444. Debutante Drama (4)

"Would you care for a dance with me?" I asked Eric.

"Wait, what?" Carlos nearly shouted, eyes wide with disbelief.

"But, Miss Reina…" Eric began hesitantly, but I smiled, cutting him off with a graceful turn.

"You went to the battlefield and brought glory to the nation, Your Highness. We could never match your courage or the determination it took to protect us all," I said clearly. "So, would you at least give me the honor of dancing with you—to celebrate your triumph, on a day that should rightfully be yours as much as ours?"

Eric's eyes widened slightly, and a faint blush colored his cheeks. He quickly cleared his throat, regaining composure.

"B-But I'm sure your brother wouldn't like it…"

"It's fine," I said with a gentle smile. "My brother told me I could dance with you, since you're such good friends."