d joy that evening. The Spring Festival was one of the most anticipated traditions, a celebration that brought everyone together, regardless of social cl

lins, and the steady beat of drums setting the rhythm. Women wore traditional dresses embroidered with vibrant colors and flower crowns on their heads, while men,

tched by the aristocratic women who had come in their elegant, richly adorned gowns, a world away from her own. As others danced and laughed, she observed f

ion loomed in the distance, a silent remi

seemed to pause as a familiar figure appe

d hair fell over his forehead in a way that softened his usual expression of authority. But tonight, he seemed

ck, wary of attracting attention. However, Mihai had already spo

rrying an amused yet sincere ton

d, surprised

felt comfortable in the center of the dance floor, much less at a fe

ling shyly as she felt the eyes of the wealthy wom

moment, as if weighing h

yourself go. No one is watching as closely as you think."- He paused, then added with a playfu

mething about Mihai-his natural confidence, his ability to

ation felt like stepping

,"- she said, glancing around, uneasy a

y extended his

said, his voice

er as if she was more than just a servant's daughter, made her pulse quicken.

em, the fire torches illuminating the ring of dancers as the "hora" grew faster. Loana

oordination. At first, Loana was stiff, but Mihai guided her gently, his movements fluid, his rhythm effortless. S

n, the village murmurs, the stares of judgment-they all faded into the background. For the fir

. For a fleeting second, Loana wondered if he felt the same way-that de

ed, Loana no longer cared

ly, his voice low enou

at wasn't

ftly, still catc

ancing down at their joined han

ply watched her, as if memorizing the w

ity soon

s of the noblewomen and the confused expressions of the village men. The divi

Mihai, her exp

hould

faded slightly

you m

then turned and walked away, her h

r go, his expres

act of sharing a dance had just set