The Duchess

chapter 7

Chapter 7: A Dance Beneath the Stars

The grand hall was alive with music and laughter as nobles swirled across the polished floor, their silks and jewels shimmering in the golden light of chandeliers. Duke Rian entered the room, exuding his usual charm, his sharp gaze sweeping over the gathered crowd. Beside him was Irina, dressed in a simple but elegant gown, her usual armor replaced by soft fabric that made her seem both foreign and striking in this setting.

Hanna spotted them immediately, her keen eyes noticing the subtle glances Rian kept casting at Irina. She smirked knowingly but said nothing, choosing instead to watch the unfolding tension between her brother and his knight.

"You look remarkably uncomfortable," Rian teased as they stood near the edge of the dance floor.

Irina crossed her arms, the gesture more habit than necessity. "Because I am. This isn't my battlefield."

Rian chuckled, leaning closer so only she could hear. "You're wrong. You're commanding the attention of everyone here without even trying."

Irina stiffened but didn't respond. Her gaze darted around the room, wary of the nobles who eyed her with thinly veiled curiosity-or disdain.

As the evening progressed, Rian mingled with the crowd, his effortless charm earning him smiles and laughter from the courtiers. Irina kept her distance, standing stiffly by the wall. A courtier approached her, making a cutting remark about her being "just a knight" and questioning her place at such a grand event.

Before Irina could respond, Rian appeared, his tone sharp. "She's not just a knight-she's the finest warrior I know. And more loyal than most nobles in this room."

The courtier flushed, mumbling an apology before retreating. Irina met Rian's gaze, her expression unreadable. "You didn't have to do that," she said quietly.

"Yes, I did," he replied, his voice soft but firm.

Later in the evening, Rian approached Irina again, this time holding out his hand. "Dance with me," he said, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"I don't dance," she replied immediately.

"You do tonight," he countered, his grin widening. "Trust me. I'll lead."

Reluctantly, Irina placed her hand in his, letting him guide her onto the floor. The first steps were awkward, her movements stiff and uncertain. But Rian's lighthearted humor and steady guidance slowly put her at ease.

As the music shifted to a slower melody, the space between them narrowed. Irina became acutely aware of his hand at her waist, his steady gaze holding hers. The laughter faded, replaced by an intensity that made her heart pound.
After the dance, Rian led Irina out to the garden. The cool night air was a welcome relief from the crowded hall, and the soft glow of lanterns lit the pathway.

Rian turned to face her, his expression uncharacteristically serious. "Irina, I need to say this before I lose my nerve."

She frowned slightly, wary of the shift in his tone. "What is it?"

"You've been by my side through everything-battles, chaos, the worst and best moments of my life. But tonight, I realized I want you there for more than duty."

Irina's breath caught, and she looked away. "Rian, this isn't-this can't-"

He stepped closer, his voice low and steady. "I don't care about titles or roles. I care about you. I always have."
For a moment, Irina was silent, her thoughts a storm of conflicting emotions. But as Rian leaned in, his hand gently brushing against her cheek, her defenses crumbled.

Their lips met in a kiss that was tentative at first, then deepened as the unspoken feelings between them finally surfaced. The world around them seemed to disappear, leaving only the soft rustle of the wind and the warmth they shared.

When they finally broke apart, Irina's cheeks were flushed, her breath uneven. "This changes everything," she whispered.

Rian smiled, his fingers brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Then let everything change."

Before either of them could say more, a servant appeared at the garden entrance, bowing apologetically. "Your Grace, Duchess Hanna requests your presence."

Irina stepped back quickly, her expression guarded once more. But as she turned to leave, Rian caught her hand briefly, his smile holding a promise.

"Tonight isn't the end of this," he said softly.

Irina didn't respond, but the faintest smile curved her lips as she walked away, leaving Rian standing under the starlit sky.