Chapter 57: Chapter 57 : The First Dance
Zeres’ brow lifted, his gaze fixed on Aeliz who stood in front of him.
Her long white hair fluttered behind her, the dark blue dress she wore looked gorgeous under the illumination of the blue moon.
"That’s your decision isn’t it? " Zeres said quietly, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"If you really want your feet to be stepped on, then I’ll dance with you."
"Ohh please you can’t be that bad." Aeliz chuckled. "But where’s your manners? "
"What? "
"In the Mersell Empire, men should be the one asking for a dance." She rolled her eyes, crossing her arms, she sat beside him.
"Haha, you’re really nitpicking everything aren’t you? " Zeres said.
"You bastard—"
Aeliz’s mouth closed shut as Zeres stood up, then he dropped to one knee; his long white hair fluttering behind him, pointed ears that made people doubt whether he’s a vampire or an elf.
The moon casting over his features in a soft glow made him look ethereal.
"My lady, would you give me the honor of having a dance with you?"
Aeliz lips twitched, off all the word he’d use, it was the most common.
But still, staring at him being careful about his posture, his awkward and stiff expression made her want to tease him more.
"Haa, what should I do? That’s just a half-hearted offer."
Zeres’ brow arched, forcing a smile, he said.
"You’re enjoying this"
"How could I not? "
"What did I expect, you’re always like that." Zeres sighed, then he pulled back his gloves hands.
All of a sudden, Aeliz’s hand shot up, grabbing his wrist, she looked at Zeres.
"It’s just a prank, you know full well I’ll accept it."
"Seriously, you’re such a bastard" she clicked her tongue, then she stood up.
"It will be my pleasure" she curtsied. "Don’t worry, I’ll teach you how to dance."
"That’s reassuring, that is if you didn’t snap if I happen to step on your foot." Zeres muttered, his hands finding its way on her hand.
"Just shut up will you? " Aeliz snapped, her fingers voluntarily intertwining with his fingers.
They stared at each other, neither looking away.
"Idiot, your hand" Aeliz snickered.
"What? " He asked, confusion appearing on his face.
"I said this! " she grabbed one of his hand, pulling it towards her then she put it on her waist.
She felt his hand resting on her waist, it felt strange, the only dance she remembered she had was only with her etiquette teacher—and her teacher was a woman.
Not like what’s happening now, she was about to dance with a man.
A faint flush started creeping from her neck.
’It’s just a dance’
’Yeah, a dance with a friend.’ She thought to herself.
"Don’t tell me you’re ashamed to do this? " she teased, a playful grin appearing on his face.
"Shut up" Zeres retorted, a faint flush creeping at his cheeks.
"Does that mean this is your first dance? " she asked, her white silk gloved hand resting on his broad shoulder.
"Yeah, you’re my first dance." Zeres said flatly.
Aeliz’s eyes widened faintly, her faze drifting back to him.
He tilted his head, brows raised in that mocking way she have grown accustomed to.
The melody from the banquet hall continued, the bright blue moon illuminated the entire gazebo, the sound of the strong wind echoed across the gazebo.
Aeliz moved, a step to the side—followed by another.
Zeres followed, awkward at first, yet he didn’t once stepped on her foot. After some moment, their dance began to flow smoothly.
"Great, you’re getting the hang of it." Aeliz praised, her hand still intertwined with his.
"All thanks to a good teacher"
"Then you should treat me sometime"
"And what exactly can I treat you with? It’s not like there’s something in this empire the heiress of the Azure empire hadn’t tried." Zeres replied.
"Anything, as long as I found it good."
"Then look forward to it, I’ll bring you to something that’s fun."
"Promise? "
"Promise" Zeres nodded.
A heavy silence settled between them, though it wasn’t out of disagreement—but a silence they dared not to cross.
The melody continued, so as their dance, their hair fluttering from the strong wind, but their gazes remained fixed on each other—neither looking away.
"Right, I forgot to tell you" Zeres broke the silnec first, his eyes drifting behind her.
"That’s a nice dress" he continued.
Aeliz laughed softly "You only praised my dress? Not me? " she asked, a playful grin tugging at her luscious lips.
Zeres looked troubled, then he stared at her.
"You look like a lady now" he stammered.
"What? " Aeliz snapped, then she she kicked his feet hard.
"Ouch! What was that for? " he winced, yet he didn’t let go of their intertwined fingers.
"For your foul mouth"
"But considering your attitude, I’ll take it as a compliment." She continued.
They danced under the eyes of the blue moon hanging high up on the sky.
The strong wind felt harsh, but not enough to make them ruin this moment.
The gazebo stood quietly beside the lake, untouched by the noise of the banquet hall.
Moonlight spilled through the open sides of the structure, painting the polished wooden floor in shades of pale blue. The carved railings cast long shadows that stretched across the floorboards while vines wrapped around the pillars swayed gently with the wind. Beyond them, the lake shimmered beneath the moon’s radiance, its surface disturbed only by the occasional ripple drifting across the water. The cold breeze carried the scent of damp earth and fresh water, making the night feel strangely tranquil.
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"Goodness gracious" Keisha sighed, her eyes fixed in a far away place.
"She told me she’ll just get some fresh air" she mumbled, her eyes drifting back to the faraway gazebo. yet there she is, dancing with someone she called a friend."
"Should I tell the tower master about this? " she muttered under her breath, still observing two students dancing under the guide of the blue moon.
"Urgh, it’s cold" she embraced her herself before she ran straight towards the banquet hall.
