章 16: Do you know how to dance ?
The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room as I stirred from my slumber. I stretched languidly, feeling surprisingly well-rested despite the tumultuous events of the previous days. No one had come to wake me, and for once, I appreciated the solitude.
With a sense of determination, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and rose to my feet. Today, I would make progress with my wind magic, no matter how small. I took a deep breath, centering myself, and closed my eyes, focusing on the faint whisper of air around me.
I extended my hand, willing the air to respond to my command. At first, nothing happened, but then, ever so faintly, I felt a stirring, a gentle breeze brushing against my fingertips. It was progress, however small, and it filled me with a sense of accomplishment.
I continued to practice, each attempt slightly more successful than the last. But despite my efforts, my control over the wind magic was still rudimentary at best. Frustrated, I let out a sigh and ran a hand through my hair.
Deciding to take a break, I made my way to the bath chamber, the sound of running water beckoning me. I stripped off my clothes and stepped into the warm embrace of the bath, letting the soothing heat envelop me.
The water felt like a balm to my tired muscles, washing away the lingering tension of the previous days.
After a leisurely soak, I emerged from the bath feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. I towel-dried my hair and slipped into a simple attire—a knee-length dress in a soft shade of blue, with delicate embroidery along the neckline and hem.
It was a far cry from the elaborate gowns I had worn since arriving at the castle, but it felt more like me, more comfortable and familiar.
As I finished dressing, there was a soft knock on the door, followed by the sound of it swinging open. I turned to see a maid standing in the doorway, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight of me already prepared for the day.
"Well, it's time to get ready for breakfast," she said, recovering quickly from her shock.
I smiled, unable to suppress a chuckle at her reaction. "Lead the way," I said, falling into step behind her as we made our way through the corridors of the castle.
As we walked, I couldn't help but notice the flurry of activity around us. Maids and servants bustled about, carrying trays of food, arranging flowers, and attending to various tasks. It was clear that something significant was happening, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it.
"Why are they doing all that?" I asked the maid, indicating the flurry of activity around us.
She smirked knowingly. "Well, you are getting married tomorrow, Lady Elara, and it will be in the castle," she explained cryptically.
I froze in my tracks, the realization sinking in. Tomorrow was the wedding ceremony—the culmination of the alliance between the demon kingdom and my own. The thought filled me with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, but above all, a sense of determination to face whatever lay ahead.
We arrived at the dining room, and I stepped inside, my eyes immediately drawn to the figure seated at the head of the table. The demon queen was already waiting, her expression as cold and impassive as ever.
But as my gaze met hers, I couldn't help but remember the small act of kindness she had shown me the night before, bringing food to my room.
"Good morning, Seraphina," I greeted her politely, taking a seat opposite her at the table.
She inclined her head in acknowledgment, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Good morning, Elara," she replied, her voice cool and detached.
I resisted the urge to bristle at her cold demeanor, reminding myself that she was the demon queen, and I was but a mere mortal. Instead, I focused on the meal before me, filling my plate with an assortment of fruits, pastries, and other delicacies.
As we ate, the atmosphere in the dining room remained tense, the silence broken only by the clink of silverware against porcelain. I stole a glance at Seraphina, noting the subtle tension in her shoulders and the furrow of her brow.
"Are you looking forward to the wedding, Lady Elara?" the maid asked, breaking the silence.
I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond. "It's certainly going to be... an experience," I replied diplomatically.
The maid chuckled softly. "I'm sure it will be a day to remember," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
I returned her smile, grateful for the small moment of levity. Despite the uncertainty of the future, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of excitement at the thought of the wedding ceremony. It would mark the beginning of a new chapter in my life, one filled with challenges and opportunities alike.
As breakfast drew to a close, I rose from the table, feeling a sense of anticipation building within me.
Tomorrow, I would stand before the demon queen and the assembled court, and pledge myself to a future that was both daunting and full of promise. But for now, I would focus on the present, savoring the moments of quiet before the storm.
The demon queen's piercing gaze lingered on me for a moment, as if she were searching for something in my expression. There was a tension in the air, a palpable sense of unease that made my heart race.
"Do you know how to dance?" she finally asked, her voice sharp and clipped.
I blinked in surprise at the unexpected question, taken aback by the sudden shift in conversation. Dancing was the last thing I had expected her to bring up, and for a moment, I struggled to find an answer.
"No," I replied honestly, after a moment's hesitation.
Her expression softened imperceptibly, though a hint of annoyance lingered in her eyes. "Well, it seems we have something to work on," she said, her tone more resigned than before.
I furrowed my brow, uncertain of what she meant. Dancing had never been a skill I excelled at in my former life, and I doubted that had changed now. But before I could voice my concerns, the demon queen spoke again.
"My schedule is empty, so I'm going to teach you a bit of dance," she announced, her tone leaving no room for argument. "So tomorrow, you won't make a fool of yourself."
I swallowed hard, the weight of her words sinking in. The thought of dancing in front of the entire court was daunting enough, but the idea of being taught by the demon queen herself was downright terrifying. Still, I knew better than to argue with her.
"Thank you, Seraphina," I said, mustering up a faint smile despite my apprehension.
She nodded curtly in response, her features betraying nothing of her thoughts. With a sense of finality, she rose from her seat and made her way out of the dining room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
As I watched her go, I couldn't help but wonder what tomorrow would bring. Dancing was the least of my concerns, but if it meant avoiding embarrassment in front of the entire demon court, then I would do whatever it took to learn.
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