A few ladies still tried to approach Lucien but each time he slipped away with practiced ease.
Some grew bolder, even inviting him to dance outright.
That left Lucien troubled.
In truth, he had never learned to dance.
He felt guilty as he knew that some women weren't scheming or hostile. Just genuinely curious about him.
But instead of making excuses, he confessed honestly that he couldn't dance.
Their smiles faltered and one by one they withdrew in disappointment.
Meanwhile, a few sharper nobles tried a different approach. They sent their sons toward Vivian.
But every time, Lioren intercepted them.
None dared push further. Offending a ducal family was a risk not worth taking.
Lioren flashed Lucien a discreet thumbs-up and Lucien couldn't help but chuckle.
Then... Maxim seized the moment and invited Ellen to a dance.
Ellen smiled and accepted. She slipped her hand into his.
