And why did it bother her?
It was just a dance, she reminded herself. A symbolic gesture. Nothing more. The prince wasn't married, nor formally engaged. With the entire world watching, he had to choose someone, and, well, she was available, noble, and already dressed for the occasion.
That had to be why.
Right?
She bit her lower lip and glanced down at her hand, the one he had held just moments ago. She remembered the warmth of his fingers, the way he looked at her as if she was the only one in the room.
A weird guilt started to creep up on her. He hadn't demanded anything. He hadn't pressured her. And when she refused… he had respected it.
She sighed.
Maybe I overreacted.
Maybe it really was just a dance. He could have gone to their mother. Or even Ebere, who was just as beloved and refined. But he didn't. He came to her.
And she turned away.
