Mia’s Pov

The moment Dominic disappeared, leaving behind an awkward silence, the royal music began to play—filling the grand hall with a soft, majestic melody. It was as if the music had been timed perfectly to diffuse the tension in the air, giving everyone an excuse to focus on something else. The elegant chords of violins and the regal notes of flutes swept through the room, calming the uneasy murmurs that had begun.

Christian turned to me, his smile softening the moment. “Dance with me?” he asked, his voice low and inviting, one hand outstretched toward me.

Despite everything, I couldn’t help the smile that crept onto my face. “I’d...