“You’re trembling, sweet.”

The countess took my hand.

“N-no, it’s just…”

“There’s nothing wrong with finding me captivating, my dear.”

“I-I…”

“Come now. I’ll lead.”

A new tune started. A guitar and a viola across the ballroom began playing in harmony.

“But I don’t know how to-“ I stammered.

“It’s okay. Look into my eyes.”

I struggled to do so.

“Look at me, my dear.”

I looked up at her.

She was beautiful. Her eyes were deep pools that commanded my attention. Were they… swirling?

“That’s better,” she cooed. “Now… follow the music. You already know the way.”

A memory, long shelved, was taken from its forgotten place and brought to the forefront of my mind.

The intertwining melodies of the guitar and viola unlocked movements in my body that I gave freely into.

My anxiety dissolved into a soft, entranced haze as the countess directed my movements.

Sway…

Step…

Lean…

Spin…

“See, my dear? You do remember. You may forget, losing yourself as your mind softens for me, but you’ve walked this path so many times. You may not be conscious of it, but every step of yours is planned. Practiced.”

Planned and practiced…

A quiet snap of her fingers behind my back, and I came to, still dancing.

How was I-

“How did you do that!” I silently mouthed.

“My sweet, sweet thing…” she whispered. “Don’t you see? Your body and mind obey my rhythms all on their own. You don’t need to worry. You are a beautiful dancer.”

I closed my eyes and rested my head on her chest as we continued dancing until the end of the song.

I opened my eyes and raised my head. We were the only ones on the dance floor. Other people were applauding.

“Aha, quite the enchantress, isn’t she?” I heard a viscount declare to another across the hall. “Even the maidens fall for her!”

The countess caught my shocked blush. “Pay him no mind, my dear. You and I have more… sensual trainings to attend to tonight.”

My blush intensified. “O-of course.”