Conquest of Magic

Part 14

 William led me to the center of the dance floor. A few people stepped aside, while others continued to sway to the music, oblivious to us. He extended his hand, and I hesitated before taking it. "You're beautiful," he murmured, placing his hand on my waist. I tried to hide my nervousness, my left hand trembling slightly as I rested it on his shoulder.

As we began to move in sync with the soft music, I could feel the warmth of his body through the smooth fabric of his shirt. His scent—a mix of cologne and something ocean-like—wrapped around me, calming my nerves for a brief moment. "You smell nice," I blurted out before realizing what I had said.

He lifted my chin with a gentle finger, forcing me to meet his gaze. His deep green eyes locked onto mine, and he smiled softly. I felt my face burn with embarrassment, my blush deepening under his intense stare.

"Do you know how attractive you are when you blush?" he whispered, pulling me closer until my chest was pressed against his. My breath hitched at the sudden intimacy, my heart pounding as we glided across the floor, our bodies moving fluidly together.

His eyes never left mine, and I could feel the admiration on his gaze. Then, he leaned in, his lips brushing lightly against my ear, sending shivers down my spine. "I don't have enough words to express my happiness, Kristen. I've dreamt of dancing with you for so long, and now, here you are in my arms," he whispered, his voice like velvet.

My stomach fluttered at his words, but I forced a teasing smile. "You're flattering me, Prince," I replied, rolling my eyes, trying to ignore the warmth spreading through me. But even as I teased him, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being pulled into something far more complicated than I could handle.

As the music shifted to a waltz, the rhythm swept through the room, and suddenly the dance floor emptied, leaving just William and me. It was as if the world outside had vanished, and it was only the two of us. His movements were graceful, effortlessly commanding the dance, and though it was hard to keep up at first, my feet soon found the rhythm. I let myself follow him, carried along by the music and his steady guidance.

The waltz came to an end, and as William bowed his head, I curtsied in response. The sound of applause broke through the trance, making me aware of the audience for the first time. My heart raced, both from the dance and the realization that everyone had been watching.

"Thank you for the dance, Kristen," William said, his smile bright and genuine.

"The pleasure is mine, Prince William," I replied, using his title with a polite nod, though my heart was still fluttering from the intensity of the moment.

A soft clearing of the throat behind us caught my attention. "Prince William," a man's voice interrupted. "May I have a word with you?"

William turned to me with apologetic eyes. "Kristen, just stay here for a moment. I'll be back soon."

"Okay, but don't take too long," I replied, feeling a slight twinge of uncertainty. He gave me a reassuring nod before walking off to speak with the man.

I stepped away from the dance floor, trying to avoid the curious gazes following me. Making my way to the refreshment table, I could feel the stares burning into me again. It wasn't just the usual glances anymore—it felt more intense, as if someone was watching me closely.

I glanced around, expecting to catch someone's eye, but every time I looked their way, they quickly turned away. This was different, though. It wasn't the same cold, judgmental stares I had felt earlier. This gaze felt oddly familiar, comforting even, rather than threatening.

I shook off the strange sensation and reached for another drink, gulping it down quickly in an attempt to steady my nerves. But the feeling of being watched lingered, making me wonder who—or what—was behind those eyes.