saw Raylen extend his hand forward, and Janelle placed her hand in his, which the king gallantly kissed. It took her friend only a second to be charmed and melt at his gesture, a blush forming on her cheeks before they strolled towards the dance floor. She had a single genuine companion here, and that demon took her away, leaving her standing alone.