Really, whats the matter with them? I narrowed my brow.

But then.

Oh, the duke!

I saw the Duke of Rochester.

But somethings off.

The dukes gaze was fixed on me, his eyes wide open.

It was as if he had found a thief who stole away his younger sister, his gaze was blood-curdling.

I glanced up at Damians face from the side.

At that moment, it dawned on me.

The smile of a victor was etched on Damians face.

..I dont know why the two of them are doing this.

Lets greet them first.

I bowed my head slightly before the duke.

The dukes expressions when he looked at me, evoked a sense that things were complicated.

Was I the cause for that?

I was puzzled by the duke.

Presenting, His Majesty, the Emperor, and Her Majesty, the Empress!

The announcers booming voice rang out again.

The emperor and the empress entered the ballroom.

Damian and I bowed.

The emperor relished the fact that all around him, people were bowing before him.

Of course, that satisfaction he felt vanished into thin air upon seeing Damian.

Damian, youre here.

Yes, your Majesty.

In spite of the emperors callous tone, Damian remained courteous throughout.

Tsk, the emperor clicked his tongue and turned to the empress.

How about it, Empress?

Then he held out his hand.

Shall we dance?

At those words, I inadvertently hardened my face.

The first dance of a ball is usually initiated by the highest-ranking person at the ball.

So conventionally, its correct for the emperor and the empress to begin the dance but.

Isnt the star of todays event supposed to be Damian?

When a ball is held to commemorate a persons achievement, its customary to yield the first dance to said person.

Seriously, its absurd at this point!

I was gnashing my teeth until-

No, your Majesty.

The empress shook her head in a gentle yet firm manner.

This ball is meant to celebrate the Crown Princes success in cleansing the beasts.

As soon as her answer reached his ear, the emperors brow furrowed.

Its only right that the first dance is conducted by the Crown Prince and his fiancee.

The emperor could see what would transpire, but he could not refute her as her words were indeed true.

Oh, how savory is this!

I held back my laughter from spilling out.

Besides, today is the day his fiancee will make her first public debut.

I looked at the empress, feeling elated.

As soon as our eyes met, the empress smiled brilliantly.

Oh, empress.

As expected, shes the best!

Her Majesty looked at Damian and spoke softly.

What are you doing? Everyones waiting for the Crown Prince and his fiancee to have their first dance.

The Empress looked around at the others in the hall and added in a snarky voice.

If you two dont dance first, the others wont be able to dance either.you do know that, right?

Yes, I know. Thank you.

Damian bowed his head politely and then turned to me.

He extended his hand.

Lady Charlize, will you dance with me?

Lady Charlizeha.

My heart somehow felt warm and fuzzy as I looked down at the offered hand.

Id be delighted.

I gently placed my hand in his.

We headed to the dance floor in the middle of the ballroom.

The peoples eyes followed persistently.

Among the many eyes, there was the emperor with a dissatisfied expression while the empress looked content.

As for the Duke of Rochester.

Well, he still had a sullen expression on his face.

Somethings up with him.

I narrowed my brow.

Ill just have to ask later.

At the right moment, the ensemble began to play the overture.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep