I Will Hold Your Hand Gently

Chapter 41: The Royal Ball

I hadn't expected him to come to the ball, let alone sit in the carriage beside me. When he extended his hand to me, I swear I felt my heart skip a beat, as if it were about to leap out of my chest. Zwei, who usually recoiled from any form of physical contact, was offering me his hand. I didn't know what to do at first, and for a moment, I hesitated, unsure whether I should take it. After hesitating, I placed my hand in his as he helped me into the carriage. During that brief exchange, I tried to offer him as much guidance as possible.

I couldn't bring myself to look him in the eyes during the entire ride to the palace. My heart was racing, torn between anxiety, happiness, worries, and so many emotions I couldn't even begin to name. My thoughts were scattered, and all I could focus on was the fluttering sensation in my stomach—like butterflies swirling around. Each passing moment seemed to make my face grow warmer as if I were burning from the inside out. I couldn't wait for the carriage ride to end, but at the same time, I couldn't stop stealing glances at him when I thought he wouldn't notice.

Zwei had always been described as a handsome young man, though his unkempt hair and rugged appearance made him seem more wild than refined. But now, in his noble attire, with his hair smoothed back into a controlled style, he looked completely different, radiant, even. His sharp features seemed more defined, and the quiet strength in his posture gave him an almost regal presence. His usual air of mystery was still there, but now it was tempered with an undeniable allure. In his noble clothes, tailored perfectly to his frame, to the very edge of his muscles. 

The sun had set when we finally arrived at the palace. Nobles from all over the kingdom came, dressed in their most luxurious to impress others. The door to the carriage is opened by the coach who is waiting for us. Zwei exited the carriage and suddenly gave out his hand to me again, however, this time I didn't hesitate. The moment our hands touched, I felt the accumulated miasma within him lessen. The light and color returned to his eyes, and I could sense the change. As he helped me out of the carriage, I focused on guiding him to clear the remaining miasma, but because he hadn't received constant guidance from me, I couldn't remove all of it.

Zwei let go of my hand but continued to stand by my side as we entered the palace. At the entrance to the ballroom, a grand set of double doors stood closed, with two stern-looking guards stationed on either side. The moment the guards spotted us, one of them stepped forward and announced our arrival in a clear, commanding voice the moment the door opened. As the words echoed through the hall, the gaze of every noble in the room shifted toward us.

The ballroom was a dazzling sight, overwhelming in its opulence. The light was almost blinding, reflecting off the crystal chandeliers that hung from the vaulted ceiling, their brilliance casting a soft, golden glow over the entire space. The walls were adorned with lush tapestries, and intricate marble columns lined the perimeter of the room, creating an atmosphere of regal grandeur.

The air was alive with music, a soft yet sweeping melody from a string quartet playing in one corner of the room. The sound seemed to mingle with the laughter and murmurs of conversation, creating an elegant symphony of its own. Everywhere I looked, there were vibrant colors: the rich, jewel-toned gowns of the ladies, the polished armor of the gentlemen, and the shimmering decorations that hung from every corner. It was as if the entire room was alive with color, each corner sparkling with the light of countless candles.

On round tables scattered throughout the room, an array of delicate refreshments was laid out; golden pastries, perfectly arranged fruits, and crystal bowls of sweet treats, tempting guests to indulge. Servants, dressed in elegant livery, moved gracefully between the guests, offering drinks and small bites. 

The once loud chatter of the nobles faded as they turned to greet us. In the midst of the sudden hush, something caught my eye in the corner of my vision. Before I could fully process what I had seen, I was surrounded by a group of noble ladies, their curious glances and polite smiles directed toward me. I quickly glanced to my side, only to realize that Zwei had already slipped away, leaving me standing alone amidst the crowd.