Chapter 250: Irreversible step
Emily followed Raylen’s lead as he led her towards the dance floor, bathed in the glowing light that cascaded from the chandeliers suspended from the ceiling. Her hand remained firmly enclasped in his, and her heart began to quicken with a touch of nervous anticipation.
The other couples who had been dancing earlier were quick to move aside and make way for the King, giving them the centre of the dance floor. Emily and Raylen became the central focus of the room. Raylen paused, executing a graceful turn to face Emily. A moment of hushed anticipation descended upon some of the guests, their attention captivated by the King’s commanding presence on the dance floor.
"Is that Beatrice?" inquired a curious female guest, her gaze firmly fixed on the couple on the dance floor.
"No, that’s not her. Beatrice is over there, to the right," another guest corrected, gesturing discreetly. "The lady in the centre is Princess Emily Blackthorn of Versailles."
Meanwhile, Beatrice stood at a distance, wearing a mask that concealed only half of her eyes. She clutched a glass firmly in her hand, her gaze unwaveringly fixed on the couple commanding the dance floor’s spotlight. Accustomed to being the focal point of such grand events, she felt a sting of displacement. In one swift motion, she drained her glass and, with a blend of elegance and indignation, made her abrupt exit from the ballroom.
On the dance floor, Emily’s heart fluttered with excitement as Raylen closed the distance between them. He gently placed his hand on the small of her back, drawing her closer. His calm blue eyes locked onto hers, creating an intimate connection that seemed to make the rest of the world around them fade away.
"Your hand, Princess," Raylen gently prompted, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Yes," Emily responded, feeling a warm blush spread across her cheeks under his intense gaze. She lifted her hand gracefully, resting it on his shoulder.
Noting that the King and his dance partner had assumed their positions, the music finally began to play a new melody. It was a tune unfamiliar to the guests, and they couldn’t help but feel a sensation of lightness in their chests as the music swelled, reaching out to caress the walls and ceiling.
Emily took a step forward, while at the same time, Raylen gracefully moved backwards, their feet perfectly synchronised as they danced to the ethereal music. She had danced with many partners since her arrival in the Storm Kingdom, but nothing could compare to this moment.
Raylen, with a hint of satisfaction in his voice, remarked, "It appears I’ve finally succeeded in securing a place on your dance card."