The royal ballroom sparkled under the glow of massive crystal chandeliers.
Soft classical music played in the background while elegant guests moved around the room, chatting and laughing quietly.
Amara still felt nervous standing beside Adrian and the Queen.
The Queen's sharp but graceful eyes studied her carefully.
"So," the Queen said gently, "you attend the academy with Adrian."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Amara replied politely.
The Queen nodded slightly.
"I heard you are one of the scholarship students."
Amara's heart skipped.
"Yes, ma'am."
For a moment, the Queen simply looked at her.
Then she smiled faintly.
"That is impressive. The academy chooses its scholars very carefully."
Amara relaxed a little.
Before she could reply, the music in the ballroom suddenly changed.
A slow, elegant melody filled the room.
Guests began moving toward the dance floor.
The Queen glanced toward the musicians.
"It seems the first dance is beginning."
She turned to Adrian.
"Well?"
Adrian looked at her calmly.
"Well what?"
The Queen gave him a knowing look.
"You brought a guest."
Adrian understood immediately.
He turned toward Amara and held out his hand.
"Dance with me."
Amara blinked.
"Now?"
"Yes."
Amara looked at the dance floor where dozens of powerful guests were already watching them.
"I don't know how to dance like these people."
Adrian's voice remained calm.
"Just follow me."
Amara hesitated only a second before placing her hand in his.
The moment they stepped onto the dance floor…
Everyone noticed.
Whispers spread across the ballroom.
"That's the prince."
"Who is the girl with him?"
"They're dancing together."
The music swelled as Adrian placed one hand gently at Amara's waist.
Her heart began racing again.
"Relax," Adrian murmured.
"You're shaking."
"Because this is terrifying."
Adrian almost smiled.
The dance began slowly.
Adrian guided her movements with surprising ease, and within seconds Amara realized she didn't actually need to know the steps.
He was leading perfectly.
Guests watched them closely.
Some looked curious.
Others impressed.
Across the ballroom…
Vanessa stood near the balcony, her eyes burning with jealousy.
Watching Adrian dance with Amara felt unbearable.
"That should have been me," she muttered angrily.
One of the guests nearby suddenly spoke.
"Vanessa?"
She turned.
A young man in an elegant suit stood there.
"Didn't you tell everyone you were invited by the prince tonight?"
Vanessa forced a small laugh.
"Oh… plans changed."
But her eyes quickly returned to the dance floor.
Meanwhile, Amara and Adrian continued dancing.
"You're doing better than you thought," Adrian said quietly.
Amara glanced up at him.
"You planned this, didn't you?"
"Planned what?"
"This whole thing."
Adrian didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he spun her gently before pulling her back into place.
"Maybe."
Amara shook her head slightly.
"You're unbelievable."
Adrian's gaze softened just a little.
"Yet you still came."
Amara opened her mouth to reply—
But suddenly, the music stopped.
A loud voice echoed across the ballroom.
"Ladies and gentlemen!"
Everyone turned toward the stage.
The host of the gala stepped forward with a microphone.
"We have a special announcement tonight."
The crowd grew quiet.
The host smiled.
"As many of you know, this charity gala supports young scholars across the country."
Amara felt a strange feeling of unease.
"And tonight," the host continued, "His Royal Highness has brought with him a very special guest."
Spotlights suddenly turned toward the dance floor.
Directly onto Adrian and Amara.
The entire ballroom stared at them.
"And we would love to introduce her properly."
Amara's heart nearly stopped.
Because now…
Every important person in the room was about to learn her name.