The feast that evening was a vibrant tapestry of laughter and clinking goblets, filling the great hall with a sense of celebration. The Lone Island dignitaries had brought stories of their land-tales of sea voyages and storms that had battered their ships, and the courage of their sailors. Peter presided over the table, his charismatic leadership shining through as he engaged the guests, effortlessly weaving camaraderie and diplomacy into the fabric of the night.
Edmund sat beside Aria, his heart racing as he caught glimpses of her throughout the festivities. They exchanged smiles across the table, subtle moments that sent warmth pooling in his chest. She was in her element, speaking with the other guests, her laughter bright and genuine. It struck him how natural she seemed, effortlessly navigating conversations that had once felt overwhelming to him.
As the evening wore on, he listened to her discuss the culture of Archenland with a noble from the Lone Islands. Her passion for her homeland shone through, and Edmund couldn't help but admire her. He found himself drawn into the rhythm of her words, captivated by the way she animatedly described the landscapes, the festivals, and the traditions that shaped her life. It was clear that she cared deeply for her people, and that dedication stirred something within him.
But the distance between them felt palpable at times, as if an invisible barrier had been erected. He wanted to reach out, to pull her into a more personal conversation away from the formality of the hall, yet he hesitated. What if their friendship was enough? What if he ruined the delicate balance they had created by revealing the depth of his feelings?
As the feast continued, Lucy, ever the instigator, leaned over to Edmund, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You should ask Aria to dance. It would be fun!"
Edmund felt his heart skip a beat at the thought. "Dance? We're in the middle of a banquet, Lucy," he replied, trying to keep his tone light, but he could feel the heat rising to his cheeks.
"Exactly! A dance would lighten the mood. Besides, everyone is having a good time!" Lucy insisted, her enthusiasm infectious.
He glanced at Aria, who was now animatedly chatting with Peter. Would she want to dance? Would it be too forward to ask? Before he could weigh his options further, Peter caught his eye and raised an eyebrow, a playful challenge in his expression. Edmund sighed internally, realizing he was outnumbered.
With a resolute nod, he pushed back his chair and stood. "All right, I'll do it."
Lucy beamed at him, and Edmund walked toward Aria, his heart pounding. He paused for a moment, trying to summon the courage to speak as he approached her. But when she turned her gaze toward him, her smile disarmed him, and he felt the weight of his earlier thoughts vanish.
"Would you like to dance?" he asked, keeping his voice steady despite the fluttering in his stomach.
Aria's surprise quickly melted into a smile that lit up her features. "I would love to," she replied, rising from her seat gracefully.
They moved together toward the center of the hall, where the musicians had begun to play a lively tune. Edmund led her onto the dance floor, the energy of the room swirling around them. The other dancers moved in time with the music, but in that moment, all he could focus on was her-the way her eyes sparkled with joy, the way she effortlessly found her rhythm beside him.
As they began to move together, Edmund felt a rush of exhilaration. He had never been a graceful dancer, but with Aria, it felt different. She matched his steps, guiding him as they twirled and spun, their laughter mingling with the music. The world around them faded, and for a brief moment, it was just the two of them-caught in the magic of the dance.
