After that, we helped Cassia dress for the party. We didn't put too much effort into overthinking her look. As we young ladies walked through the hallways, I could see the worry etched clearly on Cassia's face.
The thought of the marriage announcement hadn't left her mind—how could it? It had only been a short while. Cassia seemed lost in her own thoughts. I reached out and held her hand. She blinked, realizing I was still right there beside her. We exchanged small, reassuring smiles.
Suddenly, I felt something strange—like someone was staring at me and Cassia. It wasn't comforting. The sensation made me instinctively pull my hand back from hers.
I looked around, but there was no one. Just Lysandra and Tamsin walking behind us. Lysandra met my eyes for a brief second before quickly looking away, blushing. Maybe my sudden scan of the hallway had made her uncomfortable.
Moments later we stepped into the main hall. It seemed Mr. Viremont had already delivered his speech and the other formalities were complete. The party was now in full swing with dancing and eating.
I could feel the tension in Cassia's every breath, surrounded by all these guests and the looming threat of her family trying to announce her marriage. One wrong move and everything could shatter. I resolved to stay by her side as much as possible.
The main hall was now filled with guests of all ages — elegant older couples, distinguished gentlemen, and clusters of young lads and ladies. Everyone's attention was fixed on Mr. and Mrs. Viremont as they prepared to open the dancing. He bowed slightly, extending his open hand toward her in invitation. As the musicians began, she gently placed her hand in his. The moment the violins and piano notes swelled, their dance began. He looked up at her, drew her closer, and lifted her hand as their foreheads touched in a graceful, intimate pose.
After Mr. and Mrs. Viremont started, the rest of the guests began looking around for partners. To be honest, parties like this were more than just celebrations for royals and nobles — everyone had their own reasons for attending. Most were here to represent their families, to drink, to flirt, or — if you were like Morwenna — to make business connections. And me, of course, who was simply here because I wanted to feel pretty and be complimented.
Speaking of Morwenna… I couldn't see her anywhere. I could spot Mother and Father at a distance, and even Uncle Rowan was present, but she was nowhere in sight. What was she up to?
Anyway, as I was saying, this kind of party was also a prime opportunity for singles — and even teens — to make connections with the opposite gender. The adults were clearly enjoying themselves, dancing and drinking freely. We teens could at least dance.
Our little cluster of young ladies stood beside one of the refreshment tables, nibbling on snacks (because why not?) and laughing softly at the group of nervous young lads huddled in the corner. They kept staring at us, clearly thinking about asking someone to dance, but too chicken to actually make a move.
Some of those boys were really cute, blushing just from our glances. But none of them stood out. If only one would make the first move, the rest would surely follow. Someone had to start, though. I wasn't in the mood — Cassia was under too much pressure, Lysandra was far too shy, and as for Tamsin, being a servant meant no one would likely ask her. But honestly, the lads were staring at her too. What if… Hmmmm.
That was when one of the lads finally stepped forward, moving toward our group. Suddenly all eyes were on him. Who would he ask? Please don't pick anyone from my group of four — if you can't handle rejection, you'll only embarrass yourself.
Just as the lad drew closer, a tall figure blocked my view entirely. Light-absorbing black suit. I looked up — it was Aurelian. Oh no… Was he about to ask me to dance?
"Can I?"
Aurelian asked, only two words, but his hand was already lifting mine with effortless confidence. Why was he so compelling? He pulled me gently out of the cluster, leaving Cassia and the others behind as we moved into the dancing crowd. How was I supposed to keep an eye on Cassia now?
Luckily the dance stage was light — slow music with gentle movements — so it was easy to follow the rhythm and match his footsteps. Aurelian looked directly at me the whole time, but I wasn't returning the gaze, clearly frustrated.
We danced among the other couples in silence, no words spoken. I made a firm vow not to look at him. But his hand resting on my waist was overwhelming. It made me shake inside.
Then suddenly his grip tightened. He pulled me closer. I gasped, forced to meet his gaze. Aurelian was smiling — too bright, too knowing.
"Mr. D'Arthemont," I started, frustration clear in my voice, "don't you think your actions are too forceful?"
I didn't even blink as I said it. Aurelian just let out a low, manly giggle. No. No, don't think about it.
"Well, I suppose you are right," he said. Then his smile curled, as if he were plotting something suspicious.
"Can you blame me though? You are quite my type."
Aurelian released me just enough to hold my hand and spin me around, following the steps with the rest of the dancers. Then he caught my waist again, drawing me back into the same slow, intimate motion.
"And the way you were getting frustrated is making me want to do it more."
Aurelian said it with a distinctly flirty tone. I looked away, trying to escape him, but then I realized my hand was resting against his chest. I could feel his heartbeat — steady, strong. His chest felt warm and solid beneath the fabric. I had been wrong about him not being muscular.
"Y-you shouldn't say such things," I started, my eyebrows tightening slightly with tension.
"Your parents are planning to make Cassia your fiancée." I paused, then added, "and you are here dancing with her best friend—"
"You don't have to worry about that. Your relationship with Cassia will stay as it is."
I looked at him, stunned. He had read my mind like an open book and hadn't even let me finish. This guy was really something. Although… I felt something weird stirring inside me.
"I will dance with Cassia later on to satisfy my parents," he continued smoothly. "But they will not get what they want."
Dance with Cassia? Why? Even though he had clearly explained the reason, my mind kept snagging on that single sentence. Wait, why am I thinking this way?
"You know, I was thinking…" Aurelian said, and that same dangerous smile returned. I was completely focused on what he would say next.
"I can convince my parents that I want to marry you instead."
My eyes widened. My mouth fell open. I missed a few dance steps, but Aurelian held me so perfectly that I didn't fall. He had said it with such calm confidence — he wasn't kidding.