Chapter 247

As we approached the grand ballroom, the anticipation swirled around me like a whirlwind, my heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and nerves.

The towering doors stood before us, and just outside, the King and Queen awaited our entrance.

Prince Alexander, who was currently the picture of confidence, led me forward with a reassuring smile. "Are you ready?"

"Not really," I admitted. "I don't want to go in there."

Prince Alexander chuckled softly, his warm gaze meeting mine. "You'll be fine, Shana. Just remember to breathe."

"That's easy for you to say," I replied. "You're probably used to this."

Alex shook his head, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Trust me, Shana, I still get nervous every now and then. But it helps to have someone by your side and a mask covering half of your face."

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead, and nodded. "Wait, won't people get the wrong idea if I show up with you arm in arm?"

"Let them. It's not every day they get to witness the Prince escorting someone as intriguing as you." Alex chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his cheesiness. "It's not like they know who I really am. I might take away from all of your other potential suitors."

"Good. That's exactly what I intended," he replied with a wide smile, offering me his arm once more.

"I love being used," I said sarcastically, putting my arm around Alex's.

With that, we stepped through the doors, and all eyes turned towards us. The air seemed to crackle with anticipation as the King and Queen greeted us with warm smiles.

"Please welcome their Majesties, The Alpha King and Alpha Queen, and their son, Prince Alexander. Accompanying the Prince is their esteemed guest, Miss Shana," Liam announced loudly, his voice carrying through the room.

As Liam's announcement reverberated through the grand ballroom, my heart skipped a beat.

I felt a flush of heat rise to my cheeks as I curtsied, trying to ignore the weight of the gazes fixed upon me. It was strange to be the center of attention, especially in a room filled with so many masked faces.

The weight of the moment settled upon me like a heavy cloak, and I fought to maintain my composure as all eyes fixated on us.

The King and Queen approached us, their regal presence commanding attention.

With graceful smiles, they extended their hands in greeting.

"Shana, you look incredible," the Queen said, her voice soft but carrying an air of authority. "Your gown and mask suit you well."

The Queen's mask was a dark red, a shade that I had never seen before. It contrasted against her eyes that were similar to her son's. It made me wonder what her wolf looked like.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," I replied, offering her curtsy, trying to keep my voice steady despite the butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

Despite my nerves, her genuine praise put me at ease, if only for a moment.

"Your Majesty, may I say that your mask is stunning as well," I commented, unable to resist admiring the regal elegance of her ensemble.

The Queen's smile widened at my words, a glint of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Why, thank you, Shana. You're too kind."

As our brief exchange came to an end, Prince Alexander gently guided me towards the dance floor, his hand warm and reassuring against mine.

The soft strains of music filled the air, enveloping us in a whirl of melody and movement.

"Feeling okay?" Alex whispered in my ear as we moved across the room.

I tried my hardest to ignore the people around us, afraid that I would do something to embarrass myself.

I nodded, though my heart raced with a mixture of excitement and nerves.

"I'm just trying not to trip over my own feet," I admitted, offering him a sheepish smile.

Alex chuckled softly, the sound sending a warm shiver down my spine. "Don't worry, Shana. Just follow my lead, and you'll be fine."

His reassuring words helped to ease some of my anxiety, and I focused on the feel of his hand in mine as we moved gracefully across the dance floor.

As we made our way further into the ballroom, my eyes scanned the crowd, searching for a familiar face that I knew would immediately bring me some sense of comfort.

And there, across the expanse of the room, I spotted him – Lucas, standing tall and unmistakable amidst the number of guests.

My heart skipped a beat at the sight of him, dressed in a fitted suit that accentuated his rugged charm.

He looked like himself and unlike himself at the same time.

His mask concealed much of his face, but his piercing blue eyes shone brightly, drawing me in with their intensity.

A pang of longing surged through me, and for a moment, I was tempted to break away from the Prince's side and rush to Lucas.

His eyes seemed to reflect the same feeling as he stared at me. Kendrick stood beside him, a champagne flute in his hand as he watched me with the Prince.

But before I could act on impulse, Prince Alexander gently guided me towards the dance floor, his hand warm against mine.

With a heavy heart, I tore my gaze away from Lucas and focused on Alex who had begun to lead me with practiced ease across the dance floor.

"Do you know how to dance?" he asked, twirling me gently to allow the skirt of my dress to move freely.

"Does it look like I know how to dance?" I replied when he brought me back into his chest.

He laughed, deep and low, throwing me out into a spin.

"Actually, you're not so bad," he commented.

I couldn't help but smile at his compliment, feeling a surge of confidence wash over me as we moved in sync to the music.

"Maybe you're just a good dancer," I teased, allowing myself to relax into the rhythm of the music.

"Perhaps. Or maybe you're just a quick learner." Prince Alexander grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"What's with all the compliments?" I questioned, feeling skeptical about his kindness. "It's weirding me out."

"I always compliment you," Alex noted. "You're the one who is constantly rude to me."

I couldn't help but chuckle at his playfulness, knowing there was some truth to his words.

"Okay, fine," I admitted, feeling a twinge of guilt. "I'll try to be less rude... sometimes."

Prince Alexander laughed, his grip tightening slightly as we swayed to the music. "Deal."

As we began to sway to the music, I couldn't help but steal glances towards Lucas. His figure kept catching my attention as I moved around the sea of dancers.

At the same time, I noticed all of the young women around us, staring at me enviously as I danced with the Prince.

The Prince must've noticed the added attention because his grip on me tightened as we danced. It made me wonder if he was hesitant to dance with anyone else.

The purpose of this ball was technically to encourage the Prince to find his future wife.

However, Alex looked less than thrilled about this as he spun me around, keeping his eyes glued to anything but the women around us.