"How could Lord Cherion do something so utterly scandalous?"
"Oh, please. I bet he did it entirely on purpose!"
"What on earth was His Highness thinking, asking his ex-fiancé to dance in the first place? He practically invited the disaster."
"Shh, lower your voice! But honestly... I am really happy I didn't miss this party tonight. It has been so long since we got this much high-tier entertainment."
The whispers spread through the grand ballroom, slipping behind fluttering silk fans and raised glass. The orchestra had resumed playing a lively, sweeping waltz, but the music could barely drown out the delicious scandal currently fueling the entire high society.
Hearing the overlapping murmurs from the passing nobles, Iryna let out a soft, thoroughly amused chuckle. Her gaze swept over the crowd, watching the way people subtly pointed toward the exit where the Crown Prince had retreated to nurse his ruined dignity.
