"That was beautiful! I can't wait for it to be our turn when we graduate!" Milly said.

"I'm so excited for that day to arrive! My brother's description did not do it justice. Ahhhh me be dreaming for that day to arrive!" Gizel seconded.

Serena smiled as she nodded her head, it would be really exciting to do that in the future. It was like any girl's fairytale dream to dance that way. They did dancing, but it's different when it's choreographed that nicely and… ugh… it's just so beautiful.

"Well, I just hope that I won't make a blunder when that day comes." Via stated. 

"don't worry Via, I'm sure with more practice you'll do just fine. Anyway, should we take dancing class next year?"

"That sounds alright, although we know how to, it's different when it's choreographed. It's more complicated and looks so awesome." Milly replied.

"What do you think Serena?" Gizel asked.

Before Serena could answer, their conversation was cut short as the introductory notes of the first quadrille began playing. Each of the girl's respective partner went to their side to ask for their hand. 

Leonard went over and Serena took his hand as he led her to the dance floor. 

"Did you enjoy watching the opening dance?" Leonard asked.

"Yes. I can't wait to see you dancing that next year." Serena replied as she smiled at her brother.

They took their position, and as the quadrille was danced with 2 pairs, another pair joined them.

--

After the quadrille was the waltz and Geoffrey took Serena's hand to dance with her. The night went on and thankfully, Geoffrey did not hound her. In fact, he even danced with Via and other ladies she did not know. She did notice however that he did not dance with Emily.

She wondered, whatever happened to their relationship? Looking around, she saw Emily who was with Isabel and Douglas. Well, she understands that she's friends with Isabel, but Douglas? Did she set her sights low? Well, he's still a crown prince but… ugh. She shook her head, it's none of her business. She hopes that Emily would remain to be, well, not getting in the way of her relationship with Charlton. 

Anyway, she looked at everyone dancing while she was on break, and inevitably, her eyes were again drawn to Charlton. He too has been looking at her. They smiled at each other as the introductory notes of the 'Bahn Frei' by Eduard Strauss, the song for their polka started playing.

Charlton walked over to Serena. When he reached her, he bowed and asked for her hand. Serena placed her hand in his, both careful in schooling their expression not to show how excited they were.

When they finally were on the dancefloor, they took their position. As they were near enough, Charlton was able to say in a low voice, "You look divine."

"Is that sarcasm I hear?" she asked.

Charlton's eyes mooned. "Of course not. You look like you just stepped out of the fairytale books I usually read."

"You read those?"

"I did in my childhood. Don't tell anyone though. It's a secret."

Serena wanted to laugh and keep their conversation going, but the song came to the part when they must start dancing. Since the polka was a very upbeat and fast paced dance with lots of movements, they had no more time to talk.

However, they did enjoy the polka dance for it was the first time they did it together. When the song ended, careful of watching eyes, Charlton just led Serena back to the side where her friends were already waiting. He did not say any other word, nor did she. Their eyes can do all the talking. And so he left.

Thankfully, they acted the way they did. For they did not notice that Geoffrey was watching them the whole time. He breathed a sigh of relief when he did not see anything abnormal in their interaction. Though he did note that they were friendlier than before. He chunked it of to the fact that they have been working together for some time now.

--

Geoffrey danced with Serena for the two-step which was the dance before the intermission. After, he led her to get refreshments. 

After the intermission, the seniors again took the dance floor for their second dance which was a Polka. The others again stood at the sidelines to make way, then the 'Ritter Pasman' by Johann Strauss II began to play. 

This time, although it's still the same ladies in white on the dancefloor, save for one or two, the gents were a new set. Amongst them was George, Gizels' brother, and Joseph. The polka dance has a shorter music, but the movements were more fast paced and complicated than that of the waltz. It was truly a marvel how all of them did the dance in a synchronized manner. (For reference see Stanford Viennese Ball 2018- opening committee on Polka in youtube)

The night continued with dancing. Serena had 4 more dances after the intermission, the first was the quadrille with Kylo, and with them to make a group was Geoffrey and Via. Then, it was followed by a Gallop with Willy. Then, another dance with Leonard for the lancers and finally, another waltz with Geoffrey.

The night has been beautiful, and everyone just enjoyed it. When the ball came to an end, it was an hour pass midnight. 

For Serena, this ball has been the most fun without all the drama. It ended on a high note, that even when it was Geoffrey who escorted her, she still enjoyed it. Besides, he did keep propriety and acted like they were only friends except for having to dance with her thrice.

He sent her back to the dormitory with her friends. As he did not know if he should wish her luck or congratulate her for tomorrow's event, he just did both. Anyway, he did not keep her for long. He just told her to go inside and have a good night's rest.

Serena smiled and nodded her head, thanking him for tonight. She went inside without turning back.

Geoffrey did not think much of it and just walked towards the men's dormitory.

And so, with this, the school year has officially ended. 

--

END OF VOLUME 1

FINALLY!!! The school year has ended and it's the start of summer for them. Thank you for still reading this novel to this point. Please say hi in the comment section to let me know you're still with me. Chapters will still continue to update like normal. Again, thank you very much!

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