Chapter 16: Do you know how to dance ?

The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room as I stirred from my slumber. I stretched languidly, feeling surprisingly well-rested despite the tumultuous evts of the previous days. No one had come to wake me, and for once, I appreciated the solitude.

With a sse of determination, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and rose to my feet. Today, I would make progress with my wind magic, no matter how small. I took a deep breath, ctering myself, and closed my eyes, focusing on the faint whisper of air a me.

I extded my hand, willing the air to respond to my command. At first, nothing happed, but th, ever so faintly, I felt a stirring, a gtle breeze brushing against my fingertips. It was progress, however small, and it filled me with a sse of accomplishmt.

I continued to practice, each attempt slightly more successful than the last. But despite my efforts, my control over the wind magic was still rudimtary at best. Frustrated, I let out a sigh and ran a hand through my hair.

Deciding to take a break, I made my way to the bath chamber, the sound of running water beckoning me. I stripped off my clothes and stepped into the warm embrace of the bath, letting the soothing heat velop me.

The water felt like a balm to my tired muscles, washing away the lingering tsion of the previous days.

After a leisurely soak, I emerged from the bath feeling refreshed and rejuvated. I towel-dried my hair and slipped into a simple attire—a knee-lgth dress in a soft shade of blue, with delicate embroidery along the neckline and hem.

It was a far cry from the elaborate gowns I had worn since arriving at the castle, but it felt more like me, more comfortable and familiar.

As I finished dressing, there was a soft knock on the door, followed by the sound of it swinging op. I turned to see a maid standing in the doorway, her eyes widing in surprise at the sight of me already prepared for the day.

"Well, it's time to get ready for breakfast," she said, recovering quickly from her shock.

I smiled, unable to suppress a chuckle at her reaction. "Lead the way," I said, falling into step behind her as we made our way through the corridors of the castle.

As we walked, I couldn't help but notice the flurry of activity a us. Maids and servants bustled about, carrying trays of food, arranging flowers, and attding to various tasks. It was clear that something significant was happing, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

"Why are they doing all that?" I asked the maid, indicating the flurry of activity a us.

As breakfast drew to a close, I rose from the table, feeling a sse of anticipation building within me.

Tomorrow, I would stand before the demon que and the assembled court, and pledge myself to a future that was both daunting and full of promise. But for now, I would focus on the prest, savoring the momts of quiet before the storm.

The demon que's piercing gaze lingered on me for a momt, as if she were searching for something in my expression. There was a tsion in the air, a palpable sse of unease that made my heart race.

"Do you know how to dance?" she finally asked, her voice sharp and clipped.

I blinked in surprise at the unexpected question, tak aback by the sudd shift in conversation. Dancing was the last thing I had expected her to bring up, and for a momt, I struggled to find an answer.

"No," I replied honestly, after a momt's hesitation.

Her expression softed imperceptibly, though a hint of annoyance lingered in her eyes. "Well, it seems we have something to work on," she said, her tone more resigned than before.

I furrowed my brow, uncertain of what she meant. Dancing had never be a skill I excelled at in my former life, and I doubted that had changed now. But before I could voice my concerns, the demon que spoke again.

"My schedule is empty, so I'm going to teach you a bit of dance," she announced, her tone leaving no room for argumt. "So tomorrow, you won't make a fool of yourself."

I swallowed hard, the weight of her words sinking in. The thought of dancing in front of the tire court was daunting ough, but the idea of being taught by the demon que herself was downright terrifying. Still, I knew better than to argue with her.

"Thank you, Seraphina," I said, mustering up a faint smile despite my apprehsion.

She nodded curtly in response, her features betraying nothing of her thoughts. With a sse of finality, she rose from her seat and made her way out of the dining room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

As I watched her go, I couldn't help but wonder what tomorrow would bring. Dancing was the least of my concerns, but if it meant avoiding embarrassmt in front of the tire demon court, th I would do whatever it took to learn.