The grand ballroom erupted into motion once more, the spell broken as guests began to filter back onto the dance floor. Lydia and I exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between us as we both realized the gravity of what had just transpired.
But as we turned to rejoin the festivities, the weight of our shared moment hung heavy in the air, a palpable tension that seemed to linger long after the echo of the king's voice had faded away.
As we made our way back into the throng of dancers, I couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that gnawed at my conscience like a relentless beast. Zara's words echoed in my mind, a constant reminder of the duty I had sworn to uphold, the oath that bound me to her side as her protector.
But even as I struggled with the turmoil of my emotions, there was a part of me that couldn't deny the pull of desire, the magnetic force that drew me inexorably towards Lydia like a moth to a flame.
