After dancing for some time, Julia felt a bit breathless. She stopped and leaned against a nearby pillar with a playful smile on her lips.
Julian not missing a beat turned his attention to Isabel as he extended his hand with a charming smile.
"Will you give me a chance too, Lady Isabel?" he asked as his eyes sparkled with mischief.
Julia chuckled as she watched the exchange. "Playing both ways, are we, Julian?" she teased, raising an eyebrow at him.
Isabel blushed at the attention, her cheeks warming as she glanced between Julian and Julia. "Well, I suppose it would be rude to refuse," she said, taking his hand and stepping onto the dance floor.
Julian flashed a confident smile as he led her into the dance, his charm working its magic once again. "I promise to make this a dance you won't forget," he said, and as the music continued, they began to move together.
As Julian danced with Isabel, he couldn't help but steal a glance at Marcus. The other young man stood slightly apart from the dance floor with his jaw clenched and eyes narrowed in jealousy. Julian's lips curled into a smug grin at the sight.
It was amusing to him how easily he could provoke such a reaction. The more he danced with Isabel, the more Marcus seemed to be in anger, clearly feeling outshone.
"Having fun, Marcus?" Julian called out playfully.
The challenge was clear in his voice, and he relished the chance to flaunt his charm. Isabel who was caught up in the moment, laughed softly as her attention momentarily diverted to Marcus's pained expression.
Julian's heart raced, not just from the thrill of the dance but also from the excitement of stirring the pot a little.
The Duchess of Hans watched the unfolding scene with a amused smile, her laughter ringing out in the grand hall. "Well, he is quite the charmer, isn't he?" she remarked, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
The other duchesses nodded in agreement, exchanging knowing glances as they observed Julian's playful banter.
"Indeed," the Duchess of Norish added, leaning slightly. "It's refreshing to see such confidence in a young mage."
"He's got the attention of both ladies and gentlemen," the Duchess of Ethwer joined in with a playful tone in her voice. "It's a gift. I wonder how he'll handle the competition."
The duchesses shared a light laugh, appreciating the dynamics playing out among the younger generation.
Julian's boldness surged as he held Isabel in one hand while extending his other hand to Julia. "You both dance beautifully," he complimented. "How about we make this a trio? A dance of the three best mages in the academy!"
Julia and Isabel exchanged amused glances, both slightly flustered but undeniably charmed by Julian's audacity.
A playful grin spread across his face as he danced with both of them, effortlessly guiding their movements in a charming display.
As they twirled around the dance floor, the laughter and chatter of the banquet faded into the background, leaving only the enchanting melody and their shared joy.
Marcus who was watching from the sidelines couldn't hide his annoyance any longer. His jaw clenched as he glared at the trio, feeling left out and irritated by Julian's effortless charisma.
Meanwhile, the duchesses looked on with intrigue, clearly entertained by the unfolding spectacle.
As Julian continued to dance with both Isabel and Julia, the atmosphere around them crackled with energy. Their laughter mixed with the music, drawing the attention of other guests who paused to admire the lively scene.
Julian's confidence was palpable, and he reveled in the attention with each spin and twirl.
"Who knew becoming a mage would come with such delightful company?" he teased, glancing between the two girls. "Perhaps I should start a club for charming mages. What do you think, ladies?"
Julia giggled, her cheeks flushed with a mix of excitement and bashfulness. "I think we could use more charm in the academy!" she replied playfully.
Isabel joined in, "Just be careful, Julian. You might end up charming your way into trouble!". Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she playfully nudged him.
Marcus, still watching from the sidelines, felt his irritation boil over. He approached them with determination etched across his face.
"What's all this about, Julian?" he interrupted. He could not hide the hint of jealousy laced in his voice. "Trying to steal the spotlight again?"
Julian turned towards Marcus, unfazed by Marcus's sudden appearance. "Just enjoying a dance, Marcus. Care to join us?" he offered, his tone teasing.
Julia and Isabel exchanged glances, curious about what the Marcus reaction would be. The dance floor momentarily fell silent as everyone awaited his response.
Marcus hesitated, clearly torn between his pride and the opportunity to join in the fun. The tension was thick, but Julian's grin only widened as he enjoyed the moment.
"Come on, Marcus. It's just a dance. Don't be a spoil sport!" Julian encouraged, extending a hand toward him with a cheeky smile.
However Marcus simply rolled his eyes and made his way towards the feast area of the hall where the foods were served.
Julian chuckled as he watched Marcus turn away. "Well, his loss," he declared, shaking his head with amusement. "How can he think of anything else in the presence of such beautiful ladies?"
Julia and Isabel burst into laughter, their earlier tension dissipating as they reveled in the lightheartedness.
"You're right," Julia agreed. "I'd much rather dance than eat any day!"
Isabel nodded, leaning closer to Julian with a playful grin. "Maybe we should give him a little show, just to remind him what he's missing out on," she teased.
Julian's smile broadened as he took their hands, leading them into another spin. "Let's show him what he's missing! Who says mages can't dance?"