627 Can You Give Me a Hug? (2/2)

Everyone parted very quickly to the side, clearing the way to the middle of the dancefloor. Once they were in their positions, the conductor raised his conductor baton and a beautiful melody was soon playing in the air. Fortunately, Ye Qingxuan had read through two books on palace dances before he came so he managed to pull it off, even though his movements might be a little stiff. The only thing was that they sometimes got too close during the dance.

Being so close to the Queen and feeling the white silk material in his hands, he was at a loss somewhat. Fortunately, the awkwardness did not last for too long as Mary asked quietly, ”What do you think about this gown? The tailor just about managed to rush it out in time. Do you think it suits me?”

”It's simply beautiful and astounding. I am completely captivated.” Ye Qingxuan maintained his smile as he lavished plenty of praise. This gown was a good fit for Mary's body shape but what made it impressive was its ability to capture her sophisticated qualities while maintaining an air of authority. On top of that, it did not seem out of place when she stood beside Ye Qingxuan's attire, which was similar to a uniform. The tailor has put in a lot of effort. It was not easy. Ye Qingxuan swallowed his saliva and realized that his throat hurt.

”Is that so?” Mary raised her eyebrow with a teasing look. ”Are you feeling nervous?”

”Yes.” Ye Qingxuan nodded. He could not help but sigh and answer honestly, ”Your Majesty's favor has taken me by surprise.”

Mary looked at the complicated expression on his face and was able to see the embarrassment and nervousness. She smiled slyly. ”I had no other choice, Your Highness. You have to think from my position too.” In the middle of the dance, she leaned forward slightly. Her entire body was almost touching Ye Qingxuan. She put her lips close to his ear and whispered, ”I apologize for today. At least… don't let them think that it was a one-sided affection. It will make things very awkward for the Queen.”

”My apologies, it's my fault.”

Mary smiled and shook her head. ”Say no more of such things. Let's dance.”

”Alright.” Ye Qingxuan nodded his head and focused his attention on following Mary's movements. He could feel a layer of sweat on his palms as he touched her slender waist to twirl her around to the music. As the melody gently played, he could hear the sound of her breathing. It made him feel as if the Queen was like fog and he needed to release her hands so that she could slowly float into the sky.

But Mary held onto his hands all the way. She looked at him quietly with a smile on her face. Her gaze was focused and serious. When the melody finally came to an end, Ye Qingxuan could not believe how time had passed by so quickly and everything that had just happened felt as short as only a moment.

”Mr. Ye,” amidst the applause, he could hear Mary's voice, ”can you give me a hug?” She looked at Ye Qingxuan and said quietly, ”Just for a while.”

Ye Qingxuan did not say anything, except to stretch out his hands and take her into his arms. ”As long as you want,” he whispered.

Mary smiled and leaned against his chest. ”Thank you.”

Ye Qingxuan lowered his eyes. Just as he was about to say something, he heard Mary's voice, ”It seems that parties are not entirely useless. We might as well have one every day.”

Ye Qingxuan was stunned. Your Majesty, is it worth doing this just for a dance? There are many things in Anglo that still need to be done. If you start the ball rolling by holding extravagant parties, when will this nightlife end!

”Cough cough, Your Majesty, if there is anything you require of me in the future, you only need to summon me. There is no need to go to such great lengths and waste the country's money.” Ye Qingxuan quickly put a stop to the idea, only to see the corners of Mary's mouth curling up into a smile.

”Are you initiating a rendezvous? I am glad to know that the Prince is so earnest.”

”…” Ye Qingxuan was about to vomit blood. He had a nagging feeling that he had fallen into Mary's trap but strangely enough, he did not dislike it.

”Don't worry, I will not trouble you. Just don't avoid me next time.” Mary released her hands at last and straightened his collar. Then, she tip-toed and whispered into his ear, ”I am available on Saturday afternoon.”

Ye Qingxuan saw only darkness.