Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 355: A Blade In The Hall

Flowira lifted her chin and spoke a short sentence in Nordian, her voice low but clear.

Byron translated smoothly, his voice carrying across the hall. "Princess Flowira says this humble blade dance is offered to entertain His Majesty and honor the banquet."

Cassian raised one brow and let out a quiet, indifferent chuckle.

Elowen leaned closer and whispered, "What is it?"

Cassian murmured back, "What she actually said, word for word, was that the dance is dedicated to the Emperor of Avenlor and the Duchess of Duskmoor."

Elowen blinked.

That includes mee too?

Cassian rested his fingers along the armrest of his wheelchair, tapping idly. "Prince Zachary was right after all. His little sister seems quite fond of you."

Elowen considered that for a moment. "Well, there are quite a few people who like me."

Cassian glanced at her.

Elowen tilted her head. "But I only like you."

Cassian's lips curved. He reached out and gently touched her cheek. "I know."

Satisfied, Elowen turned her attention back to the performance.

The sword dance was unlike the graceful court dances people were used to seeing. It demanded tremendous strength and precision from the performer.

Yet Flowira's execution was unexpectedly impressive.

She lacked some of the soft flexibility of traditional dancers, but her posture was tall and steady, every movement sharp and powerful. Her steps opened wide across the floor, brimming with explosive energy. She spun, struck, and parried in fluid succession. At times the curved blade flashed like a streak of silver lightning, at others it swooped like a hawk diving for prey.

The spectacle held the entire hall captive.

People watched without blinking, quiet murmurs of astonishment rising from the crowd.

Then, at the height of the performance, Flowira suddenly spun in a beautiful turn. The curved blade swept forward with the motion, its cold edge glinting beneath the lights.

The tip of the blade pointed straight at Cassian.

The change came so suddenly that no one reacted in time.

Gasps erupted across the hall.

Beside him, Elowen startled and instinctively leaned forward, clearly intending to shield Cassian.

Flowira noticed the movement immediately. A flicker of displeasure crossed her face.

Cassian, however, remained completely calm.

He sat in his wheelchair as if nothing had happened, his expression unchanged, not even the slightest twitch of his brow.

But when he saw Elowen trying to protect him, a faint smile of amusement tugged at his lips.

Among the guests below, Daphne had been watching the entire scene closely.

When the blade pointed toward the Duke of Duskmoor, she was first startled, then her eyes lit up with excitement.

Just as she suspected.

Princess Flowira truly had feelings for him.

Of all the people the blade could have pointed at, it had to be Cassian.

Such a bold and straightforward confession. It perfectly matched the rough, fearless customs of those Nordian warriors.

If that was the case, everything would unfold even more smoothly.

After casting one last glance at Elowen, Flowira drew the blade back in a smooth motion and finished the dance in a clean, decisive stance.

Despite the intense performance, her breathing remained steady. Her face showed no sign of strain, not even a trace of sweat.

Holding the blade across her chest, she spoke another sentence in Nordian toward Theodric.

Byron translated again. "Princess Flowira says the sword dance has concluded. She hopes Your Majesty enjoyed it."

"Excellent. Truly excellent!"

Theodric clapped his hands with a hearty laugh, admiration shining in his eyes.

"This dance blends strength and grace in a way rarely seen. It carries the bold spirit of the northern lands yet still preserves the elegance of true performance. I must say, today has opened my eyes. You deserve a reward."

Flowira bowed again.

Isla smiled lightly and spoke in a teasing tone. "Both of them are Fifth Princesses, yet ours could never perform a sword dance like that."

Maerwyn, who had been quietly eating pastries to pass the time, suddenly heard her title mentioned and looked up in confusion.

Isla turned back to Flowira, her expression warm. "Tell me, Fifth Princess. In Nordia, have you already been promised in marriage to someone?"

Flowira remained silent.

Byron answered in her place. "Your Majesty, our king treasures Princess Flowira dearly. No marriage arrangement has yet been made for her."

Isla nodded thoughtfully.

"That reminds me of something."

Daphne seized the moment and spoke with a bright smile. "Not long ago, Princess Flowira visited the Crown Prince's Wing several times. We are close in age and spoke quite well together. During one of those visits, Princess Flowira confided that she already has someone she admires."

Isla glanced at her. "Oh? Someone she admires? In Nordia?"

Daphne shook her head solemnly. "Not in Nordia. In Avenlor. In fact, he happens to be right here in Vanelle."

Now even Theodric looked intrigued. "And who might that be? If the two truly care for each other, I can grant the marriage today. Such a union would fulfill the princess's wish and strengthen the ties between Nordia and Avenlor. A perfect outcome for both sides."

Daphne nodded eagerly. "Your Majesty speaks wisely. That is exactly my thought."

Theodric asked, "So who is this man?"

Daphne's smile deepened. "Someone Your Majesty knows quite well."

"Someone I know?" Theodric scanned the hall.

"Yes," Daphne said gently. "The man Princess Flowira admires... is none other than the Duke of Duskmoor."

The hall erupted in shock.

Cassian remained utterly unmoved.

Elowen, meanwhile, widened her eyes in convincing surprise.