Chapter 35: Shall We Dance?

The evening that Mia Luna Tearmoon first appeared in the ballroom before her classmates would go on to become the stuff of legend, and it all began with rumblings of discontent slowly spreading through the room.

After becoming the absolute center of attention, the actual dance she'd performed was totally average.

"...What, is that it? I guess she knows how to stand out, but her dancing isn't anything to write home about."

"Well, what did you expect? I mean, Imperial Highness or not, she's just a kid."

Whispers, jealous and mocking, could be heard throughout the ballroom. While Mia's fellow first-years might still be star-struck, the older students saw her as an eyesore. Many had gone through considerable pains to make themselves look pretty, only to have the thunder stolen from them by Mia's arrival. Having been relegated to little more than scenery, they decided to let their displeasure be known. None of them would say it to her face, of course, but few could resist talking behind her back. As for the target of their animosity, though...

"There you go, Prince Abel. My, your steps are quite good."

Mia couldn't have cared less about the murmurs in the audience. She simply continued to dance, politely and carefully leading Abel through step after step with the accuracy of a seasoned instructor. Except her lead was invisible. From the perspective of the onlookers, it looked every bit like she was following Abel's steps. By dancing in service of her partner, Mia allowed him to revel in the moment.

The best dancers elevated their partners. Mia did just that.

No one in the ballroom had caught on to what Mia was doing.

Is it just me, or...

No one except Abel himself.

Is Princess Mia holding back so I can keep up?

At the same time, he also noticed the reactions of the crowd. He saw their scornful gazes and heard their derisive laughs, all of which were directed at Mia. After seeing her arrive like the star of the party, they watched with malicious delight as she proceeded to make a fool of herself on the floor. Worst of all, he knew he was the cause, and the knowledge filled him with regret and guilt.

She's the one who said she believed in me. And now she's the one being humiliated. This... This can't...

He looked at her. She looked back, her face a mask of nonchalance. It was a front. It had to be. A kindness to put his mind at ease. She was doing this...for him. He grimaced. It was a thought too painful to bear. Just then, he saw a figure out of the corner of his eye. It was the only person in this room who was a match for Mia.

As soon as the music ended, he took Mia's hand and led her toward a group of students where Sion Sol Sunkland, surrounded by a circle of girls, was enjoying some light banter.

"Prince Abel? Where are we going?"

Without answering, he waded through the girls and approached Sion.

"Prince Sion, I need to ask you a favor."

"What's the matter?" asked Sion, somewhat surprised by the sudden request.

"I'm feeling a little tired. I'd like to rest for a while. In the meantime, could I ask you to be the princess's partner?"

"Prince Abel?!" exclaimed Mia, aghast at the proposition.

He paid her no mind and kept his eyes on Sion. A brief silence ensued.

"Fair enough. It's true that I very much wished to take to the floor with Princess Mia. Since the opportunity has presented itself..." He turned to Mia. "Might I ask you to join me for a number?"

"What?!"

Mia glanced at Abel, who simply said, "I'm a little spent, so I'll go get some drinks."

For a few moments, she said nothing. Then, she turned toward Sion and, with an innocent smile, answered, "...Of course. Just one piece, then."

Abel felt his chest tighten at the sight. That loveliest of smiles, which until moments ago had been his alone, was now directed at someone else. Regret mixed with sorrow and envy, swirling together into a dark torrent of emotions that threatened to burst out of him in a scream of frustration.

Because... I have no power...

A feeling, burning and strong, rose in his chest. It was a feeling he'd never before felt toward Sion. He didn't want to lose. Faced with an opponent that he'd once thought unbeatable — someone who, despite his best efforts, would forever outmatch him — he didn't want to admit defeat. He didn't want to give up. For the first time in his life, he felt passion — hot, burning passion that seared his body and consumed his soul.

"Next time..." he said, feeling the pain of his teeth sinking into his lips. "Next time... I won't let her go."

Then, he turned and walked away.

Now, it might be appropriate to describe the thoughts that were going through Mia's head while she smiled at Sion.

Indeed, the opportunity has presented itself... to trip you up, that is! I hope you take a spectacular fall and make a terrible fool of yourself with everyone watching!

To be clear, dancing with Sion was the last thing she wanted to do, but if she had no choice, she figured she might as well make the best of this situation and try to embarrass him in any way possible. With such petty malice filling her mind, her expression couldn't help but follow suit. In other words, Abel was already so blinded by his own misconceptions that he managed to see the evil grin on Mia's face as a besotted smile. Such was the extent of his blindness.

However, Mia's scheme would prove unsuccessful. She'd forgotten a crucial fact. Prince Sion Sol Sunkland was flawless in every way. Unlike Mia, who was flawless only when she danced, he was good at whatever he set his mind to. As for his skill on the ballroom floor...

And so, the legendary evening approached its climax.