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nStanding as a part of the background, Sylvia silently watched Mikel. He had already walked up to the throne and was now exchanging a few words with the King.

nHe then turned around to leave and she noticed that he didn't greet the Queen, who was sitting right beside the King.

nEven from afar, Sylvia could tell that the Queen was a rare beautiful woman. She had a kind smile on her face and effortlessly stood out among the ladies near her, her beauty not losing out to women younger than her.

nBut Mikel barely acknowledged her and was already on his way back to Sylvia. She wondered if the man simply didn't get along with the Queen or was there anything more to it.

nNot to mention, Jane had told her about the accident which had claimed the life of Mikel's mother and sister on the same day, leaving himself as well almost dead.

nBut… that was none of her business…

nShe quickly adjusted her position to make sure she looked graceful and elegant just like the other women around her and gazed at Mikel as he walked back to her.

nThe man flashed her a warm smile, and he then extended his hand towards her bowing lightly like a true gentleman.

nSylvia could instantly feel herself becoming the center of attraction and she cursed him inwardly for making that happen.

nNevertheless, she managed to keep her cool and bowed lightly in return, placing her hand in his, acting like how a lady from a noble family was supposed to.

nMikel then guided the two of them as they walked away from the main hall to a nearby hall that looked just as big as the main hall, but was dimly lit, allowing the people to mingle more freely.

nMusicians playing various instruments were standing in the corners and a beautiful melody drifted in the air.

nThe music filled the entire ballroom, caressing every nook and corner. It was a heart-warming soulful melody with a tinge of sadness to it.

nSylvia had never experienced such an atmosphere before. It was truly magical even though the ballroom was somewhat crowded.

nIt looked like every single noble family in the kingdom had arrived at the castle today with men and women wearing masks that made it difficult to pin point their identity.

nThere was an allure to this sort of mystery which sprinkled even more excitement in the air.

nThis was a grand ball! Sylvia gulped, the fever of excitement and the enchanting atmosphere of the room slowly affecting her as well.

nSeveral couples, young and old, were dancing together. Women covered their mouths and giggled shyly while some men looked embarrassed, their feet clearly not used to dancing.

nWhile most people were enjoying themselves in the merriment, some of them stood in smaller groups as well and chatted and gossiped to their heart's content since everyone who was someone was present around them.

nSylvia could even feel some of their gazes directed at her as they threw judgmental glances at her and her attire, probably wondering who she was and how she managed to grab the prince's attention.

nShe took another deep breath and calmed herself down, not in the least affected by their envious stares.

nAs Mikel and Sylvia entered the ballroom a familiar figure rushed towards them. The man did not greet Mikel but rather bowed lightly towards Sylvia first.

nHis mask didn't do much to hide his face and Sylvia could instantly tell who it was.

nBefore she could greet him in return, the man had, however, lifted her hand to plant a small kiss on the back of her palm.

"Greetings, My lady. May I please have the pleasure of a dance with you?

"

nSylvia hesitantly turned to look at Mikel who had a visible frown on his face, albeit one laced with amusement and displayed rather jokingly.

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"Why are you always trying to steal my women, Nick?

" Mikel chuckled.

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"Aha ha ha. That's because you are so clearly talented in selecting fine women, my dear brother. Where are you meeting all these impeccably mesmerizing ladies?

"

nSylvia only then realized that Nicholas had clearly not recognized her and thought of her as someone else. On top of it, he was once again hitting on her.

nShe swallowed the urge to chuckle at this weird situation.

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"Keep your paws off my woman, Nick. Now, if you would please excuse us… we have some dancing to do.

" Mikel shoved his brother aside, as he dragged Sylvia with him.

nDancing? Sylvia hadn't thought this part through. She had taken a few dance lessons when she was younger.

nBut she was sure that her skills were no match to the pretty ladies who were twirling and dancing so perfectly in the huge ballroom.

nThe nervousness in her fluttering eyelashes did not escape Mikel's eyes and he cocked his head to the side, leaning closer to her and whispered in her ears.

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"Don't worry. Just follow my lead

"

nSylvia gulped and tried to remain calm and unfazed.

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"I can do this. I can do this

" She muttered under her breath which only made her partner's lips curve upwards, this time his smile extending to his eyes.

nAs the flow of the music changed and the next melody started to drift, Mikel abruptly grabbed the woman in front of him, without any warning, his one hand holding her waist while the other embraced her hand snugly.

nSylvia snapped her eyes to look at him in a daze. Just sitting in the small carriage with the man had made her so nervous but now she was standing so close to him, her hips swaying to the tune of his feet.

nThankfully the melody was a slow one so she was able to easily keep up.

nHer own hands, though nervous at first, gradually settled on his back and she gulped meeting the man's gaze which didn't seem to have any plans of breaking away from her.

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