Chapter Sixteen
But before I could think any further, I suddenly found myself face-to-face with the Emperor.
"Kyle."
His voice was as deep as ever, carrying that commanding tone that made you instinctively want to stand straighter.
I bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty."
The Emperor smiled slightly, his blue eyes gleaming as he placed a hand on my shoulder—a gesture that was quite unusual for him. "You've truly become a man, just like your father in his youth."
It was a rare kind of praise, one I hadn't expected. I looked at him, trying to read his thoughts, but he shifted his gaze across the hall and spoke loudly, "It was just a minor incident, nothing that should ruin our night. Let's enjoy the ball as we should."
With a single motion of his hand, the music resumed, and people began moving toward the dance floor. Then, in a voice that was more of a command than a suggestion, he added, "Let's begin the opening dance. Kyle… I believe the young lady Arwa will be your partner tonight."
I turned toward Arwa, who looked just as stunned as I was. I met her gaze, then extended my hand toward her.
"Would you dance with me?"
(Arwa's Perspective)
I had no choice.
I swallowed hard, my eyes shifting from his outstretched hand to his green eyes, which were patiently waiting for my answer.
Dance? In front of everyone?
Oh God, this had to be a terrible joke!
This is my chance—so why am I this nervous?
"I… I'm not good at dancing," I murmured softly.
But instead of backing off, he remained steady and said calmly, "Don't worry, I'm good at leading."
I took a deep breath, then slowly extended my hand, placing it in his large, warm one. In an instant, I found myself being gracefully pulled to the center of the dance floor, under the gaze of everyone present.
I stood there, tense, but Kyle stepped a little closer, his quiet voice reaching my ear. "Just follow my steps. Don't overthink it."
Easier said than done.
The music started, and Kyle began to move. For a moment, I hesitated—I almost stumbled—but his hand on my waist held me firmly, as if keeping me balanced. His steps were smooth, strong, guiding me gently.
"Look at me, not your feet," he whispered, lifting my chin with his finger, making me meet his gaze.
He was looking at me differently—not mockingly, not observantly, but calmly… reassuringly.
As time passed, I started to find my rhythm with him. I was still nervous, but I no longer overthought my movements. I simply… followed him.
When the dance ended, I hadn't realized how tense I had been until I heard the applause around us. Everyone had been watching.
Kyle gave me a small smile. "You did it."
I smiled back, though I was still trembling slightly. "I wouldn't have done it without you."
It should have ended there, but suddenly, a cheerful voice spoke from behind me.
"That was a wonderful dance. But may I request a dance with Lady Arwa as well?"
I turned to find Ethan standing there, his usual serene smile never leaving his face.
Well, considering he was the Crown Prince and about my age, it wasn't entirely unexpected.
(Kyle's Perspective)
I suppressed a sigh as I watched Ethan step closer to Arwa. Of course, he had to do it.
I observed his expression, the way he smiled, then glanced at Arwa, who seemed hesitant.
"Oh, don't worry," Ethan added with a wider smile. "I'm a good dancer too."
…What a cunning little fox.
(Arwa's Perspective)
I had no idea how to escape this situation, but thankfully, the Emperor himself saved me. He approached, giving Ethan a meaningful look.
"My son, it's getting late. I believe it's time to leave."
"But, Father—"
"No excuses," the Emperor said firmly, leaving no room for argument.
Ethan sighed in defeat but didn't leave before stepping closer to me and whispering playfully, "I'll claim my dance next time. Don't think you've escaped me."
Then he winked and walked away.
I stared at his back as he left, then let out a frustrated sigh.
"That boy is trouble."
"I agree."
Kyle's voice came from beside me, making me turn to see him watching Ethan as if carefully studying his every move.
Then he looked at me and said calmly, "You really attract trouble."
My face heated up. "Me?! I didn't do anything!"
Kyle raised an eyebrow as if doubting my words, but instead of responding, he chuckled lightly and said, "Let's see what happens next."
There was something in his voice that made me feel like tonight was only the beginning of a far more complicated series of events.
