Viktor placed one hand lightly on her waist, the other holding hers. He began to move, guiding her with expertise, though there was no warmth in his motion. He did his best to ignore her gaze, even as she smiled at him like a prized jewel on display for admiration.
"You're such a graceful dancer, Lord Rune," Harriet said, gazing up at him, her voice dripping with admiration. "You must have had an excellent teacher."
"I did," Viktor replied flatly.
Harriet's smile thinned, barely perceptible. "So, would you be able to teach me sometime in the future? I really need to improve my dancing, and who better than you to help me reach perfection?"
"I'm afraid that won't be possible," he said.
Harriet tilted her head, eyes narrowing with curiosity. "Why not?"
Viktor didn't answer right away. He led her through another turn, his expression unreadable.
"I'm a very busy man," he said finally. "My time is reserved for attending to the prince's needs."
"That's all?"
"That's all."
