Rina froze in place.
Her gaze swept quickly over the faces around her, searching for one last way out, for a reason to retreat. Then she took a deep, long breath, like someone preparing to jump into cold water.
She took a step forward…
Then another…
Finally, she reached out her hand and took his.
She moved closer, with steady steps she tried to convince herself of before anyone else.
Damian straightened up calmly and slowly placed his other hand on her waist in a measured way, as if giving her time to adjust. Rena put her hand on his shoulder, and as soon as the gentle melody began, they moved together.
One step…
Two…
In a harmonious rhythm.
Eyes unintentionally gathered around them; some astonished, some resentful, others watching with cold curiosity. Anxiety tightened Rena's chest, and her gaze automatically fell to the floor.
Damian whispered near her ear in a low voice, "Lift your face… don't mind those looks."
She swallowed, then nodded lightly and raised her eyes to him. Her cheeks were flushed without her noticing.
His focus was entirely on the dance; his steps calm, confident, as if the floor knew him. He leaned slightly and whispered again, "Seems like your first dance… isn't it?"
She almost answered, but an old memory suddenly struck her. Her expression softened, and she laughed gently, "When I was five, my uncle danced with me… I remember I almost fainted from spinning so much, and he just laughed at me… then my father shouted at him."
Damian smiled, as if the scene appeared clearly before him. "Expected… you're your father's only child, and he's clearly protective of you."
Then he added in an observant tone, "But you seem distracted now."
She was surprised and hurried to adjust her steps. She tried to regain the rhythm, but her foot lightly stepped on his. She quickly pulled it back, flustered… then stumbled backward.
In an instant, he pulled her toward him with just enough force so she wouldn't fall. He leaned down a little, bringing them closer than she expected.
Rena's face turned red, and she shook her head quickly, trying to push away thoughts she didn't want there.
On his face, a mysterious smile appeared…
Was it mockery? Or deliberate teasing?
He leaned his head a little more toward her, while she froze in place, then with a sudden movement, she pushed his face away from hers.
"Ah… stop. That counts as violence, you know?"
She glared at him sharply, "You're the one who should stop!"
He tilted his head slightly; that slanted smile never left him, "And why should I stop?"
Rena suddenly stopped dancing and stood silently. "Are you really asking?"
He laughed softly, "I'm just joking."
She resumed dancing, her features calm, with a small smile on her lips.
As for Damian… he deliberately kept her on edge. He had never seen her like this before; laughing and flustered at the same time.
He said quietly, "You look tired… or thinking too much."
She was taken aback by his accuracy and straightened up, whispering, "Nothing's on my mind… just tired from training."
He didn't answer. The rhythm between them calmed slightly, harmonizing with the melody… then—
She separated from him with a light movement, performing a short, elegant, smooth spin, then rejoined him. Eyes were drawn to them, just as they were to other high nobles, but their presence stood out in its calmness.
And as the song ended…
He bowed to her.
And she curtsied to him.
Applause echoed in the hall, while in one corner, someone was taking precise notes; about every proper action… and every mistake.
Afterward, Rena and Vicky gathered again, laughing and talking lightly.
Rena sighed, "I'm so tired… days of training and studying. I just want to sleep."
Vicky replied, "I didn't train much. I've been dancing alone since I was little."
And from another side, Sina had achieved her goal. She approached a group of nobles, looking satisfied, chattering away with the girls. She was still in contact with her mother… and still smiling.
Because she hadn't been defeated.
And after dinner, noble carriages began to gather, and everyone returned to their mansions.
As for Rena…
As soon as she returned, she threw herself on the bed without discussion. The exhaustion was heavier than any thought.
And she sank into a deep sleep.
…
The morning sun rose on a quiet day, as if the palace itself was waking slowly.
Rena woke up late. The light shadows under her eyes were the mark of a long night. She ate breakfast alone, then quietly stepped out.
And as usual… her father was in his study.
She knocked lightly and entered, "Good evening."
Theo looked up, "Good evening."
His eyes fell on the stacked newspapers. "It's said you played well… acted with poise… and danced too."
She smiled lightly, but he added, "So why ruin it by running in the hallways?"
She gasped unintentionally.
How did he know?
"Ah… Father, it's a simple thing…"
He took a deep breath, "Months of training, then you forget the rules. Stop running… it's unacceptable."
She remained silent, shame weighing on her chest.
He closed the newspaper and stood up, "What's the solution, in your opinion?"
She said in a sincere voice, "I apologize… and I won't do it again."
He nodded slowly, and his expression softened.
…
In the following days, San was eerily quiet.
As for Sina… she was absent-minded, smiling for no reason.
Rena knew the path wasn't over yet. But exhaustion was stronger than any planning.
Until an idea occurred to her.
The memory of Victoria's birthday…
And no party.
And in the library, she stopped in front of one book:
Cleibia Academy
An academy for educating noble girls.
Exclusively for nobles.
She smiled.
This is it.
She closed the book decisively and headed to her father's study.
But before she arrived…
The door opened.
San stepped out… then Sina.
Eyes met.
San's gaze was cold, resentful.
As for Sina… she smiled.
A small, wicked smile.
A smile from someone who knows more than they say.
Rena stiffened for a second… then steadied herself.
She didn't say a word.
But her heart wouldn't calm down.