The music in the ballroom swelled around them in a gentle, flowing waltz as dancers spun in pairs across the dance floor.
At the center of it all, Noah and Princess Ines moved with grace.
Her silver-blue gown caught the soft gleam of the lights, and her gloved hand rested lightly in his. Her other hand brushed his shoulder as they turned, her eyes fixed on him.
"So tell me, Noah," she said, her voice low enough that only he could hear, "why does my father value you so much?"
Noah raised a brow, careful not to miss a step. "That's a strange question to ask during a dance, Your Highness."
She smiled faintly, her tone dry. "Then consider it a noble's small talk. You see, I know that look in my father's eyes. The one he gives people he thinks are… useful."
Noah's expression remained composed. "If the king doesn't want you to know, then I have no reason to tell you."
