The Chaperone

"Indeed," Jeonghan said, his gaze once again settling firmly on Joshua. "Lord Hong, might I have the honor of the first waltz?"

Joshua blinked. The first waltz? With him? This was an unheard-of breach of etiquette. The first waltz was traditionally reserved for a debutante or a highly favored Omega. And for Jeonghan to ask a chaperone, a known rival family's Omega no less, was a blatant provocation. His vanilla scent tightened with a mix of alarm and a thrilling spark of excitement.

"Lord Yoon," Joshua began, his voice carefully level, "I am afraid I am acting as my brother's chaperone this evening. My dance card must remain regretfully empty, to ensure I am available to guide him through the intricacies of the evening." It was a polite refusal.

Jeonghan's smile only deepened, becoming a little more knowing, a little more challenging. "Nonsense, Lord Hong. Surely one waltz will not compromise your duties. I merely wish to congratulate you on your sibling's most charming debut. Consider it an act of... inter-familial goodwill." His eyes twinkled with mischief. His coffee scent, usually so controlled, pulsed with a predatory charm that made Joshua's Omega hum in response.