Better than this

I glance at the intruder, who is visibly shaken by the situation. I let out a resigned sigh, feeling the weight of the evening's tension pressing on me. With Haroun's steady support, I rise and make my way towards the exit.

"Excuse us," I say, my voice firm as we move past the gathered crowd.

We leave the troubled figure behind, retreating to the relative calm of the hall. The eyes of the room follow us as we re-enter, the whispers and curious glances a constant backdrop. Fortunately, the spotlight is soon redirected by Luan, who takes his place on the dance floor with his fiancée.

The couple is a sight to behold—like something straight out of a fairytale. They dance gracefully, Luan's face lit with an affectionate whisper as his fiancée responds with a delighted giggle. Their shared moment captures the room's admiration.

I can't help but wonder how Lady Starforge is reacting to this enchanting display. A soft chuckle escapes me as I consider her likely frustration at the attention being diverted from her.

With Haroun by my side, I make my way further into the hall. The dance has concluded, and I spot Stella moving to the center of the room to perform. It's clear she thrives on the spotlight, preening like a peacock as she takes her place at the small seat.

As she begins to play her instrument, I begrudgingly acknowledge her skill. The melody she creates fills the hall, and vibrant colors—blue, red, and green—begin to swirl around her, captivating the audience. The scene is mesmerizing, and people around us watch in awe as the hues dance through the air, adding an ethereal touch to the evening.

The music that emerges is a delicate tapestry of sound—each note a silken thread weaving through the air. As she plays, the melody unfurls like a spell, casting a spellbinding enchantment over the audience. Rich, vibrant hues of blue, red, and green begin to swirl and shimmer around her, echoing the magic of her music.

The colors float and intertwine, forming intricate patterns that seem almost alive. They drift lazily through the air, creating a breathtaking visual display that mirrors the music's grace and elegance. The hall, bathed in this ethereal light, becomes a dreamscape where reality and fantasy merge, leaving everyone spellbound by Stella's mesmerizing performance.

As Stella's performance concludes, the hall erupts into applause. I join in, clapping, the performance was genuinely enchanting and beautiful. If only her personality was too.

Seeking a distraction, I make my way to another table laden with an array of snacks. The sight of so much deliciousness, untouched, is almost tempting. I realize, with a wry smile, that the corsets must be a major deterrent. Their constrictive embrace makes even the thought of indulging seem impractical, and I feel the pressure against my abdomen with each breath. Despite the discomfort, I allow myself to sample a few treats.

."May I have this dance?" a voice asks, interrupting my thoughts. I stifle a sigh, feeling the familiar frustration rise. These events are the bane of my existence.

I turn to see the blue-haired prince, Frederick, standing before me. The younger prince looks expectantly, but I search my mind for a polite yet firm excuse. After all, the banquet is held in their honor.

Before I can respond, Cedric steps into my line of sight, offering a timely reprieve. "Unfortunately, the princess's first dance has already been called for," he announces smoothly.

Seizing the opportunity, I offer Cedric a grateful smile. "It's unfortunate, your Highness," I say, placing my hand in his. Together, we make our way to the dance floor, relieved to escape Frederick's persistent gaze.

As the music begins, Cedric leads me onto the dance floor with practiced grace. I make eye contact with him, noting that his eyes are indeed a striking blue. He's handsome in a familiar, almost boy-next-door way. I chuckle to myself, imagining him as the childhood friend character in a novel.

"I'm sure you hear this all the time," he says, his voice warm and sincere, "but you are incredibly beautiful, Your Highness."

I roll my eyes at the compliment, though I can't help but feel a bit flattered. "I'll choose to thank you for that, especially since you rescued me from an awkward situation," I reply.

Cedric smiles. "It was merely a gesture to make up for earlier and my selfish intentions."

"Selfish intentions, you say?" I raise an eyebrow.

He gives a playful twirl, drawing me closer. "I might never have another chance to dance with the most beautiful woman I'll ever see in my life," he says, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

"You flatter me, but I don't know if you've heard, my heart is already spoken for. Unfortunately, there's no space for another," I say, subtly turning down his advances.

Cedric stumbles slightly at my words but recovers smoothly. He pulls me close, almost intimately, and dips me gracefully. "I dare not reach for the moon," he murmurs against my ear, "but I believe I can bask in its light for a few moments."

With that, he guides me back into the dance.

I can't help but gasp, my mouth slightly open in surprise. Cedric meets my stunned gaze with a smile that reveals his full charm. The dimples in his cheeks and the sparkle in his eyes are devastatingly captivating, leaving me momentarily speechless. I snap out of it, I am better than this.