Forbiddenly Bound To You
Chapter 153: Whispers Beneath the Chandelier

Chapter 153: Whispers Beneath the Chandelier

Mira shot him a glance, her cheeks flushing hard. If he wanted to tease her, then she would tease him right back. Her voice, though quiet, carried a firm edge. "And yet, you keep saying even naughtier things, Your Majesty," she replied, her tone laced with mock admonishment.

Zamian arched an eyebrow in amusement, spinning her effortlessly as the music swirled around them. The chandeliers overhead glittered, their golden light cascading over the ballroom, casting the couple in a warm glow. They swayed together in perfect harmony, their movements almost hypnotic, before Mira spoke again, her voice softer this time. "Who knows if little Zamian could hear your... improper remarks?"

His lips curled into a confident smirk, his response immediate and smooth. "Of course not. I’m always very careful."

Mira raised an eyebrow, rolling her eyes at his words. Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "Oh, yes. Extra careful, indeed."

Zamian’s chuckle deepened, rich and velvety, his tone playfully challenging. "Very, very careful. But don’t worry. I only need to be cautious when she’s around." He paused, his gaze softening as a rare gentleness seeped into his expression. "When she’s with us, I’ll always be careful."

His next words carried a mischievous edge, his teasing tone returning with full force. "But when we’re alone, like right now... what’s the need to hold back? I can be as free as I like." He punctuated his statement with a playful wink, his eyes gleaming.

Mira’s gaze shifted quickly, her cheeks flaming pink once more as she tried to compose herself. Zamian’s laughter followed, deep and teasing, as he savored the effect his words had on her.

Even though she hadn’t said anything remotely naughty, Mira realized that Zamian was deliberately trying to fluster her. His smirk, the glint in his eyes—it was all too obvious. But she wasn’t about to let him win this time. If he thought she would shy away, he had another thing coming.

Tilting her head slightly, her hazel eyes gleamed with a newfound determination as she spoke, her voice soft yet laced with mischief. "Oh? Free as you like, you say? Well, Your Majesty, I seem to recall that the last time you tried to be too free, you stumbled. Quite ungracefully, might I add."

Zamian’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, a flicker of amusement crossing his face before he laughed, the sound deep and rich, echoing through the grand hall. "Stumbled? I don’t recall such an incident. You must be imagining things, my queen."

Mira smirked, confidence surging within her. "Oh, I remember it vividly. Shall I remind you? Or perhaps you’re just too embarrassed to admit it?"

Zamian’s laughter softened into a warm smile as he looked at her, admiration mingling with amusement. His gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary before he spoke. "Touché, Queen Mira. It seems you’ve learned to play my game."

The music swirled around them, the melody slower now, signaling the end of the song. Zamian swayed Mira gracefully, their laughter blending seamlessly with the lilting tune. It was then Mira realized they had been dancing in front of an audience. Somehow, Zamian had made her forget the crowd entirely. For a fleeting moment, it had felt as though only the two of them existed in the vast, glittering hall.

A smile played on her lips as the final note rang out, and the applause began—a sound that seemed both soft and thunderous. The audience clapped enthusiastically as Zamian and Mira made their way back to their thrones. Every step they took radiated regality and confidence, their presence commanding attention and respect.

Once seated, the applause subsided, and the atmosphere shifted slightly. The next part of the ball was about to begin. This dance was not reserved for the king and queen alone. It was an opportunity for dignitaries, visiting princes, and esteemed guests from neighboring kingdoms to join the celebration.

The hall buzzed with renewed energy as people mingled, danced, and conversed. The sound of light laughter and the clinking of crystal glasses filled the air. It was during this moment that Mira spotted Ella, Zamian’s brother’s wife, waving at her from across the room.

Leaning toward Zamian, Mira whispered, her tone light and playful. "I’ll be mingling for a bit, Your Majesty. It’s time I made some new connections."

Zamian’s brow furrowed slightly, the protective edge in his gaze unmistakable. "Are you sure you’ll be fine?"

