Chapter 162: Harmless
Irene’s face was red the moment she went out with the Princess and realized there was no avoiding being the center of attention any longer. It wasn’t merely the glare she received from the Crown Prince or the amusement from the Earl and Countess that tipped Irene off to all of the attention.
People had quite literally stopped dancing to witness the spectacle. They stopped with their partners and gave way to the two children.
Irene kept her eyes downcast and followed the Princess wherever she wanted to go, which happened to be the center of the floor.
While Irene had danced in such a way in the life she had seen, she had never been the one in the male position. Despite that, she knew what she was supposed to do and would likely surprise the few in the room who knew her secret well.
However, she felt lucky that the friends most likely to tease her, as well as Sir Gunnar, were someplace outside, doing the duties she wished she were a part of at that moment.
The apprentice bowed to the Princess and offered her hand politely. The Princess, who thought nothing of the gesture, considering it was customary in that sort of setting, offered her ringed hand and stepped closer to Irene.
"Your face is red. Are you nervous?" the Princess asked as the slow music introduced a new tune as the musicians in the corner took note of the important girl leading the latest dance on the floor.
"I’ve never danced like this before," Irene admitted, being surprisingly earnest. "Forgive me if I step on your feet."
The Princess giggled. "That’s alright. I won’t tell my brother."