Rnzo exhaled, tilting his head slightly. "And yet, devotion alone doesn't always make a marriage easy. It takes patience. Understanding."
Arvin gave him a pointed look. "Ah. Speaking from experience, are we, Rnzo?"
Before Rnzo could respond, his gaze drifted across the courtyard and landed on Lady Gina, her soft curls illuminated by the lanterns, her expression relaxed as she spoke with one of Kiara's relatives.
Without another word, Duke Rnzo left the conversation, his usual confident strides leading him toward her.
Gina sensed his presence before she turned, her body instinctively tensing. But unlike their first encounter—where he had arrogantly declared his intention to marry her—his demeanour tonight was different.
Before he could speak, Gina surprised him by bowing slightly.
"I owe you an apology, Duke Rnzo." Her voice was softer than he had ever heard before. "It was rude of me to reject your proposal so bluntly and then run away. I was… nervous. I didn't know what to say." She lifted her gaze, meeting his directly. " Thou I still don't wish to marry you, but I wanted to at least apologize."
For a long moment, Enzo said nothing—and then, he laughed.
Not mockingly, not in frustration—but because she was so cute to him. The way she fumbled through her words, her small nervous gestures—he found it utterly endearing.
"I see," he said, eyes twinkling with amusement. "So you still do not wish to marry me?"
Gina nodded, bracing herself for his usual arrogance.
Instead, he smiled—genuinely.
"Then tell me, Lady Gina," he asked, voice rich with curiosity. "What would it take for you to accept me?"
His tone was not demanding, nor overconfident. It was… sincere.
Gina blinked, startled. For the first time, she saw not a duke, not a nobleman used to getting his way—but a man genuinely interested in her answer.
And for the first time, she didn't immediately dismiss the thought of him.
The air between them grew thick with silence, a tension neither could ignore. Gina opened her mouth as if to respond, but no words came. She wasn't sure what stunned her more—Duke Rnzo's genuine question or the way he was looking at her now, with a quiet patience she had never expected from him.
Then, his hand extended toward her.
"Dance with me please," he said, his voice smooth yet gentle.
Gina's breath hitched. She glanced around—the wedding celebration was still in full swing, music filling the night air, couples twirling across the courtyard. But this invitation felt different.
"I…" she hesitated, her fingers twitching slightly. Every instinct told her to refuse, to put distance between them, but something—something in his unwavering gaze—made her pause.
Finally, before she could overthink it, she placed her hand in his.
The moment their fingers touched, the tension between them became palpable. Rnzo's grip was firm yet careful, as if he knew she was close to pulling away. He led her toward the open space where others were dancing, his movements fluid, controlled.
The music shifted to something slow, intimate.
He placed his other hand on her waist—lightly, cautiously. Gina swallowed, placing her free hand on his shoulder, maintaining a respectable distance. But when he pulled her just a fraction closer, her heart stumbled.
Neither of them spoke.
The silence was something agonising for Gina
there was some aura that came with Duke Rnzo, one you can't ignore
Gina had danced before, countless times at noble gatherings, but never had she felt so aware of her partner. The warmth of his palm against hers. The subtle strength beneath his touch. The way his eyes never strayed from her face, watching every flicker of emotion that crossed her features.
"Are you nervous?" Rnzo finally asked, his voice just above a whisper.
Gina's grip on his shoulder tightened. "No."
He smirked. "Liar."
She shot him a sharp look, but before she could retort, he spun her just slightly—a graceful motion that forced her to press closer upon return. The space between them became almost nonexistent.
Her pulse quickened.
He felt it.
His smirk faded, replaced by something far more dangerous, a look that made Gina's breath catch.
The moment stretched between them, thick with unspoken words. Gina refused to look away first, her pride refusing to let Duke Rnzo see how much he affected her. But the way he held her, the way his eyes darkened with something unreadable, made her heart stutter in her chest.
"Are you nervous?" he murmured again, his voice lower this time.
Gina swallowed hard. "No."
His lips curled slightly, that knowing smirk returning. "Then why do you look like you might run away again?"
She stiffened, her grip on his shoulder tightening. "I won't."
"Good."
He twirled her once more, and when she returned to him, their bodies were closer than before.
Gina gasped, but before she could move away, his arm around her waist subtly secured her in place. Not forceful, but firm.
Her pulse betrayed her, thundering against her ribs.
And Rnzo? He heard it. Felt it.
The realization made his smirk falter, replaced by something far more dangerous. Far more intimate.
The arrogant, confident Duke seemed careful. Almost as if he was holding something fragile in his hands.
Gina didn't know if it was the effect of the evening, the remnants of love in the air from Tando and Kiara's wedding, or simply him, but something in her resolve cracked.
Her fingers, which had been resting tensely on his shoulder, relaxed slightly.
She wasn't sure if it was a mistake.
But the way Rnzo's thumb brushed ever so lightly against the fabric of her gown at her waist, almost instinctively, made something inside her tremble.
They moved in sync, the music guiding them, but neither of them truly heard it anymore.
