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Undeterred, Lucas continued. “We are going to perform some traditional zapateado, with basic steps like the golpe and tacón. I’ve been told that there are varying levels amongst you, but there is no need to worry.”
I nodded. Zapateado was what we called the traditional footwork for the dance, and golpe and tacón were mainly stomps and the use of the leg with a whip-like kick to create a glorious rhythm.
Lucas’ eyes landed on me, and his expression faltered. “Chica Dorada,” he breathed. A few of the other competitors around me shifted their weight, clearly annoyed.
Lucas cleared his throat. “Perdón. Renata Valarde Bordón, would you do me the honor of joining me up here?”
I nodded and stepped forward, feeling everyone’s eyes on me.
He smiled. “I’ve heard good things about your skills. Isaac Monroy de León?”
I groaned as Isaac walked forward.
“The two of you will open and then join the chorus.” Lucas rattled off a few more names, and listed the order that they would have their moment in the spotlight. He demonstrated a simple combination, and then announced, "Let's get started!" while he clapped his hands together.
Another half hour of instruction passed, and then the music came on. This dance was very simple, but I couldn’t help but find a secret joy while some of the others struggled. They were all athleticism, and no grace. Of course, I kept that to myself. The air wasn’t tense, but everyone was pretty introverted throughout the morning.
As the music began, our feet moved in synchrony, tapping out the rhythm. We danced in pairs, swirling around each other like leaves in the wind. Isaac took my hand, lifting me gracefully into the air before spinning me back down to the stage a little too hard. Despite my best efforts, I grunted. My pumping blood made my scars burn with searing pain.
“Could you be more gentle next time?” I groaned.
"That depends," he whispered into my ear as we danced. His breath was hot and uncomfortable. "Will you marry me?"
I froze, despite the dancers moving around us. Why ask again when he had already used the Marriage Council to mandate it? I wished I could’ve bucked against him. Clumsily, I started up again, but still glared at him. “You are already trying to force my hand. I don’t want to marry you.”
He took a deep breath. “You love me.”
I didn’t respond. At this point, he was trying to convince himself. My insides were bunched up because I didn’t want to be so frank, but he wouldn’t leave me alone.
“I do not.” I left out the part about never loving him, and was instantly glad when I saw his expression. He looked like a petulant child with a lot of power.
“Really? I thought you would be more eager to please me, considering what happened at the Candidates’ ball.”
There it was. The ultimate blackmail. Sweat slid across my skin. In my interview, the Canciller had made it sound like he wasn’t in favor of our pairing, which meant I could have bargaining chips of my own despite the letter.
“It’s not up to you. The letter said that our marriage was only tentatively approved,” I said.
We were still moving and I couldn't help but notice Isabela's struggles. Her footwork seemed clumsy and awkward compared to the others, and her arm movements lacked the fluidity required for the Flamenco dance.
Isaac continued, panting as he tried to convince me while dancing. “But we are a team. I’m sure if we win together, they would be all but happy to pair us up forever.” He took my hand and pulled me dangerously close.
It felt wrong. I couldn’t split my soul in half—not when my heart raced near Antonio. If I could make Isaac see reason, maybe he would let me be.
“Why do you want me, Isaac? Is it because of my sway? I have none, my friend. We don’t work.”
My partner leaned in. “My mother would’ve wanted me to marry the best option available to me. You are the best, and I chose you to be mine before she did. You were one of the only things we ever agreed on.”
Lucas stopped the music, and I tried to pull back with no luck. Isaac’s arms were like steel bars around my torso.
“Your mother hated me. She threatened me more times than I could count.”
Isaac opened his mouth to retort but was interrupted.
“Renata, Isaac,” Lucas called. “Can you both come back and show your combination once more?”
We separated at last. I reluctantly walked forward, keeping my hand far away from Isaac until it was time to touch again. The music started, and I moved in time with my partner. It wasn’t perfect, and we fit together awkwardly, but I moved anyway.
As we spun together, I caught sight of Liliana. Her expression was an odd mixture of determination and jealousy. Her gaze locked on me. I couldn't help but worry about her ability to fulfill her role as Key Bearer. Would she be able to put aside her personal feelings if I needed help? An icy shiver built up inside of me even though Isaac’s warm hands were on my fingers, arms, and waist.
