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Y/n's POV

As the waltz continued, the music swirled around us, delicate violins rising and falling in harmony with the ebb of the crowd. The French prince, whose name I had just learned was Étienne, held my hand with the kind of grace that only someone of his status could master. His fingers were light but confident, guiding me effortlessly through the dance.

"You dance like you've done this a thousand times." His voice was smooth, low, almost teasing. His gaze flickered down to me, as if measuring my every movement. "Do you spend your days at court practicing these dances?"

I raised an eyebrow, my own amusement creeping in. "I don't think I could ever be as skilled as you at this."

"Skilled?" Étienne chuckled softly. "I believe the word you're looking for is extraordinary."

The corner of my mouth twitched upwards at his confident tone. "Ah, but I was being modest."

He smiled, the kind of smile that made the room feel warmer. His hand tightened just a little as he gently twirled me, pulling me back toward him.

As we came closer, I couldn't help but notice the way his eyes lingered on me-focused, steady, as if he was attempting to decode every part of me with just a glance. The chemistry between us was palpable, like electricity sparked by the smallest touch.

"Modesty suits you, I must admit," Étienne said, his voice almost a whisper, but it held an edge to it that made my heart beat faster. "But you'll find, Lady Y/n, that modesty can only take one so far in a place like this."

I swallowed hard, not sure how to respond to the implication in his words. Was he flirting with me? Or was it just his natural charisma?

"I imagine you know all too well," I said, forcing myself to speak more confidently. "You must be used to the attention, given your position."

Étienne's eyes gleamed with something mischievous. "Attention is a luxury I'm rarely allowed to enjoy... unless it's of my own making." He paused, a slight smirk playing at the edges of his lips. "But I'm learning that it's much more interesting when someone else catches your eye."

His words sent a subtle shiver down my spine. Was he implying what I thought he was?

Before I could respond, a soft chuckle came from him. "I must confess, I find it quite refreshing to meet someone who isn't immediately taken with my title or my lineage. You don't look at me as if I'm an untouchable legend, and that is... intriguing."

My gaze flickered away for just a moment, my thoughts racing. What was he getting at? Was he testing me?

"I'm not sure if that's a compliment, Your Highness," I said, trying to mask the way my heart was fluttering with a bit of humor. "But I do believe I'm more interested in the man standing before me than the crown on his head."