I won't fall for the queen who burned my world-Chapter 55: The first dance

The soft hum of conversation faded into a hush as the first notes of the music floated through the grand hall, delicate and deliberate, weaving a spell over the gathered crowd.

Elysia's heart pounded in her chest, not from nerves—but from the weight of everything that had led to this moment. The wedding, the plan, the dagger hidden beneath her gown... and the woman standing before her, hand outstretched.

Malvoria.

The Demon Queen's gray eyes held a glint of mischief as she waited, her crimson lips curling into a knowing smile that sent a shiver down Elysia's spine.

Reluctantly, Elysia placed her hand in Malvoria's, the warmth of her touch startling against Elysia's cool skin.

The world around them blurred as Malvoria pulled her close, one hand resting lightly on Elysia's waist, the other holding her hand with a firm yet gentle grip.

The music swelled, a slow, haunting melody that resonated through the hall, and they began to move.

At first, Elysia was hyper-aware of every detail—the way Malvoria's fingers pressed into the small of her back, guiding her effortlessly across the floor.

The way the fabric of their outfits brushed against each other with every step; the subtle murmurs of the crowd watching their every move.

But as the music grew louder, its rhythm weaving through her veins, something shifted.

I know this, she thought suddenly, her body falling into familiar patterns.

The hours upon hours of dance lessons from her youth—endless days of tutors correcting her posture, adjusting her steps, demanding perfection—came flooding back. Her feet moved instinctively, matching Malvoria's lead with a grace that surprised even herself.

Malvoria noticed.

"You've got even better," she murmured, her lips barely moving as they twirled in perfect synchrony.

Elysia's lips quirked into a faint smile. "Surprised?"

"Pleasantly," Malvoria replied, her voice a soft purr.

Their movements became more fluid, more natural, as if they had rehearsed this dance a hundred times before.

Elysia's initial stiffness melted away, replaced by a confidence she hadn't expected to feel. She met Malvoria's gaze, and for the briefest moment, the rest of the world ceased to exist.

The music guided them, slow and deliberate at first, each step measured and precise. But then the melody shifted, picking up pace, and Malvoria's grip on her waist tightened slightly as she spun Elysia in a wide arc.

The room around them blurred, and when Elysia found her footing again, she realized she was smiling.

What am I doing? she wondered, but the thought barely registered as Malvoria led her through another spin, pulling her back close with a smirk.

"Careful," Malvoria whispered, her voice a low tease. "You might actually start enjoying yourself."

Elysia opened her mouth to retort, but Malvoria twirled her again, the movement so fluid and seamless that it left Elysia breathless.

She found herself laughing softly, the sound genuine and unguarded, and it startled her more than anything else that had happened today.

Her laughter seemed to surprise Malvoria too, whose eyes softened for a fleeting moment before the playful smirk returned.

The music surged, the tempo quickening, and they moved in perfect harmony, weaving through the open floor with a grace that left the audience spellbound.

Elysia no longer cared about the eyes watching them or the whispers that surely followed their every step. She was lost in the dance—in the rhythm, the movement, the warmth of Malvoria's hand against hers.

Somewhere in the back of her mind, a small voice whispered, This is the enemy. This is the woman you're supposed to kill.

But the voice was distant, drowned out by the music and the unspoken connection that pulsed between them with every turn, every step.

Malvoria's touch was steady, her lead confident, and Elysia found herself trusting it without question. They moved together as though they had always done so, their steps perfectly aligned, their bodies perfectly attuned.

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When the music slowed, signaling the final measures of the dance, Malvoria's hand slid from Elysia's waist to the small of her back, pulling her even closer.

Elysia's breath hitched, but she didn't pull away. She couldn't. She was lost in the moment, lost in the way Malvoria's eyes held hers so intensely that it made the rest of the room disappear.

The final note lingered in the air, a soft, haunting echo.

Elysia didn't move.

She didn't realize the dance had ended until she heard the unmistakable sound of a throat being cleared loudly from somewhere nearby.

Her eyes blinked rapidly as she came back to herself, her gaze snapping to the source of the interruption. Zera.

Of course.

Her bodyguard stood at the edge of the dance floor, arms crossed tightly over her chest, her expression a mixture of frustration and disbelief.

Elysia's cheeks flushed, and she quickly pulled her hand from Malvoria's, taking a small but deliberate step back.

Malvoria chuckled softly, clearly amused by the interruption. She turned to face the crowd, her voice smooth and commanding as she addressed them.

"Let the celebrations begin," she announced, her tone dripping with authority. "Dance, drink, and celebrate this union."

The room erupted into applause, and soon, the floor began to fill with other couples eager to join the dance. Music swelled once more, cheerful and lively, but Elysia barely noticed.

Malvoria turned to her, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Shall we?"

Elysia blinked, confused. "Shall we... what?"

Malvoria's smirk deepened. "Sit. You didn't think I'd let you escape so easily, did you?"

Before Elysia could protest, Malvoria gently grasped her wrist and led her through the crowd. The guests parted for them like waves before a ship, bowing and offering whispered congratulations as they passed.

Elysia's heart pounded again, but this time for an entirely different reason.

The throne awaited them at the far end of the hall, raised on a platform and flanked by tall, flickering torches. Malvoria's own throne, dark and imposing with sharp, jagged edges that mirrored the crown atop her head, stood beside a smaller, more delicate seat meant for Elysia.

Malvoria settled into her throne with the ease of someone born to power, her legs crossing casually as she leaned back, completely at home in the seat of authority.

Elysia hesitated for half a second before sitting beside her, her posture stiff and uncertain. She felt like an imposter, a fragile bird perched beside a predator.

"Relax," Malvoria murmured, her voice just low enough for Elysia to hear. "You belong here now."

Elysia shot her a sharp glare. "That's debatable."

Malvoria chuckled softly, resting her elbow on the arm of her throne and propping her chin on her hand as she watched the guests mingle and dance. "Is it?"

Elysia clenched her fists in her lap, forcing herself to stay composed. "This is your world. Not mine."

Malvoria tilted her head slightly, her gray eyes gleaming. "It's yours now too, whether you like it or not."

The weight of those words settled over Elysia like a shroud. She didn't want this world—this throne, this crown, this life. But it was hers now, no matter how much she wished otherwise.

She shifted uncomfortably, her fingers brushing against the hidden dagger beneath her gown. Not for long, she reminded herself.

Malvoria's voice broke through her thoughts. "Careful, Princess. You're thinking too much again."

Elysia shot her another glare, but Malvoria only grinned in response, unbothered as always.

The music continued, laughter and conversation filling the grand hall as guests celebrated around them. Elysia watched them silently, her mind a whirl of conflicting emotions.

Malvoria leaned closer, her voice a soft murmur in Elysia's ear. "Smile, my queen. They're watching."

Elysia forced a small, polite smile, though it didn't reach her eyes.

Malvoria chuckled softly, settling back into her seat. After a moment of silence, she spoke again, her voice smooth and commanding.

"It's time for the gifts."