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He squeezes my fingers as I lead him back toward the ballroom, though I can practically feel his mortification radiating through our joined hands.

I lean down as we walk. “Well,” I whisper. “At least he believed us.”

Micah shoots me a glare. “I can’t believe you told him I was going to ravish you.”

I grin before casting one last glance over my shoulder. The guard still stands at the end of the hall, frozen in place, his cheeks visibly pink.

“Don’t worry, sir. We’ll behave ourselves!” I call.

Micah’s elbow immediately jabs into my stomach. “Shut up!”

I laugh and wrap an arm around his waist, pulling him close as we continue down the hallway. “Aye, aye. No need to get violent, Doc.”

“You deserved that.”

“Probably.”

The distant music grows louder with every step until we finally emerge from the hallway and back into the crowded ballroom.

The sight nearly takes my breath away.

The room is alive with movement. Couples fill the polished marble floor, spinning beneath the golden chandeliers as musicians play a lively tune from the raised platform. Colorful gowns sweep across the floor, mingling with tailored suits and elaborate masks. Laughter rises above the music, glasses clink, and the warm glow of candlelight makes the entire ballroom shimmer.

Micah looks around, his eyes bright with wonder.

I take his hand and pull him gently into the crowd. “Will you dance with me, sweetheart?”

He smiles. “Yes.”

We weave between dancing couples until we find a small space among them. I place one hand around his waist and take his other in mine, guiding him into the rhythm.

He follows easily.

For a while, neither of us says a word. We simply sway beneath the chandeliers, gazing into each other’s eyes.

Micah’s body moves against mine with each gentle step, his fingers resting comfortably in my palm. The music wraps around us, soft and warm, and for the first time tonight, I let myself forget about everything waiting beyond these palace walls.

Instead, I focus on the beautiful man in front of me.

The white feathers of his mask frame the upper half of his face, silver rhinestones catching the candlelight whenever he moves. His curls are slightly tousled from earlier, and there’s still a faint flush across his cheeks.

He’s breathtaking.

I must stare a little too long because his gaze eventually meets mine. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” I shake my head. “I just can’t believe how beautiful you are.”

His cheeks deepen beneath his mask. “Oh.”

He ducks his head and leans against my chest, tightening his arms around me. His face is resting atop the scroll that’s tucked beneath my coat.

I lean closer, my lips brushing his ear. “Want to go home, Doc?”

His eyebrows lift. “Already?”

“Aye.” I give his waist a gentle squeeze. “Aren’t you rather curious to see what I have under my clothes?”

He shakes his head, chuckling softly, and rests his forehead against my chest. “Yes.”