Sylvan's fingers felt cold over Adeline's, but she didn't realize it until they were alone on the dance floor because her focus was on his eyes. She was snapped out of her reverie when the prince pulled her close, placing his hand on her lower back while the other intertwined with hers.
Adeline drew in a long breath and broke eye contact first to recollect her thoughts.
They were the only ones dancing to the slow music, while the others stood by the side staring. The entire room was dark, the only exception being where they were both standing and that alone made Adeline's anxiety return, making her movements stiff.
The prince had already removed his royal robe and was moving with ease across the dancefloor with no hindrance.
Adeline forced herself to focus on the task at hand and returned her attention to the Prince's eyes, which stared back at her with such intensity that caught her off guard for a moment.
The rhythm soon turned to fast pace and Adeline was amazed by Sylvan's elegance, even as he guided both of them, his feet gliding across the floor in such speed that for a moment, she was afraid she wouldn't be able to match his steps.
Her face started to brighten up and she also started letting go of her nervous thoughts. Their bodies moved against each other before the prince pushed her away then she twirled back to him with their bodies much closer and their faces an inch apart. Sylvan's expression didn't change much but Adeline was smiling widely while enjoying the dance.
Their feet moved in accord as they swayed to the left, then to the right, then she released his hand to swirl around and fell back into his arms. The atmosphere had turned warm and so did the blood in Adeline's veins.
The people watching grinned from ear to ear, silently praising the perfect couple that moved in sync, as if they had done prior practice for the dance. Duke Sage was smiling through his drunkenness and his eyes turned watery when he saw the smile on Adeline's face.
At this point, Adeline had completely forgotten about the corset that made it hard to breathe, or any annoying guest in the room and her mind was only occupied by Sylvan and his dancing prowess. Her eyes stayed glued to his throughout the dance and each time she would smile wider.
While she was lost in thought, Sylvan turned her around and released her hand. She twirled a few times then landed back in his embrace, both his hands circling her waist as he leaned into her, his face hovering over hers.
Adeline's chest heaved up and down as she locked eyes with him and she smiled giddily. Was it too soon to say she was already charmed?
She had almost forgotten about any other person in the room until their cheers and claps reached her ears and she snapped back to the present. Sylvan helped her to her feet then gave a light bow and she curtsied, then they part ways.
After the special dance was over, the others now flooded the dance floor and Adeline excused herself to get some fresh air. She quietly found her way to the backyard through the kitchen door and she inhaled deeply when the cold air hit her face.
"Miss royalty," Adler's voice broke through her thoughts and she turned around to find him leaning against the back door.
"What are you doing here?" He asked as he walked towards her.
"Catching a breath," Adeline responded lightly then remembered something and asked, "Where's Vina?"
"She's sleeping. Come, we should dance before you leave. I don't know when I'm going to see you again," suggested Adler as he tugged her towards the door.
Adeline groaned in frustration but still followed him. She was mentally and emotionally exhausted from the day's events but Adler's words hit her with a sudden wave of sadness that she couldn't shake off. She also didn't know when she would see them again, and she wasn't ready to say goodbye to them yet. She was close to every member of her family, most especially Adler who she had spent all her life with.
The two siblings had an age difference of three years and they were so close that their mother changed Adeline's name. Her birth name was Leticia, but she would tell the people around her to call het Adler, just because she admired her brother a lot so the duchess eventually changed her name to Adeline. Now she couldn't imagine living away from him and her eyes watered as she stared at Adler's back as he dragged her back to the dance floor.
When they started dancing, Adler saw her watery eyes and his eyebrows furrowed worriedly. "What is it? Are you feeling alright," his voice was gentle as he used one hand to caress her cheek. Adeline almost burst to tears but managed to hold back after inhaling a couple of times.
"I'm fine," she responded shakily and leaned her head on his chest as they danced to the slow music.
"Don't worry. You'll be fine." He comforted in a low voice while patting her head.
"I know," Adeline sniffled. "Even if my marriage fails, my wedding was great, and my wedding dress looked incredible and I look so beautiful that people are going to be talking about this day for the next few days," she comforted herself and Adler gave a low chuckle.
"Right, you're the most beautiful bride in the whole of Grimwood."
"Yes. I also know people will start wearing blue gowns because of me," she added with a smile, her silly words lightening up the mood.
After the final dance, the crowd gathered in groups to gossip and make acquaintance. Adeline went to finish packing because they would be leaving soon. The first thing she did was remove the gown and the corset, then she put on a simple lilac dress. She removed the pins holding her hair and combed it using her fingers.
Rosa arrived later and in a few minutes they were ready to go. Adler came to carry the big chest for her and Adeline took the time to say her goodbyes to Malvina. She hugged the sleeping girl tightly, then kissed her forehead and tucked her in before leaving.
When she went downstairs, she tried to make herself invisible and found her father slumped over a table.
"Father," she called as she tapped him on the shoulder. Duke Sage groaned as he forced his eyes open and it took him a few seconds for things to register in his mind.
"Oh, Adeline."
"I'm leaving father," she informed and the duke stretched his limbs as he looked around dazedly, then he pulled her in for a light hug and kissed her temple.
"Take care my dear. I'll come to check on you once in a while, okay? And give marriage a chance, Prince Sylvan isn't that bad."
Adeline didn't say anything in response and walked outside quietly. Once outside, she found Adler conversing with the prince as the latter's men helped Rosa to load their belongings.
She couldn't get what they were saying but by the time she reached where they were standing, they were both quiet. Curiosity got the best of her and she wanted to ask what they were talking about but other voices cut her off before she could speak.
"Your Majesty," the guards and guests standing outside greeted respectfully and Adeline's eyebrows arched up in surprise.
'Your Majesty? Did King Roderick decide to come at the last minute?'