The music swelled as Iyana and Easton joined the waltzing couples, the firelight casting a warm, almost deceptive glow over their figures. The elegant rhythm of the dance did little to quell the unease gnawing at Iyana's thoughts.
As they moved in sync, Iyana broke the silence, her voice edged with quiet tension. "Where have you been, Your Imperial Highness? You have been absent since yesterday."
Easton met her gaze, and for a brief moment, an apology flickered in his eyes. "I apologize for my abrupt departure. Urgent matters required my attention in the capital—things that couldn't be delayed."
Iyana scrutinized his expression, searching for the truth beneath his words. She was kind of glad neither of them were wearing masks. "So urgent that you couldn't send a single word? You vanished without a trace."
