Alexander smiled, a unique aura surrounding him that felt different from the cold arrogance she remembered. The candlelight softened his features, yet his proud demeanor remained, unaltered by any experience. The man before her was mesmerizing, like a finely crafted statue, with a subtle curve of his lips.

“Wipe that drool away,” Alexander said, looking down, not too close, yet Tanya could feel the warmth near her ear.

Tanyao bit her lip, a hint of disdain in her eyes. “I didn’t expect you to actually dare to challenge me.”

Alexander’s smile widened. “Neither did I, Miss Tanya. What a coincidence to be your dance partner once again.”

They moved in sync across the wooden floor of the hall, their steps producing barely audible sounds. The musicians played softly, creating a tranquil atmosphere that seemed to envelop them in candlelight.

**[Fans] Big Monster: You’re so beautiful! And Alexander... I want to fall in love too...

[Fans] Phuket: How lovely... though waltzing in Tang dynasty attire feels oddly strange...

[Visitors] Time Flies: After witnessing so many streams, where hosts scheme for tasks, it’s refreshing to see a host not focused on NPCs, laughing, crying, feeling guilt. This is nice， may the host stay true to themselves.**

Tanya’s gaze lingered on the comments, momentarily lost in thought, feeling moisture gather in her eyes.

A flicker of panic crossed Alexander’s deep eyes, and he subconsciously loosened his grip around her waist.

“Could it be that my stunning looks have moved you to tears?”

Tanya took a moment, facing Alexander with genuine emotion. “Alexander, haven’t you noticed how much you’ve changed since we first met?”

Alexander raised an eyebrow. “How so?”

“When we first met, you were icy and distant, keeping all women at arm’s length, seemingly filled with deep resentment toward the world. You must have been very lonely then.”

“When you reappeared, though still vengeful, I could see the spark in your eyes. It seems you’ve found something to strive for, letting go of the inner demons that tormented you, and that’s wonderful.”

Holding her delicate hand, Alexander matched his steps to Tanya’s rhythm. She felt unsettled, causing her movements to falter slightly, but Alexander adjusted to her pace. The candlelight illuminated Tanya’s smooth forehead, her enchanting eyes sparkling like stars, capturing Alexander’s gaze, lingering there.

Alexander felt a stir of emotions but turned his head away, voice cold. “Stop being so sentimental.”

Tanya smiled through tears. “What can I do? You’re Alexander.”

A faint blush appeared on Alexander’s cheeks, and his steps faltered.

Tanya beamed, and not wanting to lose his composure, he forcefully spun her around.

Nearby concubines gasped in surprise at the sight before them. The scene was stunning: Tanya’s flowing blue gown and Alexander’s silver armor, the candlelight softening their colors as they swayed, creating a gentle breeze.

“Don’t speculate about my thoughts,” Alexander said icily. When Tanya looked up, he wore the same proud expression from before, a demeanor she found unappealing.

Seeing her discontent, Alexander sighed. “Rather than worry about whether I harbor resentment toward this world, think carefully about how you’ll respond next.”

Tanya was taken aback. “Respond next?”

A glint of menace appeared in Alexander’s deep eyes as he pulled her closer.

“Though this dance was approved by Heliam, he is still a man, a revered emperor. He would never allow his woman to dance closely with another man in public.”

Tanya understood suddenly. This was ancient times， the emperor’s consorts had to avoid other men, and here she was, boldly dancing with Alexander at Heliam's behest. Waltzing was a social dance in modern times, but in this feudal era, an emperor’s woman caught straying could face severe punishment.

Tanya felt like crying. Would her second task end because of a single dance? The more she thought about it, the less she wanted to take a step forward. Ultimately, Alexander supported her through each move.

“Oh no, I’ve never been in love, why!”

So tragic—

“Foolish woman, calm down,” Alexander’s steady voice reached her ears.

Tanya’s steps grew more erratic, and despite his repeated attempts to bring her back to composure, she ignored him. Finally, he pinched her waist decisively.