The cold air brushed against my face as I stepped out of the palace, as if I had finally regained my breath after a long night filled with tension, awe, and surprises. The golden lights of the palace were still glowing, casting shadows on the marble pathway, while carriages lined up before the grand entrance, waiting for the departing guests.
I glanced around for a moment, only to realize that I wasn't alone.
Ciara was there, standing steadily as always, her elegant attire reflecting her usual composure. Beside her stood a tall man dressed in a dark formal uniform. His expression was stern and devoid of emotion, but the sharpness in his gaze was enough to tell me that he was one of my father's attendants.
I stepped toward them, feeling Ciara's assessing gaze on me, just as meticulous as ever.
"Your father ordered me to escort you back to the estate safely," she said in a gentle yet firm tone. "He wasn't comfortable leaving you here overnight."
I nodded quietly, though a faint sting of anxiety settled in my chest. My father was not a man who welcomed surprises, and I was certain he would have much to say once I returned.
Just as I was about to move, I heard familiar footsteps behind me.
"So, you're leaving now?"
I turned slowly to find Kyle standing there, dressed in his formal attire that looked as though it had been tailored just for him. Though I had seen him throughout the evening, I still couldn't ignore how striking he appeared now, the lights behind him highlighting the golden sheen of his hair and accentuating the sharpness of his strong features.
He was watching me, but this time, his gaze wasn't teasing or challenging—it was… cautious.
"Yes, my father sent Ciara to fetch me," I replied softly.
He remained silent for a moment, as if lost in thought, before finally saying, "Be careful."
His words were simple, yet they carried a strange weight that left a faint trace of unease within me. Was there something I hadn't noticed? Or was I just exhausted and overthinking?
I didn't have time to dwell on it, as Ciara opened the carriage door, motioning for me to get in. Slowly, I turned and stepped inside, followed by the attendant who took his place at the front, ready to drive the carriage through the dark roads leading to the Valeska estate.
(Kyle's Perspective)
I watched the carriage until it disappeared between the towering trees, an odd tightness settling in my chest. I didn't know why I felt this way, but I couldn't shake it off.
Arwa…
Lowering my gaze slightly, I pulled a cigar from my pocket and lit it calmly, watching the smoke rise into the night air.
"You seem more interested in her than you thought, don't you?"
I didn't need to turn around to know who the voice belonged to.
"Ethan."
He stood there, his usual serene smile masking the thoughts he never voiced. His bright blue eyes held a playful glint, yet he was studying me, as if trying to read my mind.
"Arwa is quite an interesting girl," Ethan mused, absentmindedly toying with one of the buttons on his royal jacket. "And I'm certain she'll become part of this game one way or another."
I met his gaze coldly and said, "Don't try to involve her in your schemes, Ethan."
He chuckled lightly, then clasped his hands behind his head. "Me? I haven't said anything yet."
"But I know you well."
For a brief moment, we exchanged silent looks before Ethan sighed and said, "Alright, alright. No need to be so serious, Kyle. Just be careful—things are starting to get more interesting."
Then he turned and walked away, leaving me to wonder what exactly he meant by that.
(Arwa's Perspective)
The carriage rocked gently as we made our way through the forest leading to the Valeska estate. I sat by the window, watching the flickering shadows of the trees under the moonlight.
Ciara, seated across from me, studied me as if assessing my state.
"How was the ball?" she asked in her composed voice.
I let out a tired sigh before offering a small smile. "It was… exhausting."
"But also enjoyable, wasn't it?"
"I suppose so," I said, recalling the dance with Kyle, the emperor's gaze, and the way Ethan had acted. "But it was also… strange."
Ciara raised an eyebrow. "Strange how?"
I hesitated for a moment before shaking my head. "I don't know… I just felt like I was in the middle of something much bigger than I had imagined."
She seemed to ponder my words, but she didn't comment.
Before I could say anything else, the attendant halted the carriage in front of the massive gates of the Valeska estate.
"We've arrived, my lady."
I slowly opened the door and stepped out, Ciara following close behind.
For a moment, I stood there, gazing at the grand estate, which looked even more imposing in the dead of night.
Taking a deep breath, I started walking inside.
I knew that tonight was merely the beginning of a series of events that would change my life forever… and I wasn't entirely prepared to face them.