Applause continued to echo through the Grand Hall long after the music had faded.
The orchestra lowered their instruments one by one, exchanging satisfied smiles as the noble guests rose to their feet. Crystal glasses were lifted in celebration, and conversations resumed with renewed enthusiasm.
"It was beautiful."
"They look perfect together."
"Our future king has finally smiled."
"I've never seen His Highness look at anyone that way."
Compliments floated through the ballroom like gentle whispers.
Not all of them were sincere.
Aliena remained beside Sebastian, her cheeks still warm from the dance. She could feel countless eyes on her, yet somehow, standing beside him made the attention easier to bear.
Sebastian noticed the slight shift in her posture.
Without drawing attention to himself, he moved half a step closer.
It was such a small movement that no one else would have noticed.
But Aliena did.
The invisible wall he built around her had become almost instinctive.
