The music shifted, softer now, and couples began to drift onto the polished floor. Lanterns swayed gently overhead, casting ripples across the hall. Elias approached Sienna's table, bowing to the ladies with a sly smile.
"Sienna," he said, voice as smooth as velvet, "would you honor me with a dance?"
The queen excused herself, murmuring something about a call she needed to make, and skipped away. Princess Lina waved at Miro, and left, with a sly smile of her own. The son of the bear lord walked over to invite Cyra for a dance and Mija set her eyes on Wayo, rushing away with a smile slyer than Elias's.
Left alone, Sienna could not hesitate. She rose, accepting the hand that he offered, and together, they stepped into the swirl of dancers.
