The Hidden King's Stolen Wife-Chapter 183: Wedding Dance

"Fair enough," Soleia said agreeably. She highly doubted her new husband would win this bet, judging by the effectiveness of their practice. "And what if I win?"

"I’ll do anything you want, within reason," Ralph said, a look of innocence on his face. "Whether it’s getting you a new horse, or eating you out―"

"Shush, Duke Kinsley is walking here," Soleia warned, her face reddening at his words. She pinched the inside of Ralph’s arm, causing him to give her a theatrical wince.

"My wife, why must you hurt me so―"

"I am glad the both of you have returned," Duke Kinsley interrupted them, making a determined effort to keep his gaze above their heads. However, Soleia could see how he couldn’t look both of them in the eyes, choosing to focus his attention on the tiny space between their heads. "We have been waiting for quite a while. There were quite a few people who were hoping that you wouldn’t show up."

Rafael snorted and wrapped his arm around Soleia’s waist. "Fat hope. I’m not missing my own wedding dance for the world. They’re just anxious because they know they can’t beat us."

Soleia rolled her eyes. Sir Ralph had been fully prepared to skip their own wedding dance if it meant they got to spend more time in bed.

"Thank you for waiting for us," Soleia said apologetically. She had no doubt Duke Kinsley must have purposely delayed the closing of the festival to wait for their arrival. "I’m guessing everyone else has already had their turn?"

"You guessed right." Duke Kinsley nodded. "We have judged the other participants. Due to your lateness, you might have points deducted."

"That’s alright," Soleia said. She had no hopes of winning to begin with. She just wanted a lovely dance with her new husband.

Meanwhile, Rafael already knew victory was at hand. Even if Oliver were to deduct half their scores, he believed the both of them would outdance these peasants easily.

"Darling wife, don’t lose heart." Soleia turned to see her new husband staring at her with an encouraging look. "I believe in our chances."

"Let us be the judge of that." Duke Kinsley cleared his throat, avoiding the knowing glance his employer gave him. "Please, take the stage."

Rafael let his hand drift away from Soleia’s waist to her hand. He held it up and led her to the center of the makeshift stage. The string quartet readied themselves to play. As the first notes of the wedding waltz enveloped the area, Soleia felt her heart thudding in her chest.

This was really happening. Her first actual wedding dance. Just the very thought made her hand tremble with excitement. novelbuddy.cσ๓

"Nervous?" Ralph whispered in her ear.

"A bit," Soleia confessed. She realized that every eye was on her and Ralph. Then again, who else would they look at?

Tonight, they were the main attraction.

Sir Ralph shot her a comforting look, and he squeezed her hand. His other hand was placed on her waist. "Trust me. I won’t let you down."

Soleia stared into his emerald eyes and nodded. Ralph had never let her down, not when it counted.

They began to dance. To Soleia’s astonishment, Ralph had no problem with the steps. Gone was his hesitant demeanor and his constant glances at their feet, Ralph was fully confident as he stepped forward. With a gentle pull, he led her into the first turn. Soleia spun around beautifully in his arms, her eyes wide with surprise.

"I told you I practiced," Ralph murmured into her ear as he drew her close.

Before she could reply, he stepped away again and led her through the next step. His steps were fluid, and his movement effortless. Soleia wondered if Ralph had been practicing through the night to reach this level of expertise― Soleia had years of experience under her belt, waltzing with the strictest of tutors. How had Ralph managed to bridge such a vast gap!

"Ever the look of surprise," Ralph continued to grumble good-naturedly in her ear. "Watch your step."

Soleia squeaked, as she barely avoided stomping on Sir Ralph’s foot at the turn. She had been so preoccupied with his rapid improvement that she hadn’t focused! But Sir Ralph seemed to have predicted her little mistake, for he corrected himself effortlessly and led her back.

The string quartet grew louder. The waltz was swelling to a crescendo. This was when Ralph should have dipped her, but he shot Soleia a wink. "Hold on!"

"Hold on to― Ralph!" Soleia shrieked in surprise as Ralph lifted her into the air without prior warning, his hands wrapped tightly around her waist. Soleia could only grasp at his hands, but she knew deep down Ralph would never hurt her. He spun her around, as though she was a toy top. The fabric of her dress billowed like a cloud behind her.

She could only let out a helpless laugh as her surroundings turned into a blur. The only thing she could focus on was the exuberant delight in Ralph’s eyes, as though he was a boy who pulled off a fantastic prank. An answering grin grew on her face. She hadn’t realized how fun dancing could be, with a partner that she loved and loved to hold.

The music slowly resumed its leisurely pace. Rafael reluctantly set Soleia down and pressed his forehead closed to hers. Their breaths mingled in unison, reminding him of what transpired in their tiny home earlier. He couldn’t help but beam, swaying her lightly to the string melody.

"So Princess, are you impressed with my abilities?"

Soleia whispered in return. "You’ve improved. I stand corrected."

The last few notes slowly lingered in the air, before giving way to a moment of stillness. Soleia breathed out a sigh of relief.

Then the crowd erupted into frenetic clapping. The other couples might have been unhappy about being outdanced, but they comforted themselves with the knowledge that this was Sir Ralph and his bride’s wedding dance. They might as well let the married couple win.

"Bravo! Bravo!" Duke Kinsley called out as he too stood up to applaud. Soleia reluctantly pulled away from Ralph, and they walked towards him. "I must say, I am impressed with your skill. I see no reason to not award you the prize―"

"I agree. That was an incredible display of dancing ability!" An awfully familiar voice entered Soleia’s ears, and Soleia felt Ralph freeze right next to her.

"Who are you?" Soleia asked hesitantly. She squinted her eyes as she spotted a new person walking in their direction.

The crowd instinctively parted to make way for him. Whether it was his height, his demeanor, or the fact that he spoke with unspoken authority, no one wanted to get in the way.

"My, my, to think you would have forgotten me after such a short time, I’m most hurt." Prince Ricard smiled. Shadows twisted over the contours of his face, causing Soleia to stumble back in shock. "May I speak to you and your husband in private... Miss Leia?"