"Prince Lucian?" Sabrina called, staring at him in disbelief.
A ripple of shock moved through the surrounding crowd.
"Why would the crowned prince ask Nikki to dance with him?" Amber pondered aloud, her eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before them.
"Aren't you supposed to end the dance with Princess Lyra? She is your fiancée," Nikki inquired, her voice calm despite the storm brewing beneath her composure.
Lucian's lips curved faintly. "Should I take your response as a yes?"
All eyes in the room fixated on them, the music softening as the hall collectively held its breath, waiting for Nikki's reply.
Nikki smiled—slow, thoughtful—thinking of what a typical Alan move would be in this kind of situation. If he were here, he'd definitely turn this around. She needed to use this opportunity to get whatever she wanted, and at the same time, she refused to miss the chance to get on Lucian's nerves.
"All right, I'll dance with you," she said lightly, "but on one condition, Your Highness."
"And what kind of condition would that be, Princess Nikki?" Lucian asked, his crimson eyes gleaming with interest.
"I'll tell you after our dance," she replied. "Do you wish to venture down this road with me?" she asked, placing her hand delicately into his.
Lucian smiled.
In the next heartbeat, power surged. Using his magic, he pulled her closer, one arm sliding firmly around her waist. Tilting his head, he lifted his hand to her neck, exhaling warm breath against her skin before pressing a tender kiss there. He lifted his head with a smug grin, closing the space between them until their chests met.
Leaning closer, his lips hovered near her ear.
"I'll advise you not to play hard to get, Princess," he whispered with a sly smile. "I can get a dance from you without your permission."
"Don't get cocky, Your Highness," Nikki replied smoothly. "I can get out of your hold anytime I want, so play nice, okay?" she smiled.
Lucian chuckled. "Let's make our way to the dance floor, then."
"Very well," she agreed.
He turned sharply. "Hey, middle-rank boy. I'll be borrowing your fiancée for a while, so go dance with someone else. If you don't find anyone, my fiancée is free."
With that, he took Nikki by the hand and led her away.
"What just happened?" Rylan pondered aloud, staring after Nikki and the crowned prince.
On the dance floor, the other couples instinctively moved away until Nikki and Prince Lucian stood alone beneath the glowing chandeliers, every gaze fixed upon them.
Nikki's delicate hand rested lightly in Lucian's firm grip as they began to move. With the first step, they glided effortlessly, bodies perfectly in sync. His strong arm held her close, their eyes locked in an unspoken exchange as they twirled to the music.
Each step was executed with elegance and precision. Nikki's flowing dress swirled around her, catching the candlelight, while Lucian's footwork guided them seamlessly across the marble floor. They moved as one—synchronized, harmonious.
With every turn, they drew closer, bodies pressed intimately together, breaths mingling. Nikki's eyes sparkled with mischief, while Lucian's gaze held unmistakable adoration, his every movement speaking volumes.
As the music reached its crescendo, they spun one final time, coming to a graceful stop, eyes locked as the melody faded into something soft and lingering.
Catching her breath, Nikki brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. Lucian's hand lingered at her waist.
"Can you still go another round, Princess?" he asked.
"Worry about yourself, Your Highness," she replied coolly. "I'm not sure you'll be able to keep up anymore."
Lucian smirked. "Another round it is, then."
He waved his hand, signaling the orchestra. The soft melody shifted into fast-paced music that filled the air with pulsing energy.
Nikki extended her hand. Lucian took it, smiling gently.
As the first notes played, they moved again—perfect harmony. Nikki spun away, hips swaying fluidly with the rhythm, before Lucian pulled her back, chests touching as they moved as one.
"What do you think about the search for the mysterious power that appeared?" he asked.
"I hope the power belongs to a demon," Nikki replied. "With it, we can finally get rid of the witches."
"Well, your hope is not in vain," Lucian said smoothly. "The power does belong to a demon."
"And how do you know that, Your Highness?" she asked. "You said earlier it was yet to be determined."
"Tell me, Nikki," he murmured with a smirk, flicking his wrist and spinning her effortlessly before catching her again, "how did it feel to have such amazing power flowing through you?"
"In case His Highness forgot," she replied evenly, "I'd like to remind him that I'm dormant. I don't have any powers."
"Don't play dumb with me, Princess Nikki," he said quietly. "I was the one who stopped you from killing the upper-ranked demon royals at Laurel's party. I saw the extent of your abilities myself."
"I knew you had an ulterior motive for asking me to dance," she smiled. "I was just wondering when you'd show it. I didn't expect it so soon."
"Why don't you come forward?" Lucian pressed. "Your dormant status will be removed, and you'll become my fiancée."
"As flattering as that sounds," Nikki replied, "I'd like to pass. I already have enough responsibilities as the crowned princess of the Middle Chamber. I don't need more right now."
"I'd like to act like a gentleman," Lucian said coolly, "but my duties as the future ruler of the underworld come first. You will come forward, admit you're behind the power surge, and become my fiancée."
"Thanks for the offer," Nikki said, "but I already have a fiancé."
"I'm not asking. I'm commanding," he replied. "And besides, your fiancé doesn't seem to fancy you. He looked pretty happy letting another man take you away. I hear he's in love with your younger sister. Do you really want to spend your life with someone so worthless?"
"Arranged marriage isn't for love," Nikki said quietly. "We don't need to love each other. We just need to tolerate each other."
"That's a sick way of thinking, Princess," Lucian smiled. "But I don't care. You're going to be my bride."
"I hate to disappoint you," Nikki said calmly, "but I can't use my powers. There's a seal placed on them. If I use them without breaking it, I'll die. You wouldn't want that for your precious potential bride, would you?"
Lucian paused. "Fine. Then let's make a deal."
They continued dancing, bodies pressed close, heat undeniable.
"I'm listening."
"I'll give you until your eighteenth birthday. Break the seal, and you won't have to become my bride."
"But?" she asked.
"If you succeed, you become my personal weapon," he said smoothly. "You're smart enough to know what happens if you fail."
"Why is it that you benefit either way?" she asked.
"That's what deals are about," he replied. "Favoring yourself."
"Fine," Nikki said. "I accept."
"I look forward to seeing how this plays out, Princess Nikki."
As the song peaked, Lucian lifted her, spun her, then dipped her dramatically. Her hair cascaded toward the floor as their eyes met—intense, breathless, undeniable.
"You danced exceptionally, Princess Nikki," he said, pulling her close.
"You weren't bad either, Your Highness," she smiled.
"What was the condition you mentioned earlier?"
"I want you to teach the upper-ranked demons who mistreated me at Laurel's birthday a lesson."
"Does that include my fiancée?"
"Especially her," Nikki smiled.
"Then your wish is my command."
"I look forward to seeing what you come up with."
"See you on your eighteenth birthday, Princess."
"Hopefully, I won't be going home as your fiancée."
"Till then," Lucian smiled, walking away.
---
After the party, word spread through all chambers of the underworld: the crowned prince and the dormant had ended the ceremonial ritual dance together.
And with that, the hunt for the born power began—every demon moving, watching, and searching.