ONE STEP AT A TIME

In response to Altan's words, murmurs filled the air, and the music resumed, drawing everyone back to their festivities. However, Ares's smile faded when he saw the anger on Eleanor's face, and he looked up to meet his brother's striking red eyes.

"Oh, I see now," Atlan muttered with a shaky laugh, bowing his head in respect. "Brother,"

He looked dashing for the ball, his dark hair styled slicked back, his regal attire commanding attention and exuding an aura of nobility.

Ares remained silent, keeping his expression unreadable.

Atlan laughed nervously. "Oh.. hehe.. wow!" Feeling suffocated by his brother's presence, he added, "Join us at the thrones, let's celebrate. Iris would love to see you."

"I am sure she is well aware of my presence." Ares murmured in a harsh, deep voice.

Naturally, the royals were watching and participating in the ball while perched atop their thrones in the ballroom.

Atlan forced a laugh. "Indeed, indeed, no doubt about that." Abruptly, his gaze fell upon the phoenix's ferocious glare. He had never seen anyone look both frightening and endearing at the same time!

"You.. you brought her along?!" He exclaimed, his finger jabbing at Eleanor.

Ares furrowed his brows, giving Eleanor a curious look. "Yes." he replied, struggling to contain his amusement at her intense focus on Atlan's pointing finger.

Without further comment, he took her hand and led her onto the dance floor.

Atlan, meanwhile, was paralyzed with shock, his finger pointing at himself as if to confirm his own existence. His eyes blinked rapidly, as though he had witnessed something more terrifying than his brother. And that was his brother smiling! There was a real smile on his face!

"Oh my gods!" He exclaimed, his voice trembling with excitement. "This! This...! Everyone must know about this!" And with that, he dashed into the crowd.

...

Eleanor's eyes rose to meet Ares', her eyes wide with a mix of awe and insecurity as he swept her onto the dance floor.

The other dancers halted, and the crowd surged forward, entranced by the unlikely pair.

Without warning, the room plunged into a soft darkness, except for a gentle light that enveloped Ares and Eleanor, casting them in an ethereal light.

The sudden change was accompanied by the soothing strains of a solo violin, its melancholic melody filling the air.

The crowd's murmurs and whispers swirled around them, a mix of wonder, curiosity, and even awe, as the atmosphere transformed from lively to enchanting.

"I... don't want to dance," Eleanor whispered, keeping her voice very low but Ares could hear her loud and clear.

He flashed a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, causing her brow to furrow in concern.

As she opened her mouth to protest, he swiftly twirled her around, catching her off balance. He grasped her tightly, saving her from a stumble, his arms enveloping her in a gentle but strong hold.

Anger filled her soul, but just as she was about to scream at him, he leaned his face dangerously close to hers, his warm breath caressing her skin, making her gasp in shock. Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, her eyes wide with shock.

"Focus, Little Bird," he whispered, his voice low and husky. "I want you to make a lasting impression on my family." With a gentle yet powerful grip, he pulled her upright, her feet steady once more.

Eleanor swallowed hard. "Of course." But her eyes drifted to the watching crowd, and her composure crumbled.

"N.. no." She faltered, her steps trembling, until Ares's steady hand grasped hers, twirling her back into his embrace.

She looked up at him, her eyes taut with anxiety. "I can't do this. I can't handle the stares. I feel like I can read their minds and it's all negative. I..."

Ares's lips curled into a gentle smile, impressed that her whispers remained hushed, intimate, and exclusively for his ears. He drew her nearer, his hand applying gentle pressure on her back, causing her to gasp as her forehead made contact with his chest.

"Do you want to focus on my body?" He asked.

She lifted her head, her eyes locking onto his with shock.

He tilted his head, his eyes piercing hers. "Or would you rather focus on my eyes?"

"This is abuse." Eleanor hissed.

"That is a strong word." Ares suppressed a smile. "Let's take this one step at a time, Little Bird,"

Eleanor drew a deep breath, her eyes never leaving his, and as she exhaled, something in her seemed to surrender to the warmth in his silver eyes. And soon they were gliding across the dance floor with grace, their movements harmonious and synchronized.

As they danced, Eleanor's initial reluctance gave way to amusement, mirrored in Ares's expression. Their steps were effortless, a testament to their skill, yet they remained silent, lost in the rhythm.

When the music finally faded, they parted, executing a graceful bow, their respect for each other clear.

The audience erupted into applause, their cheers and whistles echoing through the hall, making Eleanor's heart race as she became acutely aware of their presence.

Her breath caught in her throat, her eyes fixed on the sea of faces, her anxiety spiking once more.

Ares immediately grasped her hand, his whisper warm against her ear. "Keep your eyes on the floor, I'll guide us out."

Eleanor nodded stiffly, her gaze fixed on the ground as Ares expertly led her away from the dance floor.

Their sudden exit was fluid, unnoticed by the engrossed guests, who were too busy exchanging whispers and speculation about the couple. Their words would surely spread like wildfire throughout the kingdom.

As soon as they reached the hallway, Eleanor wrested her hand free from Ares' grasp and retreated to the wall, her back against the cool surface, her hand pressed to her chest. "Did...did your dear family notice me?"

Ares approached her, his head tilted in a gentle, inquiring gesture. "They did."

"Good," Eleanor coughed, her voice strained, as she fought to compose herself. Sweat dotted her brow, and her eyes betrayed her distress. "I do not think I do well with crowds and gatherings. A queen is supposed to be adept at navigating such events, isn't she?"

Ares's eyes softened. Without a word, he swept her into his arms, cradling her like a fragile treasure. While she buried her face in the safety of his chest, seeking solace.

"One step at a time, Little Bird," he cooed, his voice a soothing balm. "One step at a time."