Sophia had just returned to her hotel room when her phone rang.

It was the museum director's private number.

"Miss Laurent, Her Majesty the Queen will receive you and your team at Buckingham Palace tomorrow."

After hanging up, Sophia's fingers trembled slightly.

She immediately opened her laptop to research royal etiquette, but found only scattered information online.

"What should I do..." She bit her lower lip, beads of sweat forming on her forehead.

A knock sounded at the door.

Several senior experts stood outside, their faces equally uneasy.

"Sophia, even we old-timers have never experienced something like this."

She forced a weak smile.

Her phone vibrated suddenly.

Ethan Sullivan's name flashed on the screen.

"Miss me?" His voice carried a lazy amusement.

Sophia cleared her throat. "I'm busy researching something."

"What exactly?"

"Royal etiquette for meeting the Queen." She sighed. "I can't find anything useful online."

A low chuckle came through the phone.

"No need for a curtsy. Wait for Her Majesty to extend her hand first..."

His calm voice meticulously explained every detail.

Sophia's eyes widened in surprise. "How do you know all this?"

"Learned it at Eton." He paused. "Need a live demonstration?"

"Don't tease me."

After hanging up, her heartbeat finally steadied.

The next morning.

A motorcade slowly entered Buckingham Palace.

Sophia's fingers clutched tightly at her skirt.

"Relax," whispered the senior expert beside her.

The drawing room gleamed with gold.

The Queen, dressed in sapphire blue, smiled warmly.

Following Ethan's instructions, Sophia executed every protocol flawlessly.

"Thank you for preserving treasures of human civilization," the Queen said with gentle authority.

Afternoon tea took place in the rose garden.

Silver tea sets sparkled under the sunlight.

Sophia carefully lifted her teacup, noticing how perfectly everyone else performed the ritual.

"There will be a small ball this evening. We hope you'll attend," announced the equerry.

Sophia nearly dropped her cup.

A ball?

She didn't even know basic waltz steps.

Night fell.

Crystal chandeliers illuminated the ballroom like daylight.

Sophia shrank into a corner, watching the elderly experts glide across the floor.

"May I have this dance, miss?"

A blond aristocrat extended his hand.

Her ears burned. "I'm afraid I don't know how..."

"I can teach you."

Just as she hesitated, a slender hand suddenly intervened.

"My wife's lessons are my privilege."

Ethan appeared beside her unexpectedly.

He wore a black tailcoat tonight, his bow tie impeccably tied.

"How did you get here?" Sophia gaped.

"To be your dance partner." He took her hand. "Follow my lead."

Music swelled.

Ethan's arm supported her waist firmly.

"Left foot back... yes, just like that."

Perspiration dotted Sophia's nose.

"Focus," he murmured near her ear.

"Why did you come?"

"Because..." He spun her gently. "I knew my little wife needed rescuing."

Sophia stumbled, her heel landing sharply on his polished shoe.

Ethan grunted but pulled her closer.

"Seems we'll need more practice tonight."