Couple Dance

Walking into the living room, Charlotte observed the men and women dancing gracefully to the music and suddenly felt inspired.

She leaned down and whispered into Astrid's ear, "Do you want to dance with me?"

Feeling the warm breath and fragrant scent from Charlotte on her neck, Astrid pursed her lips.

After a moment of hesitation, she heard Charlotte tease, "What's the matter? You usually call me Lady Charlotte, but now you're reluctant when I invite you to dance?"

Astrid glanced at Countess Charlotte, who stood to her right, dressed in a long, dark gown with hollow stiletto heels.

Her fair skin and elegant figure made her appear no older than twenty, were it not for the mature aura she naturally exuded.

"Since Lady Charlotte has personally invited me, of course, I will accept,"

With that, Astrid accompanied Charlotte to the dance floor.

Charlotte asked which role she preferred, and Astrid responded as she had before.

Charlotte's lips curved slightly. "Then you shall take the lady's part," she said, extending a slender, delicate arm to gently embrace Astrid's slim waist.

The distance between them closed, close enough for each to feel the other's breath.

Fortunately, Astrid had inherited the memories and dancing skills of the original body when she transmigrated into this world; otherwise, she would never have accepted the dance invitation.

Astrid raised her left hand to rest on Charlotte's shoulder.

Charlotte's dress was a one-shoulder design, revealing her delicate collarbone and smooth, rounded shoulder.

As Astrid placed her hand in the correct position, she immediately felt the soft, smooth skin beneath her palm, causing her eyelashes to flutter slightly.

"Shall we begin?"

Astrid nodded, and the two began to dance in sync with the music.

"I still remember when I taught you court dance. You used to step on my feet often. I wonder if you've improved after all these years,"

Charlotte remarked, her arm wrapped around Astrid's waist, their fingers interlaced.

Her legs moved gracefully, causing her skirt to sway gently.

"It's been a while since I last danced. I'm a bit rusty,"

Charlotte's skin was not only fair but also exceptionally smooth to the touch.

Astrid's hand occasionally slipped, forcing her to apply a bit more pressure to keep it in place on Charlotte's shoulder.

"You really are a bit out of practice," Charlotte said with a slight smile, deliberately matching Astrid's steps.

Whenever Astrid missed a beat, Charlotte adjusted quickly to guide her.

As Astrid inhaled Charlotte's sweet, natural fragrance and felt the gentle movements of her partner, she gradually found her rhythm and became more confident in her dancing.

Outside the dance floor, Lyra watched as Charlotte held Astrid's waist, her cherry-pink lips pressed tightly together.

She gazed at the pair with a distracted expression.

Countess Charlotte was tall and strikingly beautiful. Standing next to Princess Astrid, who was renowned for her beauty, Charlotte held her own.

Watching them dance should have been a delight, but Lyra found herself unable to enjoy it.

Her eyes lingered on Charlotte's slender, pale hand resting on the hem of Astrid's dress.

As the dance progressed, the fabric of Astrid's gown wrinkled slightly, only to be gently smoothed by Charlotte's tender touch.

A faint sense of loss welled up in Lyra's heart, though she couldn't quite understand why.

She continued to watch quietly until the dance ended and the two left the floor.

Only then did she lower her head, pretending to adjust her bow tie.

How strange... What was she even thinking?

As Lyra struggled to make sense of her emotions, a pair of pure black, diamond-encrusted heels appeared in her line of sight.

Her gaze traveled upward to reveal slender calves clad in black stockings, smooth as polished jade.

"Lyra, we won't be returning to the palace tonight," Astrid said, scanning the crowd for Elise.

After failing to spot her, she turned and found Elise standing behind her.

The head maid, who had just exchanged greetings with Charlotte, stood upright and asked a question that was also on Lyra's mind.

"Will Miss Astrid be staying the night at Countess Charlotte's private estate?"

Elise was aware of the relationship between Astrid and Charlotte.

Seeing them enter the venue hand in hand, she had a rough idea of what was to come.

Four or five years ago, she had often accompanied Astrid to tea parties and flower viewings at Charlotte's estate.

When night fell, Charlotte would insist they stay overnight, and they would return to the Royal Palace the next morning.

"Yes, we'll return to the capital tomorrow morning with Countess Charlotte."

Outside the window, the night deepened, and guests began to depart.

Before leaving, Lina approached Lyra and, after a moment's hesitation, mentioned the letter.

"There's something I need to discuss with you in private, Lyra,"

Instead of responding immediately, Lyra glanced at Astrid, who was leaning casually against a marble pillar, sipping red wine with a languid expression.

Remembering that Astrid had once said she had no objections to her spending time with Lina, Lyra decided to seek Astrid's permission.

"Your Highness Astrid, may I step away for a moment?" Lyra asked timidly.

Astrid tilted her head slightly, her tone nonchalant. "Do as you please, but don't take too long. If you keep me waiting, you'll face the consequences."

With Astrid's tacit approval, Lyra felt relieved and followed Lina to a secluded corner.

"Miss Lina, what did you want to tell me?"

Lina remained silent but pulled out a stack of handkerchiefs from her bag.

Dipping her finger into a glass of red wine, she began to write.

She had heard from her brother that Elise, Astrid's head maid, was a highly skilled knight.

If Elise was monitoring them, speaking aloud would risk exposure. Writing was safer.

Using the wine as ink and the handkerchief as paper, Lina briefly summarized the contents of the letter.

She informed Lyra that her parents were under the protection of the Velmont family and concluded with a warning to be cautious of Princess Astrid and Prince Lucas.

"That's all I wanted to say... Take care,"

After retrieving the handkerchief and arranging to show Lyra the letter at their next meeting.

Lina left under the escort of her family's guards.

As she glanced back, she couldn't help but feel that Lyra, standing alone, resembled a fragile dandelion swaying in the wind.

"She's gone?" Astrid asked casually as Lyra returned to her side.

"Yes,"

Prince Lucas really doesn't seem like a good person... And what about Her Highness Astrid? Does she feel the same way?

Lyra's thoughts were a tangled mess.