What Became of the Tyrant After the Pregnant Empress Left - Chapter 112

“You’re as skilled as ever when it comes to the basics.”
“That’s high praise. You’re a good dancer yourself, Cain.”
“My teacher was excellent.”
“It’s rare for you to show humility.”
“It happens sometimes.”
Dun-dun-dun, dun-dun-dun. Kazhan’s arm firmly supported Ysaris’s waist as they spun in a circle. Her dress flared widely, sweeping through the air as it twirled around her.
With just the two of them in the hall, they had ample space to dance freely. Though it had been a while, Ysaris found her body easily following the rhythm, a smile forming on her lips.
“We must have danced together often. We match perfectly.”
“We did. More often alone than at balls.”
“How romantic. Were you always the one to ask me to dance?”
“Back then, you were the one dragging me along. I still remember when you brought me to the lakeside under the moonlight to dance.”
“You’re joking, right?”
“I’m quite serious.”
Dun-dun-dun, dun-dun-dun. Their soft conversation mingled with the rhythm of the music, and occasionally, light laughter filled the air, casting faint shadows of the past.

A teenage Ysaris had laughed brightly while teaching Kazhan to dance, preparing him to be her partner for an academy ball.

<Cain, look over there. Isn’t the moon gorgeous?>
<You find that beautiful?>
<It’s vivid and bright. See how especially round and soft it looks tonight.>
<You are far more vivid, bright, and gentle. Beautiful is a word that ought to be reserved for you.>
<…Hmm. Anyway, why don’t we go to the lake? Dancing by the water under a moon like this feels so poetic.>

In the early days of their courtship, their shadows had intertwined beneath the full moon, with the sky and lake reflecting its glow. For Kazhan, the vivid memory wasn’t the moon but Ysaris’s blushing face that evening.

“Cain? What are you thinking about?”
“Hmm.”
Ysaris’s voice brought Kazhan back to the present. He realized the music had already ended and, without thinking, he’d stopped mid-dance, still holding her in his arms.
Noticing Ysaris fidget uncomfortably at their close distance, Kazhan finally released his grip, letting the warmth in his arms slip away.
The emptiness left him feeling unsettled—his arms, his hands, even his heart.
“Apologies. I was lost in old memories.”
At least this was something. Although Ysaris had forgotten, she wasn’t staring blankly at him or frowning when held. That alone was a small comfort for Kazhan.
He clenched his fists, forcing the past away. It was enough that Ysaris was alive and well by his side. He refused to be reckless, risking everything by acting on greed.
Patience was key. Slowly but steadily.
Then, perhaps one day…
“My dear, are you alright?”
“…!”
Kazhan felt a warm hand touch his cheek. His widened eyes focused on Ysaris, who looked at him with concern.
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t being considerate. I enjoyed dancing with you so much that I might have asked questions that opened old wounds. I won’t ask about our past again.”
“Ysaris…”
“Instead, can we work on creating better memories from now on? I know I still find you unfamiliar, but I’ve told you I’ll try, haven’t I? To treat you as someone I could love like before.”
Ysaris’s gentle smile struck a chord deep within Kazhan. His throat tightened, words refusing to form, and she cautiously embraced him.
Pat, pat. Her pale hands moved softly along his back, tracing a comforting rhythm. Kazhan stood still, yielding to the solace in her touch, and wrapped his arms around her in return.
Though much had changed and been forgotten, the warmth of a human embrace was eternal. Kazhan suddenly realized this simple truth.

* * *

“If, at the ball, I step away for a moment, seek out Temisian Blake, the Duke.”
“Pardon?”
“You asked earlier, didn’t you, if there are nobles who favor you.”
As they returned from the dance hall, Kazhan unexpectedly revisited the earlier topic before they parted ways. Ysaris, catching on after a brief pause, nodded for him to continue.
“The Duke and Duchess Blake are your safest options for conversation. If you’d like, I can arrange a meeting with them in advance to acquaint you.”