Chained Hearts: From Slavery to Sovereignty
Chapter 66: Do you want a dance?

Chapter 66: Chapter 66: Do you want a dance?

Back in the banquet hall, Aurelia was determined to make her point clear to Vincent. As they moved across the dance floor, she let her steps falter slightly, her movements becoming less graceful.

"Careful, Princess," Vincent said, catching her before she could stumble. "You’re not trying to step on my toes, are you?"

Aurelia gave him a sheepish smile. "Forgive me, Your Highness. I suppose I’m not as skilled as I thought."

Vincent lifted his eyebrows and said with a chuckle, "Somehow, I doubt that princess."

Aurelia tilted her head innocently and asked, feigning ignorance. "Do you?"

Before he could respond, the music came to an end, and Aurelia curtseyed quickly, stepping away from him. "Thank you for the dance, Prince Vincent. It was... enlightening."

Vincent watched her retreat with thoughtful expression. The more time he spent with her, the more familiar he felt.

He just had to find out, how did she ended up here, alone in a foreign land is it her reincarnation? that means she had already died, that thought alone brought a immense pain to his chest. He felt suffocated.

Meanwhile, Cassian and Dorian have walked quite a distance, and now they are in the backyard of the banquet hall. Even the place was small, and hardly anyone came into this palace. But it was well taken care of. It has a small fountain in the middle with small fish swimming in it. The pathway was lined with beautiful flowers, and Cassian was delighted to see so many beautiful flowers.

It was the first time he had come here; if he had known about this, he would often have come here.

Dorian’s lips lifted as he looked at the joy on Cassian’s face. He knew it Cassian would like this place. After all, he had not forgotten his encounter with Cassian in a similar place.

They stopped at the gazebo; it was well decorated with candlelight, brightening the entire area, and it seems the moon today was also more bright.

"Do you want a dance?" Dorian asked in an unhurried tone.

Cassian blinked at the unexpected question; he was unsure if he had heard correctly. "Dance, Your Highness?"

Prince Dorian turned to face him, his expression calm, though a hint of redness appeared at his ears. "Yes. Dance."

The corner of Dorian’s lips curled upward as he took a step closer, the soft glow of the moon casting a faint silver sheen over his features.

Cassian’s heart skipped a beat, and he instinctively took a small step back, only to feel the cool marble of a garden pillar press against his shoulder. "I wouldn’t say that. But..."

"But what?" Dorian’s voice dipped lower, a soft rumble that seemed to echo through the stillness of the garden.

Cassian swallowed hard. "But we’re outside. And this is hardly the place for a dance."

Dorian tilted his head slightly, his gaze never leaving Cassian’s. "The music carries well enough. The moonlight is adequate. Unless..." He leaned in just enough to make Cassian’s pulse quicken. "You have not deemed me worthy to dance."

Cassian straightened at the word and replied hurriedly. "No. No, you highness, I’m afraid..." he said, his voice steadier than he felt.

A faint smile tugged at Dorian’s lips, and before Cassian could say another word, the prince extended a hand. His movements were slow, deliberate, almost teasing.

"Don’t be afraid, Cassian."

Cassian stared at the offered hand, his mind clouded with doubt and hesitation. This couldn’t be real. A prince asking a mere former servant to dance?

It defied all logic, all decorum. Yet there was something in Dorian’s gaze—an unspoken word, a quiet reassurance—that made it impossible to refuse.

Tentatively, Cassian placed his hand in Dorian’s. His fingers trembled slightly, but Dorian’s grip was firm and steady, grounding him.

Dorian led him to a small clearing in the garden, where the soft strains of the wind drifted through the open air. Without a word, he placed a hand gently on Cassian’s waist and guided him into position.

Cassian’s cheeks flushed. "I don’t know the steps, Your Highness."

"Then follow me," Dorian said simply, his voice soft but commanding.

The first few steps were tentative, Cassian stumbling slightly as he tried to match Dorian’s movements. But the prince’s hold was steady, his guidance firm yet gentle. Slowly, Cassian began to find the rhythm, the music weaving around them as they moved.

The world seemed to fade away—the grand banquet hall, the nobles, even the responsibilities that weighed on their shoulders. For a few fleeting moments, it was just the two of them under the canopy of stars.

Cassian’s earlier nerves melted into something else entirely—a quiet warmth that spread through his chest as he met Dorian’s gaze. The prince’s sharp and piercing eyes in the candlelight of the banquet hall softened under the moon’s glow.

"You’re not bad," Dorian murmured, his lips curving into a small smile.

Cassian let out a nervous laugh. "That’s generous, Your Highness. I’ve stepped on your foot twice."

"Three times," Dorian corrected, his tone light. "But I’ve survived worse."

Cassian’s laugh grew more genuine, and for the first time that evening, he felt a sliver of ease in Dorian’s presence.

As the final notes of the waltz faded into the night, Dorian slowed their movements until they came to a gentle stop. He didn’t release Cassian immediately, his hand lingering on his waist, his other still cradling Cassian’s.

Cassian felt the weight of Dorian’s gaze, and his breath hitched as the prince spoke, his voice quieter now. "You surprise me, Cassian."

Cassian tilted his head slightly. "I-I do?"

Dorian nodded, his expression thoughtful. "You seem so small and timid, yet there’s something... bold about you."

Cassian’s eyes widened, he was unsure how to respond. "I’m not bold, Your Highness. I’m just..."

"Honest," Dorian interrupted, his lips curving into a softer smile. "It’s refreshing."

Cassian felt his cheeks warm under the compliment, and he quickly looked away, pulling back slightly. "I should... probably return to the banquet. The princess might need me."

Dorian released him but stepped closer, his voice low and tinged with something Cassian couldn’t quite place. "The princess will manage just fine without you for a while."