Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 371. You Are Mine

Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 371. You Are Mine

Rose shook her head, amusement dancing in her expression. "Always the strategist."

"Always," Angel agreed, then extended a hand toward her. "Will you dance with me?"

Rose blinked, caught slightly off guard by the sudden shift. "The first dance is almost over."

"All the more reason," he said, his smirk growing. "We don't have to, of course. Unlike our wedding, there's no obligation for us to dance."

Rose glanced around, taking in the swirling couples that moved gracefully across the ballroom floor. It was a post-coronation party, a formal celebration, but nowhere near as binding as the kind of ceremony that demanded tradition. No one would question it if they didn't join. And yet, the idea of refusing felt… wrong.

She tilted her head slightly, studying him. "And the assassination?"

Angel's smirk didn't waver. "There's no sign of any of them sneaking in yet."

"Yet," Rose repeated, arching an eyebrow.

"If they do, we'll handle it," he said easily. "But right now, the only thing that matters is whether you'll dance with me."

She hesitated for only a moment before slipping her hand into his. "Alright. Just don't step on my dress."

"No promises," Angel teased, leading her toward the dance floor.

The shift was subtle but noticeable. As they stepped into the open space, the remaining dancers made room for them, their presence acknowledged with murmurs and polite smiles. Rose could feel their gazes, the quiet admiration, the whispers of speculation. But none of it mattered. Not when Angel's hand settled at her waist, guiding her effortlessly into the rhythm of the dance.

This wasn't their first dance. That fact alone made it easier, less awkward. Their movements were fluid, familiar, almost practiced. But that didn't mean they weren't on guard. In a room filled with nobles, dignitaries, and possible hidden threats, neither of them could afford to let their defenses down completely.

Still, Rose had to admit—she was enjoying it.

The way Angel looked at her, his sharp eyes never straying too far from hers. The way his fingers curled around her hand, firm yet careful. The way his touch at her waist felt both protective and possessive in a way that sent a quiet shiver down her spine.

Even the guests' attention, which she normally would have found overwhelming, barely registered. She had been the center of attention all night, but here, with Angel leading her across the floor, she didn't feel like a queen standing under scrutiny. She just felt like Rose.

Angel's voice was low when he finally spoke, his breath warm against her ear as they turned. "You're distracted."

Rose blinked, tilting her head slightly to meet his gaze. "Am I?"

"You are," he murmured, amusement flickering in his expression. "Should I be flattered?"

Rose smirked, her fingers tightening slightly in his. "Don't let it go to your head."

Angel chuckled, the deep sound vibrating in his chest. "Too late."

She rolled her eyes, but the smile on her lips lingered. "You seem relaxed."

Angel raised an eyebrow. "Is that a problem?"

"Not at all," Rose said, her voice softer now. "Just… rare."

He considered that for a moment before responding, his gaze never leaving hers. "I suppose it is."

The music swelled around them, but it was as if the rest of the room had faded into the background.

Rose exhaled slowly. "I don't know if I'll ever get used to this."

Angel's fingers brushed lightly against her waist as he guided her through a turn. "This?"

"The attention," she admitted. "The way they watch, the way they talk."

Angel's smirk returned, though it was softer this time. "Let them watch. Let them talk."

Rose glanced at him, arching a brow. "That easy, huh?"

"Nothing's ever easy," he said, his grip on her tightening ever so slightly. "But they only see what we allow them to see."

Rose bit her lip, considering his words. He was right, of course. They were the ones in control here. If the guests wanted to speculate, let them. If they wanted to whisper, let them. It didn't change anything.

Still, the weight of all those eyes was impossible to ignore.

She tilted her head slightly, her tone light but laced with curiosity. "And what exactly do you want them to see?"

Angel's gaze darkened slightly, his smirk fading into something more unreadable. "That you are mine."

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