The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 304

Chapter 304: Eyes On Me

"Lady Ria, may I have the honor of inviting you to dance with me?" Arlan asked before any other man could take a step in her direction.

Oriana was taken aback. Seren had told her it would be rude to turn them down, that’s why she planned to agree only once, then making some excuse about her shoe or ankle for the next invitation. Only, she did not expect out of all the people, it would be Arlan who would ask her for her first dance.

Dread and panic began to seize her courage, her hands growing cold with uneasiness.

Dancing with Arlan meant having skin contact with him, and being that close, she feared he would recognize her. The cogwheels in her head began to turn, attempting to find a decent excuse.

"Your Highness, my sincerest apologies. I cannot leave the Queen’s side as Her Majesty is feeling tired. As her lady-in-waiting, I dare not leave her unattended."

Oriana curtsied awkwardly before glancing at Seren, unworried that she would side with her.

But the Queen betrayed her hopes.

"Go ahead, Ria. I only need to rest my feet in the parlor. Besides, Dray is with me."

The unexpected response of the Queen made her stiffen in place. She casted an uncertain glance at Arlan, who promptly albeit wordlessly offered her his hand.

An unspoken invitation she could not excuse herself from.

Not having any other choice, she placed her hand in his.

Arlan guided her way towards the dance floor where other couples were already present, awaiting the next music from the orchestra.

On the side, Drayce and Seren admired the sight of the couple holding each other.

"My Queen, you appear to be acting matchmaker for them," Drayce spoke with a smile.

"Am I wrong to give them a small push?" Seren asked.

He looked at the mischief in her purple eyes. "You can never be wrong." He offered his wife a hand. "Shall we, my Queen?"

Smiling behind her veil, the Queen accepted the King’s hand as they too stepped onto the dance floor.

Meanwhile, as Arlan brought the veiled Oriana to the dance floor, a silent understanding passed between them as they exchanged a bow and a curtsy.

With a subtle shift of posture, Arlan faced her and drew her near, grasping one of her hands in his while his other hand moved to rest at the small of her back. With a gentle pull, he closed the distance between their bodies.

Oriana put her free hand on his shoulder and...what was next? She gulped, her mind turning blank the moment the music began.

Xena taught her the standard steps of a waltz, from the proper posture to the basic movements of the feet, but at this moment, it was as if everything she learned the day before disappeared along with the wind.

In an unfamiliar place, wearing unfamiliar clothes and given an unfamiliar role, Oriana could not help but be timid.

Responding to her growing anxiety, Arlan tightened his grip on her waist. _{freeωebnovēl.c૦m}