Stella finally let go of him and the Grand Mage recovered her regular look in seconds… her expression smoothing out as if the blush that had been burning across her cheeks moments ago had never existed.
"That was a wonderful dance." She said, her voice soft but composed. Then she looked at Azel's face and frowned slightly.
His brows were knit together as if something was bothering him. "What's wrong?"
Suddenly Azel reached down, took her pale hand gently, and lifted it.
With a smoothness that surprised even himself, he bowed his head and kissed the back of her hand like a nobleman from an old tale.
"Thank you for the dance, milady… I hope to dance with you more next time."
Her cheeks flushed instantly… an involuntary bloom of color that betrayed even her impeccable self-control. She snatched her hand back just a little too quickly.
"Sure… next time." She said, clearing her throat as she lifted the hem of her dress to walk away, doing her best to appear unaffected.
