Chapter Twenty Seven - The first dance is promised
LIORA
Across the room, a young woman in a soft rose-petal gown turned at the sound of her name, a radiant smile blooming on her lips. Her chestnut curls were pinned with jeweled combs, and her eyes sparkled like she held an entire story behind them.
“Kaira!” Renese cried, and both girls rushed toward each other, colliding in a warm, gleeful embrace that drew the attention of a few amused onlookers.
“You look incredible!” Kaira gushed, holding her friend at arm’s length. “Where have you been hiding? I was starting to think you abandoned me.”
Renese laughed melodically. “As if I’d miss a royal ball! I had to deal with my uncle’s delegation from Auradell. You know how tedious those meetings are.”
“You poor thing,” Kaira said with a dramatic pout, looping her arm with Renese’s. “Come! There’s someone I want you to meet.”
I stood only a few steps away, and watched the reunion with mild amusement. There was something refreshing about their joy—how natural it felt, how free.
Kaira gently pulled Renese toward her. “This is Lady Liora,” she said quickly, almost too quickly, her voice lowering slightly. “She’s new to the palace.”
I offered a polite smile, dipping my head. “It’s a pleasure.”
Renese tilted her head, her curious gaze sweeping over my dress, my hair, and the soft elegance I carried. “The pleasure is mine,” she replied smoothly, then glanced at Kaira. “You didn’t tell me she was so beautiful.”
Kaira gave a laugh, brushing it off. “She has that effect on people. I’ve been trying not to be overshadowed all evening.”
Renese grinned, offering me her hand. “You must let me steal you away sometime. I’d love to show you around the quieter parts of the palace—where the fun truly lives.”
“I’d like that,” I replied genuinely.
Just then, a cluster of nobles called Kaira’s name from across the hall, beckoning her toward us. She glanced between the two girls, visibly torn. “Oh—give us a moment, I’ll be right back! Don’t disappear,” she said to me with a wink.
And left with Renese.
---
I stood alone now, the quiet shimmer of my gown catching the warm gold light of the ballroom chandeliers. The hum of music and laughter surrounded me like a haze, but my thoughts were elsewhere—mostly on the promise I’d drawn from Kieran earlier.
I didn’t notice Darius approaching until he was directly in front of me, his signature confident grin firmly in place. He looked devastatingly handsome in his deep maroon coat embroidered with gold thread, his long hair tied back in a silken ribbon, a goblet of wine resting effortlessly in his hand.
“Well, well,” he said, taking a slow sip and letting his eyes sweep over my form with open appreciation. “I’ve seen you look lovely before, Liora—but tonight… you look almost dangerous.”
I gave him a polite smile, folding my hands. “You flatter me too easily, Prince Darius.”
“I’m only speaking the truth,” he said, tilting his head, amused by my formality. “Would you care for a drink? Something to calm your nerves—or to sharpen your wit?”
I shook my head gently. “No, thank you. I’m fine.”
“Pity,” he said, setting his goblet aside on a passing servant’s tray. He stepped a little closer, lowering his voice just enough to sound more intimate. “Perhaps you’d allow me the honor of a dance instead? I promise I don't step on toes. Often.”
I raised a brow, the corner of my lips twitching in restrained amusement. “I must decline that as well, Prince Darius.”
“Oh?” he asked, mock offense dancing behind his grin. “Am I truly so intolerable tonight?”
“It’s not you,” I replied evenly. “I’m saving my first dance—for someone else.”
Darius’s grin faltered just slightly, a glint of something unreadable in his eyes. “Ah,” he said, clearing his throat and smoothing his expression. “Kieran..huh.”
“Yes”
“Stop dreaming Lady Liora. He won't come. He's not even here”
“He said he will,” he locked his gaze into mine. “Do know what happened the last time Kieran came to a ball”
“No” he exhaled with his nose and shook his head slightly “Well, I don't know either. I wasn't there.”
There was a moment’s silence between us, full of tension wrapped in velvet.
“Still,” he added, stepping back with a small, mocking bow, “If your promised dance partner fails to arrive, just know that I’ll be somewhere nearby… quite wounded… possibly drinking myself into oblivion.”
I laughed, just softly enough not to draw attention. “Try not to drink too much, Prince Darius. There’s a council in the morning, is there not?”
He smiled again, more gently this time. “There is. But tonight, let us pretend we’re just people in a palace… without politics, or duty, or shadows hanging over our heads.”
And with that, he gave me one final look before turning away, leaving me to my thoughts once more.
Wasn't too long he turned, two girls approached him and he happily took them to the dance floor.
But my heart beat faster now—not because of Darius.
Because I knew he would come.
And when he did… the first dance would be his.