"Um—well, okay," Alicia said, her voice laced with hesitation, but she had nothing else to do. She placed one hand in his outstretched one, the other clutching the fabric of her gown.
Her gaze drifted to the man standing just a few feet away, his eyes already fixed on her.
A rush of chaotic emotions threatened to bubble up, but she quickly shook them off. Her attention shifted back to Nicolas, who was looking at her with a charming, soft smile.
"Fear not, my dear," Nicolas said, his voice light and teasing, as if sensing the unease in her. "Just because he's not enjoying the ball doesn't mean you're restricted from doing so, are you?"
"It's not that," Alicia replied, shrugging her shoulders. "I'm just his maid, after all."
Nicolas raised an eyebrow but said nothing more, his smile never wavering. "Shall we?" he asked, his voice turning inviting.
Alicia nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I believe you remember the steps I taught you…" he trailed off, his tone playful.
