Amira's gaze fell upon Danielle, who appeared to be glancing in their direction.
"Are you acquainted with Danielle?" Amira inquired.
"Why do you want to know?" He responded, touching the skin of her palm before releasing it by her side.
"No particular reason," Amira replied.
"You shouldn't let trivial matters concern you, raccoon," Zyran advised her.
"Okay," Amira nodded.
As the music filled the air, the moment had finally arrived for everyone to take to the dance floor. Amira watches couples swaying to the gentle melody.
Suddenly, a familiar voice broke her reverie. "Dance with me, my lady," Zyran said, extending his hand toward her.
"I don't know how to dance, Zyran," Amira replied with a hint of uncertainty.
"Let me show you," he reassured her, gently taking her hand and leading her onto the dance floor.
Zyran's hand gently came to rest on Amira's waist as he took her other hand into his, gracefully guiding her to the rhythm of the music.
"I'm surprised you can dance," Amira complimented, her movements effortlessly matching Zyran's lead.
"You must think I'm some kind of war-obsessed Hmm.. little raccoon," he quipped, a mischievous glint in his eyes and a half smile playing on his lips.
"Aren't you?" she teased in return.
He released a soft, chuckle at the adorable sight of her, shaking his head gently as he did so. "It seems there's still so much for you to discover," he murmured into her ear as he turned her to face him.
A jolt of excitement tingled down Amira's spine as she felt the coolness of his breath against her skin. Leaning into him, she closed her eyes, finding solace in the presence of her husband, her entire world. In a life devoid of family and friends, Zyran stood as her sole support, despite his sometimes overwhelming nature.
She cherished him unconditionally.
He twirled her gracefully before drawing her close, planting a tender kiss on her forehead before gently guiding her back to the gathered crowd as the music faded away.
Amira excused herself to visit the restroom.
Upon returning from the restroom, Amira weaved her way back to the ballroom, but on her way, she accidentally collided with someone.
Amira's heart sank as she watched the lady drop her belongings without making any effort to retrieve them. Without hesitation, Amira stooped down to pick up the scattered items. As she gathered the fallen objects, she noticed the lady standing before her, staring intently.
"You must be Amira," the lady, whose name Amira now knew was Danielle, said, her eyes fixed on Amira's face as she collected her purse with a small chuckle.
"Yes, that's me," Amira replied with a smile.
I see His Majesty doesn't discriminate against you marrying Zyran on condition of a truce exchange. You must have felt terrified and lonely in a foreign land," Danielle said.
Amira, catching the underlying meaning in Danielle's words, mustered a smile in response.
"I'm glad it was Zyran," Amira replied.
"Excuse me, Lady Danielle. I have other matters to attend to," Amira said as she excused herself with a gracious smile, making her way back to the bustling hall.
Danielle's posture straightened as she gazed at her purse, which she had held onto. She then turned to her handmaid, who had been trailing behind her.
Handing the purse to her handmaid, she commanded, "Dispose of this."