The grand hall of the palace sparkled like a thousand stars had descended for the night. The ballroom, decked in shimmering silks and gilded decor, was the very heart of the evening’s celebration. Tonight was no ordinary gathering; it was the engagement ball of Prince Alaric and Erika Sterling, a night meant to solidify their union in the eyes of the kingdom and its nobility.

Guests filled the room, a cascade of vibrant gowns and tailored suits moving in a rhythmic dance to the music played by a live orchestra. Crystal chandeliers hung overhead, casting a warm, golden light over the scene. The air was thick with the scent of blooming lilies and roses, blending with the soft hum of excited conversation.

Erika stood at the entrance, momentarily stunned by the magnificence of it all. She wore a gown of soft sapphire blue, chosen to complement her dark hair and warm, brown eyes. Her dress flowed like water, the delicate fabric shimmering in the candlelight, accentuating every graceful movement. Despite the elegance she embodied, there was a hint of trepidation in her gaze. This was her first royal ball, her first appearance as Alaric’s fiancée, and the weight of the occasion pressed down on her shoulders.

From across the room, Alaric spotted her instantly. His breath caught for a moment, taken aback by her beauty. He had seen Erika in various settings—often in simple attire, with her hair carelessly tied back—but tonight, she was transformed. The usual playful smile on his lips softened, replaced by something far more tender.

He approached her, weaving through the crowd with an effortless grace. His golden hair gleamed under the lights, framing his striking green eyes that were alight with excitement. When he finally reached her side, he bowed with exaggerated flair, a teasing grin on his face.

“Lady Erika,” he said, his voice a playful whisper, “I believe you’ve left the entire room breathless.”

Erika raised an eyebrow, though she couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at her lips. “Flattery won’t save you, Your Highness. I’m completely out of my element here.”

Alaric chuckled, taking her hand and drawing her closer. “Then let me guide you,” he murmured, his voice dropping to a softer, more intimate tone. “After all, it’s our night, isn’t it?”

Erika looked up at him, caught off guard by the sincerity in his eyes. She had expected teasing, perhaps even a little mockery, but instead found a gentleness she hadn’t seen before. It made her heart stutter in her chest, the sound of the bustling ballroom fading into a distant murmur.

“You’re taking this seriously,” she observed, almost surprised.

“I am,” Alaric replied, his smile softening. He squeezed her hand gently. “Because this is important. You’re important and we only have a month qnd a half left to get to know each other deeper.”

Before Erika could respond, the orchestra began a new song, a waltz that sent a ripple of excitement through the crowd. Alaric didn’t wait for her reply; he stepped back, still holding her hand, and bowed slightly. “Dance with me?”

She hesitated for only a heartbeat before nodding. “Very well, but don’t blame me if I step on your feet.”

Alaric laughed, a light, joyous sound that made her feel as though everything might be okay. “If you do, I’ll consider it a fair price for the pleasure of your company.”

He led her onto the dance floor, pulling her close as the music swelled. The moment their hands touched, something shifted between them—a spark of electricity, a silent acknowledgment of the growing bond neither had quite dared to speak of yet. Alaric’s hand rested gently on her waist, guiding her into the steps with practiced ease.

“You’re better at this than you let on,” he murmured, his green eyes never leaving hers.

“That’s because you’re leading,” Erika countered, though there was a playful lilt in her voice. “I’m just trying not to trip.”

“And you’re succeeding magnificently,” he said, twirling her gracefully. The fabric of her dress fanned out like a wave, shimmering in the light.

For a few blissful moments, it felt as if they were the only two people in the room. The crowd of nobles, the pressures of their engagement, even the uncertain future—they all melted away as they danced together. Alaric’s hand was firm but gentle on her back, his presence grounding her in a way she hadn’t expected.

“You look stunning tonight, Erika,” he whispered as he pulled her back into his arms.

She felt a blush rise to her cheeks, glancing away for a moment. “You don’t have to say that.”

“But I want to,” Alaric insisted. He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a hushed, almost vulnerable tone. “You take my breath away.”

Erika’s heart skipped a beat, and she looked up at him, finding only sincerity in his gaze. It wasn’t a line, not this time. He meant every word.

The song slowed, and Alaric brought her even closer, his forehead nearly touching hers. “I’ve danced with countless women at these balls,” he said quietly, “but this... this feels different.”

“It does,” she admitted, surprising even herself with the honesty of her reply.

Alaric’s smile softened into something almost wistful. “I think I’m falling for you, Erika.”

Her breath caught, and she met his gaze, searching for any sign of his usual teasing. There was none. Only open, earnest affection.

“You barely know me,” she managed to say, though her voice was softer, lacking any real protest.

“Then let me change that,” he replied, his smile widening. “Let me spend every day getting to know you.”

As they pulled apart, Erika noticed Lady Caroline standing off to the side, her expression a mask of barely contained fury. Alaric’s former fiancée, now merely a guest at his engagement, clenched her hands into fists, her knuckles turning white. Her eyes were cold as they flicked between Alaric and Erika, filled with a smoldering, unspoken resentment.

Lady Caroline turned on her heel, her face twisted with anger as she stalked away from the crowd, unable to hide her fury any longer. It was a small victory, but one that did not go unnoticed by the guests, who exchanged knowing glances.

Alaric, still holding Erika’s hand, seemed oblivious to the drama unfolding around them. He looked down at her with a smile that was entirely hers.

“Shall we continue?” he asked, his voice low and filled with affection.

Erika nodded, squeezing his hand. “Yes,” she said, her heart swelling with a new kind of happiness. “Let’s.”

As they moved back into the dance, Erika realized with a flutter in her chest that she was no longer nervous. The fear and uncertainty had been replaced by something new, something far more exhilarating. Perhaps, she thought, this engagement wasn’t just a political maneuver after all. Perhaps, it was the start of something real. And as she gazed up at Alaric, feeling his hand tighten slightly around hers, she couldn’t help but smile.