"I meant what I said earlier," Rnzo said after a moment, his voice softer than she had ever heard it.
Gina looked up at him. "Which part?"
His grip on her tightened slightly before he spoke.
"What would it take… for you to accept me?"
The words hung between them, heavier than they should have been.
Gina knew she should give him a simple answer. A logical one. She should remind him that just because he was a Duke, just because he wanted her, didn't mean she would say yes.
But…
His eyes.
His voice.
The way he held her like she was something to be cherished, not conquered.
For the first time since meeting Duke Rnzo, Gina didn't have an immediate answer.
As the music played, Gina was brought back to reality when the song changed her eyes pulled away from Rnzo and her eyes met a sea of eyes that were watching her and Rnzo dance, were they watching the whole time she asked herself and suddenly felt her body trembling against her will.
All eyes were on them. On her.
She could feel the weight of their stares—whispers spreading through the ballroom like wildfire. The Grand Duke is dancing with her. who is she? Is she worthy of him?
Her breath hitched, and she clenched her fingers against Duke Rnzo's shoulder, her body stiff.
Rnzo noticed immediately.
His gaze flickered over her face, catching the way her chest rose too quickly, the way her fingers trembled ever so slightly.
And then, instead of teasing her as he normally would…
He softened.
"Breathe, My Lady."
His voice was quiet, steady—low enough that only she could hear it.
She couldn't look at him. If she did, she might break.
"I—I don't like this," she whispered, her voice shaking. "Everyone is watching."
"I know." His hand at her waist pressed slightly, not restraining, but grounding." They have been the whole time, but keep your focus here."
Her lips parted slightly, her breath still uneven.
Rnzo exhaled through his nose, his grip shifting slightly as if adjusting to hold her more securely.
"You're trembling," he murmured.
Gina closed her eyes for a second, trying to steady herself.
It wasn't just the people.
It was him. The way he stood so close, the way his voice settled in her ears like a lullaby.
"I don't know how to stop," she admitted, her voice barely above a breath. She was vulnerable times like this
Rnzo's thumb brushed against her waist again, a small, almost subconscious gesture.
"Then don't."
Gina finally lifted her eyes to his.
"I don't mind," Rnzo continued, his tone gentle. "If you need to shake, then shake. If you need to hold on to me, then hold on."
She had spent her whole life hiding her nervousness, forcing herself to appear composed.
But here he was—the Grand Duke of Magili, the man she had insulted by rejecting him telling her it was okay.
Her fingers, which had been digging into his shoulder in panic, loosened slightly.
Rnzo noticed.
"Good," he murmured, his lips curving into the faintest of smiles.
The music swelled, and before Gina could think too much, he twirled her.
A gasp slipped from her lips as she spun under his hand, her skirts fanning around her.
And when she landed back in his arms, she wasn't shaking quite as much anymore.
Rnzo tilted his head, amusement flickering in his eyes. "See?, Not so bad."
Gina blinked up at him, realizing for the first time that she was actually still standing. Still breathing.
And somehow…it was all thanks to Rnzo
As soon as the final note of the music played, Gina stepped away from Duke Rnzo as fast as she could.
Her heart pounded in her chest, her hands trembling slightly as she curtsied in haste. She could feel the weight of countless eyes on her the lady who had just danced with the Grand Duke.
She couldn't handle it.
Without another word, she turned on her heel and rushed away from the ballroom, her breath unsteady.
As she moved through the guests, her gaze landed on Mirha.
She had been expecting Mirha to be standing off to the side, as she usually did at grand events. Instead, she was dancing.
And not just with anyone, Lord Kaisen.
Gina paused, watching in quiet surprise.
Kaisen, the ever-gentle and kind lord, held Mirha delicately, as if she were something fragile and precious. His soft smile never wavered, his eyes only on her.
And Mirha, sweet, bashful Mirha was laughing.
It was a rare sound, like the soft chime of bells, and it made something in Gina's chest tighten.
She wasn't sure if it was because she had never seen Mirha, so at ease with someone before…
Or if it was because she wanted to feel that kind of comfort too.
Gina quickly turned away, pushing through the grand doors and stepping outside.
The night air was cool against her flushed skin, and she inhaled deeply, trying to steady herself.
Her fingers clutched at her dress.
What was happening to her?
The dance with Duke Rnzo.
The way his deep voice had somehow soothed the very anxiety that had been suffocating her.
The way his hands had held her firm, steady, unyielding while the rest of her body had shaken with nerves.
And that look in his eyes…
The intensity, the silent challenge, as if he were trying to understand her, to reach past her defences.
A shiver ran through her.
Under the dim glow of lanterns in the Imperial Garden, Empress Nailah and Lady Kanha sat together, watching the remnants of the grand wedding celebration fade into the night.
Nailah sipped her warm tea, her expression serene yet tired. The early stages of her pregnancy though she had yet to speak of it openly. She looked at Kanha with a soft smile. "Kiara looked beautiful tonight, didn't she?"
