The demigod frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Cosmic reinforcement, of course.”
“You believe the gods care so much?”
“Yes. I do,” Thiete responded simply.
Leander nodded and made no attempt to agree or disagree to Theite’s faith. It wasn’t his place to argue against what mortals wanted to believe about his immortal kin.
“Excuse me, may I?” The pair of dancers parted to find Princess Vivienne staring intently at Theite, hand outstretched in a request to dance with her betrothed.
Leander bowed his head at the neck to the princess and attempted to make a swift departure from the dance floor.
“Oh, no you don’t.” His hand ensnared within the firm grip of another’s, Leander spun around to face none other than Jarryn Eleinium.
“Your Highness!” he exclaimed in surprise, eyes going wide, as if he had momentarily forgotten that he had seen the prince here tonight.
“Lord Leander,” Jarryn smiled suggestively at the fallen demigod. “Before the music ends, I would love the opportunity to share a dance with you as well.”
Jarryn ignored Leander’s half-hearted protests as he led him back onto the dance floor.
The prince’s embrace was sure and confident as he held Leander, guiding him through the steps he had been practising with Thiete.
“I overheard the tail end of your conflict with that undeniably disagreeable fellow you were conversing with when you were with Theite,” Jarryn said, and Leander blushed, disliking the notion that the prince could have heard more than he was letting on. “The way you conducted yourself, managing that... hostility. It was impressive, I can concede that much.”
They continued to move, the music guiding them in their steps as they danced among the other guests. Normally at events such as these, Leander spent more time watching the dancers rather than partaking in it. He didn’t enjoy the spinning, not when he’d imbibed more wine than was sensible.
“I’m glad to have caught you, if only briefly,” Leandersaid softly, almost mournfully, as if he could want nothing more than to dance with the prince all night. “My father has made his expectations plain. As you must be aware, nothing meaningful advances because of convivial diversions.”
Jarryn made no effort to hide his frown. “You think our feet will allow us to dance until we drop? I think not, Leo.” He twirled Leander once, twice, before continuing to speak. “I am aware of expectations set upon us. Your family is important in this city. I hit two birds with one stone in giving you some attention.”
Leander felt something flare deep in his stomach. “Nine forbid we spend time together for any other reason than political posturing.”
“It is the life of a diplomat. Political posturing needs to become second nature to you. But truth be told, I wanted to dance with you for the sheer pleasure of your company.”
“How nice to know that at least one person likes to be around me. The question is… why?” Leander said sardonically.
“Genuine connections can be forged without there being an ulterior motive.”
“In the political sphere, genuine connections are as rare as a dragon’s maw above a mantlepiece. Your optimism speaks of a naïveté rarely seen at court.” Leander’s tone carried a level of bitterness as he continued. “Besides, Your Highness, it is a widely accepted truth that we must commit to this charade of pretences.”
Silence followed that statement for a moment. “I thought I’d made it clear that I wasn’t interested inknowing the façade—the lie—you present to the world,” Jarryn whispered, the intensity of his gaze refusing to release Leander’s.
“And yet, you are quite happy with making presumptions about my character that are woefully unfounded,” Leander snapped as they continued rotating. The rest of the dancers forgotten, Leander had eyes only for Jarryn, this beautiful man who managed to steal his breath whenever he looked at him.
Once the words had fallen from his tongue, he felt like all his doubts about himself were obvious to anyone who paid the slightest bit of attention. All he had accomplished was, in front of the one man whose good opinion mattered to him more and more with each passing day, making his own insecurities known.
The music slowed and then ceased altogether. Taking Leander’s hand, Jarryn led him off the dance floor and sought out refreshments for the pair of them. Leo felt the thrill of annoyance that escaped Jarryn’s well-constructed Aesthesic barriers at the knowledge that his server was a slave.
“It’s amazing how forward thinking this backwards nation is. I find it impossible to reconcile.” Jarryn said softly.
Leander glanced around. The grand hall was much busier than it had been when he had first started dancing.
“Don’t worry. I’m sure everyone in this room knows of your vocal displeasure towards Vyrican custom,” Leander replied drily. “It will not reflect poorly on you to accept that single drink, rest assured.”
“And, if anyone were to drag my good name throughthe dirt, I am sure you will be there to defend my honour,” Jarryn smiled, clearly confused. “Why is that I wonder?”
When Leander said nothing, Jarryn continued smiling. “I’ll see you later, Leo. Enjoy circulating amongst the masses.”
