It didn't matter how often Ysabel had been taught about dancing etiquette. All those practices and knowledge suddenly got thrown out of the window with Prince Hinrik holding her steady.
They glided to the music smoothly under his guidance.
Whispers and stares from the onlookers kept Ysabel distracted. She had never been more grateful for the gossipers in her life until now.
If not for them, she would have died of embarrassment, her cheeks heating up. Her heart was steadily thumping in an unsteady rhythm while her nerves pulsed along with her heart.
Grateful for her hands not trembling under Prince Hinrik's hold, Ysabel concentrated on timing the movement of her feet to his. She was looking around, avoiding meeting the Prince's gaze.
She was aware of his piercing stare focused on her. Even without her previous knowledge of his feelings for her, his actions were pretty blunt.
It would be no wonder if a rumor of their upcoming engagement would begin the next day.
For a minute, Ysabel feared that it was why her father summoned Prince Hinrik to come to Eyeris.
Other than the ball, of course.
"You look lovely," Prince Hinrik whispered. The song was coming to an end.
Neither of them had spoken a word until then. Ysabel was sure her former self would have grabbed this opportunity to spark his interest and start a conversation about the stories they had traded over the letters.
But she was no longer the same naive monarch who had never thought about why her mother had gone cold after her father's passing.
Nor was she the same Ysabel who was going to play oblivious to her friend's suffering.
At the thought of Reis, Ysabel looked around. After she had helped Ysabel get ready for the evening, the palace maid went away to the pantry and was never seen again.
Ysabel had asked her to watch over the apple pie she had requested and bring one to her room later after the festivities died.
She intended to keep Reis away from Simeon's grasp. But she suddenly thought how stupid it was of her to get Reis out of her sight.
The palace guards were usually outside, but with her not knowing how far back she had been thrown, Ysabel couldn't decide whether Simeon was already the captain or not.
The thought made her skin crawl.
She could vividly remember how he had ended up killing Ysabel. The young monarch shivered at the thought.
Without meaning to, Ysabel stopped dancing. Her throat suddenly felt clogged. She gently pulled away from Prince Hinrik.
"Thank you for the dance," Ysabel curtsied, leaving the Prince and exiting the banquet hall.
Prince Hinrik was perplexed at Ysabel's gesture. Some of those paying attention to them was as startled as he was. A few whispers followed, but the song ended at that point.
"Prince Hinrik," a redhead approached Hinrik. He was still staring at Ysabel's retreating form and didn't look away until he saw her push the double doors, leaving the festivities behind.
"Prince Hinrik," the redhead went on. Hinrik smiled politely to acknowledge Rebecca, daughter of Duke Osmar from Kaladasya. She has the most striking gem-like eyes. Her smooth olive skin made her look like a walking doll.
She had been one of the ladies his father listed for him to consider marrying.
Rebecca's parents were close friends of Hinrik's family. They had more encounters in the past, and Rebecca had developed a crush on him.
However, Hinrik couldn't return the favor. He sees him as a younger sister he wants to protect but nothing else.
"I'm sorry, Rebecca," Hinrik gently pulled her hands and brought them to his lips. "But I need to check on someone. Enjoy the dance."
Leaving the maiden, Hinrik briskly followed where Ysabel had disappeared.
Upon hearing the doors close behind her, Ysabel put a hand to her heart. Sweat had formed on her forehead, and fear had gripped her heart.
The image of Simeon flashed in her mind's eye.
Willing the memories to go away, Ysabel took a deep breath and pounded at her chest.
She could hear the faint music from inside, reminding her of the same party she missed because she was then locked up inside the dungeon.
"Stop!" Ysabel hissed. She covered her ears, wanting the assault of memories to stop triggering her trauma.
Tears had already brimmed in her eyes, her breath quickening. Ysabel was about to fall to the floor when a firm hand held her steady.
"Your Highness," the voice made Ysabel's world stop.
She knew that voice.
She could never forget whose voice it belonged.
'Simeon.'
Coming face to face with the man who killed her in her previous life, both fear and anger clashed within Ysabel. She didn't know what to do, and her mind suddenly went blank.
"Are you hurt?"
The concern written on his face broke Ysabel's scattered thoughts.
'Get a grip, Ysabel. He can't touch you. He can't harm you.'
Pulling herself free from his hold, Ysabel shook her head.
Simeon was wearing the uniform of the palace guards. She stared at the stars by his left breast pocket and noted the missing emblems.
He was yet to be given the title of captain.
Slowly grasping the time frame, Ysabel lifted her chin and cleared her throat.
"I had too much to drink. Are you making your rounds?"
Simeon lowered his head, bowing to show respect.
"Yes, Your Highness. I was passing by when I saw you about to fall. You might consider resting if you feel unwell. Do you need me to call the physician?"
Ysabel forced her lips to smile. Her fear had been subdued by a fraction. Still, her heart was pounding so hard against her chest that she was afraid it would burst.
"No need," Ysabel waved her hand to dismiss Simeon, feeling a little satisfaction. "I just need a little rest."
"As you wish, Your Highness."
Simeon bowed and left Ysabel. When he was gone, Ysabel felt her legs turning to jelly. When she took a step, her strength abandoned her.
Ysabel would have stumbled and fallen if not for a lucky save by a firm grip on her waist.
Hinrik held onto Ysabel, slowly pulling her to her feet. They stood face to face, a blush blossoming on her cheeks.
"We need to stop meeting like this," Prince Hinrik teased.
"Or what?" Ysabel asked, her breath quickening.
They were only inches apart, their faces almost leveled.
"Or you'll keep tempting me."