Her gaze wandered briefly, catching sight of the Northern Duke. He was watching her, his cold gaze unwavering and sharp as a blade.
His scrutiny made her skin prickle, but she refused to let it show. Selena turned away, focusing instead on Alex, who stood beside her. His hand rested lightly on her waist, a protective gesture that felt oddly reassuring.
She didn't expect what came next.
"A dance, my lady?" Alex asked, his voice smooth and steady.
Selena blinked, caught off guard. He extended his hand toward her, his expression unreadable but confident. Her eyes flicked to his outstretched hand, then back to his face.
Her first instinct was to refuse.
How would a mercenary know how to dance? she wondered, her heart skipping a beat. The thought of stepping onto the dance floor with him, of all people, felt risky.
He was no courtier, no polished nobleman trained in the art of social graces. But as she studied his unwavering expression, her hesitation vanished.
The ballroom was watching her. Whispers had already begun to ripple through the crowd, and declining his offer might only fuel their curiosity.
Besides, Alex didn't seem fazed. He looked perfectly at ease as if he belonged in this glittering world of silk and chandeliers.
How could he be so calm? Selena wondered.
Her pride wouldn't let her back down. Besides, she didn't know why his confidence made her feel comfortable. With a small, almost imperceptible gulp, she placed her hand in his.
"I'd be honoured," she said, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest.
Alex smiled faintly, his grip firm yet gentle as he led her toward the dance floor. The crowd parted for them, curious eyes following their every step. Selena could feel the weight of their gazes, but she refused to look back.
It was just like with heights, do not look down. Just don't!
As they reached the centre of the room, the music shifted, the tempo slowing into a waltz. Alex turned to face her, his other hand resting lightly on her waist. For a moment, she hesitated.
What am I doing?
The question flitted through her mind as she placed her hand on his shoulder. The movements of the waltz were ingrained in her, a skill drilled into her from countless lessons as a noblewoman. But she couldn't help but worry.
Her thoughts were cut short the moment he began to move.
Alex stepped forward with a grace that caught her off guard, guiding her into the first step of the dance. His movements were smooth, confident, and completely unexpected. Selena followed instinctively, her body reacting to his lead even as her mind struggled to catch up.
Her surprise must have shown on her face because Alex's lips twitched into a small, knowing smile.
"Relax," he murmured, his voice low enough that only she could hear. "I've done this before."
He was used to this. Even as the future Emperor, he could not escape those dance classes.
Selena wanted to ask how or where, but the words wouldn't come. Her focus was split between the rhythm of the music, the steps of the dance, and the man in front of her.
The distance between them was respectable at first—proper and formal, as befitting a pair of dance partners.
To the side, she could see Clara and Adrien dancing. They looked... Close. When did this happen? She wondered but now was not the time to worry about them! It was the time to worry about her partner!
She did not dare to get closer to Alex, the closer they got the more nervous she got! She had never done this before! For her own sanity, she put some distance between them.
Alex frowned a little, he could tell how she was pulling away. That will not do.
Alex tilted his head for a second, his palm on her lower back moved, his hand snaked her around her waist and pulled her closer. If she bent a little forward their noses would touch.
"Alex," she began, her voice faltering as her heart raced.
He tilted his head, his expression calm and unreadable. "Something wrong?"
She shook her head quickly, unwilling to admit how flustered she felt. Instead, she focused on the dance, letting muscle memory take over as they moved together across the floor.
But Alex wasn't making it easy.
With each step, he seemed to draw her closer, the space between them shrinking until she could feel the warmth of his body through the thin fabric of her gown. Her hand on his shoulder slipped slightly, her fingers brushing the back of his neck.
Selena felt a blush creeping up her cheeks. Her heart pounded in her chest, the steady rhythm of the music doing nothing to calm her nerves.
He was too close.
Far too close.
She could feel his breath on her!
She lifted her gaze hesitantly, meeting his eyes for the first time since the dance began. His dark eyes were steady, focused entirely on her. It was an intensity she hadn't expected—a look that made her forget, for just a moment, why she was here.
The crowd around them faded into the background. The whispers, the stares, even the Northern Duke's piercing gaze- all of it melted away under the weight of Alex's presence.
"Alex," she whispered, unsure of what she wanted to say.
He didn't respond immediately. Instead, he guided her into a graceful turn, the movement fluid and seamless. When they came to a stop, she was even closer than before, her body pressed lightly against his.
Selena's cheeks burned.
Her mind was a whirlwind of confusion and emotions she couldn't quite name. She had never been held like this before—never been looked at the way Alex was looking at her now.
Stop looking at me like that... Alex.
She bit her lip unconsciously, a nervous habit she couldn't control. Alex's gaze flicked to the small movement, and for a brief moment, something unreadable flashed in his eyes.