Kanha nodded. "She did. And she was happy. Tando is a good man, he will cherish her."
Nailah hummed in agreement before glancing at Kanha with mild curiosity. "Have any of the nobles shown interest in the other ladies-in-waiting?"
Kanha smirked, sensing where this was going. "You mean Mirha?"
Nailah chuckled. "She is the most sought-after, isn't she?"
Kanha sighed dramatically. "Oh, you have no idea. While no high-ranking noble has openly pursued her, she has a mountain of letters from knights. So yes, she is very much on track."
Nailah smiled, pleased. "That's not surprising."
Kanha hesitated for a moment before deciding to share something more. "Actually, there was an incident at the first ball after you left."
Nailah raised an eyebrow. "What happened?"
Kanha leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. "Duke Rnzo boldly proposed to Lady Gina right after meeting her."
Nailah blinked, taken aback. "Just like that?"
Kanha nodded, a hint of amusement in her tone. "Just like that. She refused him outright and ran away."
Nailah couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity. "That must have been quite the sight."
"oh no, no-one witnessed it" Kanha continued. "No one knows of the incident it was i who overheard Duke Rnzo speaking with Lord Kaisen about the incident and He's still determined. It seems rejection only made him more interested."
Nailah tilted her head thoughtfully. "And Gina? Has she changed her mind?"
Kanha shrugged. "That, we don't know. But given how things have unfolded, I wouldn't be surprised if something shifts between them."
Nailah considered this before turning the conversation back to Kanha. "And you? Have you caught anyone's attention?"
Kanha hesitated, then exhaled softly. "I think I'm falling for Lord Kaisen."
Nailah's expression turned intrigued. "Truly?"
Kanha nodded slowly. "I don't know for sure how he feels, but… I have a feeling he sees me differently now."
Nailah gave her cousin an encouraging smile. "Then don't let doubt hold you back. Sometimes, love begins quietly before it grows into something undeniable."
Kanha met her gaze and, for the first time in a long while, felt hopeful. Perhaps her story wasn't about lost chances—perhaps it was just beginning.
As the night wound down, Nailah called it a night, gracefully excusing herself to return to Malaka. Kanha watched her cousin disappear into the dimly lit corridors before sighing and straightening her posture. She had a task to complete.
Making her way back to the grand ballroom, she stepped inside just in time to witness a scene that made her breath hitch Mirha and Kaisen, dancing together.
They weren't just dancing; they were lost in their own world. Their laughter rang softly over the music, their eyes locked as if no one else in the room existed. Kaisen's usual lighthearted demeanor was softer, warmer, as if he were looking at something precious.
Kanha's chest tightened painfully. She felt her heart drop, and for a brief moment, the ground beneath her seemed unsteady. Her vision blurred as dizziness washed over her. She swayed, nearly falling.
But a firm grip caught her just in time.
Gina, who had just re-entered the ballroom, steadied her. "Kanha?" she whispered, concern in her voice.
The slight commotion drew Mirha's attention. Noticing Kanha's pale expression, she immediately stopped dancing and rushed over.
"Kanha, are you alright?" Mirha's voice was full of genuine concern as she placed a hand on Kanha's arm.
Kanha forced a small smile, willing herself to stay composed. She couldn't let them see how shaken she was. "I'm fine," she said quickly, steadying herself. Then, with as much grace as she could manage, she cleared her throat and delivered the message.
"It's time to go back to Malaka."
Mirha nodded, casting one last glance at Kaisen before stepping back.
Kaisen, ever the gentleman, didn't hesitate. "I'll walk you all out," he offered, his usual kindness in his tone.
Kanha swallowed hard and nodded. She knew it was foolish to hope, but for a moment—just a moment—she had thought maybe Kaisen saw her the way he saw Mirha.
But reality had just dealt her a painful truth. And as they all made their way toward the exit, Kanha forced herself to smile, even as her heart ached in silence.
As they left the grand estate, the cool night air brushed against Kanha's skin, but it did little to ease the storm brewing inside her. Her mind was full—full of thoughts she refused to acknowledge, emotions she stubbornly pushed down.
Mirha and Kaisen…
The way he looked at her. The way she laughed so effortlessly in his arms. The way they moved together like they belonged in each other's orbit.
But that didn't mean anything.
Right?
Kanha sat stiffly in the carriage beside Gina and Mirha, her hands tightly clasped in her lap. The rhythmic sound of the horses' hooves against the ground filled the silence between them, but her thoughts were too loud.
She wasn't jealous. No, that would be ridiculous. Kaisen had always been kind to her. He always smiled at her, joked with her, spoke to her as an equal. And didn't he also look at her fondly? Maybe it was just her imagination, but she was sure there had been a flicker of something in his gaze before.
Maybe tonight was nothing.
Maybe Mirha was just a friend to him.
Maybe…
Kanha let out a slow breath, trying to silence the nagging ache in her chest.
But as she glanced at Mirha, who sat across from her with a small, content smile on her lips, that ache only deepened.