“Ouch!” Tanya exclaimed, glaring at Alexander.

Seeing her regain clarity, he whispered, “Stay calm. We need to play our roles and follow the script you prepared earlier.”

“...The script I prepared?”

She had only intended to tease the mocking Alexander!

“Are you dense?” Alexander frowned in disdain. “As you said, this performance is to win Heliam’s favor.”

“Heliam, that tyrant, loves his women to be both beautiful and pretentious, claiming it’s for his sake. Remember to act the part when you say this later,” Alexander instructed.

Tanya was speechless. “...Alexander, you seem more suited to win over Heliam than I am.”

Alexander tightened his grip around her slender waist. “It’s starting.”

The orchestra's music ended at just the right moment, prompting Tanya and Alexander to part ways.

“Does Your Majesty still enjoy my dance?” Tanya asked, raising her brows with hopeful anticipation.

Silence fell over the crowd.

Indeed, she captivated them， to everyone watching, Tanya’s dance was like a celestial being gliding gracefully, while Alexander’s striking appearance resembled a heavenly prince.

They shared a silent understanding, and after their dance, no one dared to speak such words in front of the emperor.

Feigning innocence, Tanya said, “Vivienne wanted to dance with Your Majesty. Your form is unparalleled， surely it surpasses that of the guard, Alexander.”

“If I were fortunate enough to dance with Your Majesty, it would make my months of hard practice worthwhile.”

With that, she gazed eagerly at Heliam.

Heliam’s deep-set eyes softened slightly upon seeing Tanya’s hopeful expression.

Perhaps he had misunderstood her.

“I naturally enjoy the fruits of my beloved’s months of hard work,” Heliam replied.

As soon as he spoke, Tanya’s brows lifted in delight.

“Your Majesty truly likes it? I am overjoyed to have your favor， even if I suffer, it would be worth it.”

Tanya’s eyes shimmered with sincerity, stirring a wave of emotion in Heliam.

But when his gaze fell on Alexander, his thoughts became tense. “I wonder what my beloved’s whispered words to Alexander during the dance meant.”

Tanya tensed, her lips parted, unable to explain.

“It was a secret code,” a cool voice came from behind.

Tanya turned to see Alexander’s proud, unmoved face. “This is my first encounter with such things. Before the dance, the princess instructed me to follow her cues for the rhythm.”

“For the sake of winning Your Majesty’s favor, the princess truly went to great lengths， such sincerity is indeed admirable.”

Alexander’s words effectively dispelled Heliam’s doubts.

Tanya glanced at Alexander, surprised， she had never seen this side of him.

He, usually so rebellious, was now so eloquent in defending someone else.

He had been unwittingly drawn into this situation but managed to smooth over the crisis effortlessly.

Heliam smiled, and the banquet continued.

He then turned his attention to the other concubines， throughout the evening, many displayed excellent dancing skills.

As the event concluded, Verdant leaned in and whispered to her, “Your performance at the banquet was truly remarkable. If it weren’t for the beauty from Southland, Your Majesty wouldn’t have to entertain anyone else， I imagine we’d see him in our chambers tonight.”

Tanya wasn’t particularly concerned about which chamber Heliam would choose.

“The beauty from Southland?” Why did that name sound so familiar?

“It’s Evelyn, the beauty Southland offered to Your Majesty. She is indeed stunning, but she pales in comparison to you, my princess.”

At Verdant’s reminder, Tanya recalled the brief notes Heliam had asked her to memorize earlier.

Evelyn, the beauty from Southland.

Such a dazzling name, and she hadn’t noticed her at the banquet.

“It’s only natural that you didn’t notice her. Although this banquet had the flavor of welcoming Evelyn, Your Majesty isn’t particularly fond of her， it’s merely polite formality.”

“I still believe you are the favored one.”

As Tanya listened to Verdant, a smile unconsciously spread across her lips. “Did you think today’s dance was beautiful?”

Verdant nodded vigorously. “It was stunning!”

Tanya smiled even wider, Alexander’s handsome face flashing in her mind.