Selena's cheeks burned.
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.
"Selena," he said softly, his voice a quiet murmur.
Her name on his lips sent a shiver down her spine, and she didn't know why. She couldn't think—couldn't focus on anything but the warmth of his hand on her waist and the way his eyes seemed to see right through her.
The music slowed, signalling the end of the waltz, but Selena barely noticed
"Oh-"
When the final note played, Alex didn't let go immediately. His hand remained on her waist, his touch steady and grounding. Selena's gaze dropped, unable to meet his eyes any longer.
The crowd erupted into polite applause, breaking the spell.
Selena stepped back quickly, putting some distance between them as she tried to regain her composure.
"That was..." She began, but the words trailed off.
Alex offered her a faint smile, his expression unreadable once more. "You're a good dancer, my lady."
The compliment was simple, but it only made her blush deepen.
Selena glanced around, her eyes darting to the Northern Duke. He was watching them, his expression unreadable but his jaw tight. A pang of satisfaction flickered through her, reminding her of why she had brought Alex here in the first place.
But as she looked back at her dance partner, her heart still racing, she couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between them.
And she wasn't sure what to do about it.
After their dance ended, Selena subtly adjusted her gown, pulling herself together. The light sheen of nerves in her palms reminded her of how tightly she had clung to Alex during the waltz, and the memory alone was enough to make her cheeks burn. She cast a glance at him- his expression calm, collected, and annoyingly enigmatic.
She felt annoyed that he was not as affected as she was.
"Shall we return to the sidelines?" She suggested, her voice cooler than she felt.
Alex offered her his arm, and she hesitated only a moment before slipping her hand into the crook of his elbow. He led her away from the centre of the ballroom, where the crowd began to shift and gather in new formations for the next dance.
As they passed, Selena caught fragments of hushed whispers:
"Who is he?"
"He moves like a knight, but I've never seen him before."
"Is she trying to make the Northern Duke jealous?"
"She's far bolder than I expected."
Selena let the murmurs wash over her, unfazed. The court's opinions of her had always been unkind, but tonight they felt almost amusing. Let them talk, she thought. Let them choke on their curiosity.
They came to a stop near the edge of the room, where a server passed by with a tray of sparkling champagne.
Selena took a glass, the cool stem of the flute grounding her. Alex declined, his sharp eyes scanning the room with an alertness that made him seem out of place amidst the glittering finery.
He came here with a motive... To find that spy... The traitor.
"Not bad for a mercenary," Selena remarked, taking a sip of her drink.
Alex arched a brow, the faintest trace of amusement in his expression. "Not bad for a noblewoman," he replied smoothly.
Her lips quirked into a small smile. "I wasn't expecting you to know how to waltz."
He shrugged. "You pick up a lot of skills in my line of work. You'd be surprised how often courtly manners come in handy."
"Hmm," Selena mused, swirling her champagne. She cast a sidelong glance at him. "You didn't tell me you had such... Refined talents."
"You never asked."
His simple response caught her off guard, and for a moment, she wasn't sure how to reply. There was an ease to him, a quiet confidence that made her simultaneously curious and wary.
Before she could press further, a shadow loomed over them.
"Selena."
She turned to find Lucien standing a few feet away, his expression tight and his jaw clenched. His piercing gaze flicked between her and Alex, lingering on the hand she still had resting on Alex's arm.
"Brother," Selena greeted, her tone deceptively light. "You're not here to scold me, are you?"
Lucien ignored her remark, his attention fixed on Alex. "I don't believe we've been introduced," he said stiffly.
"Alex," he said simply, extending a hand.
Lucien was surrounded by nobles asking him about Alex's origin. What could he say? That he did not know... How could a Duke not know what was happening in his own house?
Lucien glanced at the offered hand but didn't take it. Instead, he turned his gaze back to Selena, his disapproval palpable.
"May I speak with you privately?" Lucien asked, his tone leaving little room for argument.
Selena sighed. She knew this was coming, but she hadn't expected it so soon. "If you must," she said, setting her champagne glass down on a nearby table.
She turned to Alex, her voice softening slightly. "Wait here. I'll only be a moment."
Alex nodded, his expression unreadable, but Selena noticed the way his posture subtly shifted—like a predator watching his surroundings. It was comforting, in an odd way.
Lucien led her a short distance away, stopping near a corner where they were out of earshot of the other guests.
"What are you doing?" he demanded, his voice low but heated.
"Enjoying the ball," Selena replied coolly.
"Don't play coy with me, Selena. Who is that man? And why are you flaunting him like some... some trophy?"
Her eyes narrowed. "Since when do you care about who I associate with? I don't recall you ever questioning my decisions before."
Lucien's expression darkened. "This isn't about your reputation. It's about the family. You've already caused enough of a stir with your antics tonight. Do you have any idea how this looks?"
That was all he cared about... About his reputation...