Chapter 54 - Chapter 54
The royal debutante ball began. Normally, I would have already been inside the hall, chatting with others. However, because I was to enter with His Highness, our entrance was scheduled just before the King and Queen. After the royals entered and His Majesty gave his speech, I was to have the first dance with His Highness.
Now, I stood with him before the grand, glittering doors, waiting for them to open. Ever since I realized I loved him, I had become hyper-aware of his every move. I tried to stay calm so the hand on his arm wouldn't tremble. I took a small, deep breath, and he looked at me with concern.
"Are you nervous?"
"No, I'm fine. Thank you for worrying about me."
"You tend to take too much on yourself, Rachel. Please, rely on me whenever you're troubled."
"Your Highness... thank you."
He smiled gently and nodded. He placed his other hand over mine on his arm, then looked straight ahead.
"Shall we?"
"Yes."
The doors opened, and I stepped forward, head held high. Despite the weight of countless gazes, I felt no anxiety. I glanced at His Highness, and sensing my gaze, he turned to me. His smile grew even sweeter and more tender. The women watching from the sidelines all blushed, their eyes filled with longing as they stared at him.
"I was right to go with the lace."
"Pardon?"
"Oh, nothing. I just noticed quite a few intense stares directed your way, just as I expected."
I questioned his quiet murmur, but he simply shook his head and gave me a bright smile. As he scanned the room, the faces of the young men nearby seemed to twitch for a moment... but perhaps it was just my imagination. I was about to tilt my head in confusion when the signal for the royal family's entrance was given.
Everyone bowed their heads. His Majesty, the Lady Queen, and the second prince entered in order. His other siblings, the first princess and third prince, were still too young to attend. The moment His Majesty entered, the air grew sharp and tense. Despite having the same blonde hair and blue eyes as His Highness, the King gave off a completely different impression. I had heard he inherited the throne young during the post-war chaos, and it was no exaggeration to say he was the one who stabilized the country. While His Highness was a gentle, refined type, His Majesty had a rugged, masculine build. His sharp gaze and the sheer pressure of his presence were the very definition of a king.
At the end of his greeting, His Majesty announced, "Tonight is also the debut of my son's fiancée, the daughter of Marquis Marcel. Therefore, the first dance shall be performed by the Crown Prince and Lady Rachel Marcel."
With those words, His Highness offered his hand, and I slowly placed mine upon it. As we walked to the center of the dance floor, it felt as if every eye in the room was fixed on us. I took care with my gait and expression to ensure I looked elegant enough to stand beside him.
Once we reached the center, we turned to face each other, and his hand moved to my waist. As the music began to flow, our dance started.
It feels so nostalgic. It had been a long time since I had danced like this, facing him. His Highness's dancing was the epitome of grace, beautiful down to his fingertips, and he was so skilled at leading that it was effortless to follow. I looked at his face, so close to mine, and saw a cool, composed smile. But when his gaze met mine, his eyes softened with affection.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes, your skill is making this very easy for me."
"Hardly. I'm actually quite desperate here."
"Surely not."
I couldn't help but let out a little laugh. It was impossible to believe he was struggling when his movements were so fluid.
"It's true. I don't dislike dancing, but... this is the first time I've ever found it this fun, or felt like I wanted to keep dancing forever."
"Your Highness..."
"I don't want to show you to anyone, yet I want to brag to everyone that you are my fiancée. I know I'm being contradictory. And... I've found another reason why I'm enjoying this dance."
"What is it?"
"As long as we're dancing like this, I have your undivided attention, don't I?"
My cheeks burned at his words. He always knew how to shake my heart. I wondered if I was the only one feeling this embarrassed. I let out a slightly pouting voice.
"You always have my attention, Your Highness."
"...That's cheating. I don't want you showing such a cute face to anyone else."
His Highness's eyes widened slightly, and he looked up, letting out a small breath. His grip on my waist tightened, pulling me closer.
"Your Highness, you're... too close."
"Hahaha, this way, I'm the only one who can see your face."
Looking up at him from such a short distance, I saw him laughing with pure, genuine joy. His expression was different from his usual mature self; he looked like a young man his own age, laughing from the heart. I wish I could keep this sight all to myself...
The thought crossed my mind, and I startled. No, I can't think like that. My jealousy had disappointed him before. I could never tell him I felt such possessiveness. I had decided not to make the same mistakes again.
He opened his mouth to say something when he noticed my sudden silence, but the music stopped. We bowed, and the guests erupted into thunderous applause.
"I'm glad I didn't make any mistakes."
"It was a beautiful dance. Now, shall we find the Marquis?"
"Yes."
Following our dance, the other debutantes began to dance with their escorts. His Highness would likely have to dance with several others now, and I would do the same if necessary. But first, I had to reunite with my parents. I scanned the room, but His Highness had already found them. He gestured toward where they stood. My father had a complicated expression, while my mother was smiling through her handkerchief.
"They're over there. I've felt the Marquis's gaze since the first dance."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. I did steal his escort duty, after all. He probably resents me for it."
His Highness shrugged playfully, and I felt my shoulders shake with suppressed laughter. Just as we were about to reach them, he stopped. I paused as well, looking at him curiously. He looked down, biting his lip slightly, and squeezed my hands with both of his.
"It's a shame I have to hand you over to the Marquis now."
"Your Highness..."
"I'll come back for you. Will you wait for me?"
"Yes, of course."
I nodded with a bright voice to counter his somber tone, and he looked relieved. Just then—
"Your Highness, thank you for looking after my daughter. Now, I believe others are waiting for you."
"Marquis, surely you could have waited a moment longer."
"I've waited quite long enough. Look, the music is already changing."
"...Fine. Rachel, I'll see you later."
"Yes."
My father stepped between us as if he couldn't wait any longer. His Highness didn't take offense at the borderline-disrespectful attitude and simply shrugged. He gave me one last lingering look before turning away. He walked toward the dance floor, where white dresses were swirling to the music. Anna-san was among them.
Will he dance with her?
With a heavy heart, I watched his retreating back.
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Next time, I wonder how Louis will react...