Mira smiled warmly, placing a reassuring hand on his. "I’ll be fine, Your Majesty," she said, her voice soothing. To ease his concern further, she added a playful wink.

Her words seemed to calm him, though Zamian’s eyes lingered on her as she stood gracefully, descending the steps with the poise of a true queen. Some nearby onlookers exchanged surprised glances, taken aback by the rare sight of their king smiling so openly. For many of Zamian’s subjects, the sight of their stoic ruler showing such warmth was both surprising and heartening. His smile, reserved only for Mira, was a testament to the deep bond they shared.

Mira made her way toward Ella, her gown flowing like liquid gold as she moved through the crowd. "Oh, Your Majesty," Ella greeted her enthusiastically, her eyes shining with genuine admiration. "You look absolutely stunning tonight."

Mira blushed slightly, offering a soft, "Thank you."

Ella gestured toward a small group of women standing nearby, their eyes wide with awe as they watched Mira approach. "Some of my friends would love to meet you in person," Ella said with a smile.

Mira nodded graciously, and soon she found herself surrounded by several ladies. One of them, a petite woman with bright green eyes, spoke up first. "I must say, Your Majesty, you’re incredibly beautiful. And your child is absolutely adorable. You and King Zamian make such a perfect couple."

Mira’s cheeks flushed with gratitude, her voice warm as she replied. "Thank you so much. I’m truly honored to hear that."

The group giggled, their admiration for Mira evident. Another woman, taller with a mischievous glint in her eye, leaned forward with a teasing smile. "It seems you and His Majesty are planning to give us another heir soon," she remarked, her tone playful.

Mira chuckled softly, the sound as light and genuine as a breeze. Her golden eyes sparkled with humor as she replied, "That wouldn’t be a problem at all. I wouldn’t mind having many."

Her playful response elicited another wave of laughter from the group, the warmth in their exchange dissolving any lingering formalities.

The conversation soon shifted, flowing effortlessly from topic to topic. They spoke of family traditions, the latest fashions gracing the kingdom, and the intricate balance of courtly duties. The chatter was lighthearted and engaging, each woman contributing her own wit and charm to the lively discussion.

After some time, Mira’s gaze drifted across the ballroom, landing on Zamian. His tall frame was impossible to miss, and she noticed the familiar look of concern etched on his face. A small smile tugged at her lips as she turned back to Ella.

"It seems my husband is already worried about me," Mira said softly, amusement coloring her tone. "I should go check on him."

Ella laughed, her eyes twinkling. "He’s so fond of you—it’s impossible to miss."

Mira excused herself from the group, her steps deliberate and graceful as she made her way back toward Zamian. The gentle murmur of conversations and the soft strains of music filled the air, creating a warm yet elegant atmosphere. Her golden eyes scanned the hall briefly, catching sight of familiar faces among the crowd.

Her attention was soon drawn by an excited movement—a small, animated wave that broke through the sea of refined gestures.

It was little Zami, her tiny hand flailing enthusiastically as she waved from across the room where she sat. Her face beamed with joy, her eyes sparkling with the pure excitement of spotting Mira. It was a sight that always melted Mira’s heart. A fond smile graced her lips as she quickened her pace slightly, eager to reach her daughter.

But just as she began crossing the distance, a faint sound caught her attention.

Whispering.

Mira’s steps faltered, her ears attuned to the barely audible conversation threading through the din of the ball.

"How sure are we that this isn’t all just a show?"

The words, laced with malice, were impossible to miss. Mira’s eyes narrowed slightly as she turned her head ever so subtly toward the source of the voice. A small group of women stood in a shadowed corner of the grand hall. Their postures were casual, as though they were simply exchanging pleasantries, but their hushed tones carried an undeniable sharpness.

"It’s all too perfect, isn’t it?" another voice chimed in. The skepticism in her tone was as clear as crystal. "Almost like a well-rehearsed play."

A soft, cutting laugh followed, the kind designed to wound without leaving visible marks. Mira’s heart clenched momentarily, but her expression remained serene, betraying none of the irritation bubbling within her.

The group’s laughter ebbed away the moment they noticed Mira’s approach.