The atmosphere is very lively. People are laughing, gossiping, discussing and having a very good time.
"Lady Ynnefer, Might I be so bold as to ask for your hand in dance?"
A man appears. He was of course Osiris Skyford.
"Wow, look he is so charming."
"Kyaaa so romantic."
Some girls gives remarks to the scene.
Ynnefer looks at the kneeling man in front of her. She feels disgusted to even touch his hand but since it is her birthday, she have no choice.
"Yes, please take care of me."
She gives a gentle fake smile and takes his hand.
The couple enter the ball room where several other nobles and esteemed guests are enjoying themselves.
Soon enough they became center of attention and many people found it very romantic.
The music plays the ball starts and slowly they swing in each other's arms.
But Ynnefer was nervous so she was moving a bit fast.
"Whoa.. Lady Ynnefer calm down. Keep it slow."
"I am sorry but I don't know what's happening."
She says in confusion.
However,
THUD!
In the next moment she slipped and fell down.
"Lady Ynnefer?"
Servants rush to Ynnefer out of concern.
"Fuck?"
Osiris cursed as he was pushed to one of the servant holding wine glasses.
The wine was spilled all over his clothes.
"Lord Osiris? Are you okay?"
His servants also rush to his side.
"I am okay."
He gives a fake smile and approaches lady Ynnefer.
"It's okay. It's not your fault."
Osiris tries to consol her and extends a hand.
But Ynnefer doesn't take it and stands up by herself.
"I am sorry."
She says in a low voice that was almost inaudible.
"Lord Osiris, we need to change your clothes."
One of the servants suggest.
He nods and walks away from the ball room and everyone turn their attention to Ynnefer.
"She slipped?"
"Well, this is awkward."
"She deserves it for being too bitchy to be honest."
Some are mocking while some are concerned but it doesn't change the fact that she tarnished her reputation.
'This might affect my claim to throne.'
'I might have to give an apology for this.'
"I am-"
"Lady Ynnefer!"
When she was about to apologize she heard a familiar voice. It was neither from someone she loved nor from someone she hated.
But it was from someone she was acquainted with.
"Who is that?"
"Why is he wearing a mask?"
Everyone was in confusion but the man earned the attention of everyone.
He was cloaked in black from head to toe. His coat sharply tailored, his tie perfectly knotted, his shoes polished like obsidian. His dark hair, slicked back with precise elegance, and a face mostly hidden behind a sleek black mask.
But women around could not help but blush. His magnetic charisma was enough to make women gasp in heat.
When Ynnefer saw the man infront of her, she blushed heavily. "Such an elegant charisma!" she thought.
"Lady Ynnefer, Would you mind attempting a ball with me?"
His request was not very noble nor was it very rude. But no one cared about it.
While blushing Ynnefer takes his hand.
He suddenly pulls her and puts his hand around her waist. Such bold intimate behaviour made her too embarrassed.
He touches her forehead with his and hums in a low deep voice.
"Keep your legs on my shoes and your hands around my back."
She nods obediently and does what he instructed without much thought.
"Look! she has put her heels on his shoes."
"Won't that hurt?"
"You think so? I feel like it's very romantic?"
She glances at the women throwing remarks when the man turns her chin to his face.
"Don't worry. I will lead you."
Still confused but curious, she carefully stepped onto the tips of his polished shoes. He adjusted slightly to balance the weight, then placed one hand on her waist and the other gently around her hand.
And just like that, they began to move.
He stepped forward, slowly at first, guiding her through the steps. Her grip tightened a little, still a bit nervous, but he led each movement smooth and controlled. He carried her easily, keeping the pace steady and the turns precise.
Every time the music changed rhythm, he adjusted without hesitation, letting her stay relaxed and focused on nothing but holding on.
She looked around. Some were amused, others impressed. It wasn't how people usually danced at formal events, but somehow it didn't look silly. He made it work.
"You're not bad at this," she said quietly, her voice a little breathless and cheeks still flustered.
"I've had practice," he replied without looking down, still leading confidently.
'Indeed, I have practiced it countless times with my sister Pomerian during by time in Bloodrune household.'
Her cousin on the other hand was furious to the point his vein was popping out of his forehead.
"I was about to execute the assassination but you looked too pitiful. So I helped."
He chuckles while joking in a low voice and receives a pout from Ynnefer.
"Don't joke like that."
"Hahaha"
They continued the dance without talking further.
The dance wasn't complicated, but it felt different. More personal. More connected. And though she wasn't really doing the steps herself, it felt like she was part of something unique.
By the time the music began to fade, she almost didn't want to step off his shoes.
"It's over Lady Ynnefer."
He says when the ball was over. She was in a daze as if time was frozen and she had melted in his embrace.
"Ah yes."
Embarrassed she turned away and received a huge applause by the audience.
It was truly magnificient.