Immediately after those words left her lips, the piano and violin shifted into a slow rhythm before gently fading into silence. Rose watched as Zethan took her hands and placed a soft kiss atop them. His expression had returned to its usual calm, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
Her cheeks flushed, and she couldn't believe she'd actually said those words—words that weren't true. She hadn't experienced any of it herself; instead, countless hours in the library had introduced her to books that shocked and expanded her understanding of many things. And yet, she had voiced them aloud.
Finally, she rested her hands on his elbow as they began to walk toward the king and queen's seat. Once again, the perfect clap filled the hall—soft yet loud, melodic and practiced—as they made their way. Zethan seated himself beside her.
