His pearly-white teeth beam a smile through his lips before he turns towards Theon, gripping his shoulders tightly as they engage in conversation.
“Seems as if the Queen put you in something to represent you and your horse, don’t you think?” Koen’s brows lift, eyes tracing every detail along my dress. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.” My chin tilts to the side, eyes catching the dark midnight suit that reveals his scarred chest, paired with a golden chain that dangles from his collar down to his pocket. Dragon wings with the symbol of the eight. “You look…” I clear my throat, “very put together. Your hair is actually decent for once.”
“Wait.” He takes a daring step towards me, a cocky grin pulling along his lips. “You’re saying you don’t like my messy hair?”
I glance away, my lips pulling into a soft grin even though I try everything to force it away. “No. I don’t.”
That's a damn lie.
He breathes a sarcastic laugh before placing his palm over his heart and leaning towards me. “I’m hurt.”
My eyes roll back before meeting his again. He takes his hand, racking his curls, tussling them up to make them untamed, forcing his curls to shake in front of me. His emerald eyes glisten in the light as he lifts his chin to meet my gaze.
My heart flutters.
I sigh. “You normally look as if you just rolled out of bed is all I am saying.”
He leans closer. “That used to be your favorite look.”
My eyes widen, glancing around to make sure no one heard him. “I swear you’ll be the death of me.”
“Do you remember at the celebration of my parents, I didn’t even wear a suit?” He ignores my words, glancing down at his outfit. “I always said they would catch me dead wearing one of these.”
“I do remember. Your mother was annoyed by you.” I adjust my dress, feeling the tightness constricting my breathing. “Your hair was also a damn mess that night.”
He chuckles, his pearly-white teeth beaming brightly against his skin.
“This will be the one night I will ever wear one.” He tucks a curl behind his ear. “However, you are missing something, Spark.”
I catch sight of people glaring at us, making my stomach turn into tight knots. “And what is that?”
He nods to a guard close by who begins to walk over. I notice ball gown gloves, the same color red that matches my dress, with flame-like designs that will cover my skin.
“You will need these.” He grabs them, nodding towards the guard again in thanks and holding them out for me. “If you are wanting to dance with someone special tonight.”
My eyes widen. “For me?”
“Yes.”
I grab one glove, pulling it up to my elbow before grabbing the other one. “This is very thoughtful. Thank you.”
He clears his throat, lifting his chin as he holds out his hand. “Would you like to test them out?”
“Are you asking for a dance?” My eyes frantically scan the ballroom, searching for Lykia. “I don’t think that is a good idea, Koen.”
“I think it's the best idea I have had yet.” His lips pull into a soft grin as he grabs my hand in his. “I will not let her hurt you.”
“At this point, I feel as if you are trying to have me killed,” I mutter under my breath, following his lead, but all he does is grin ear to ear.
He pulls me out towards the dance floor, his other hand behind his back before shifting towards me to take a slow bow. My eyes scan the area, head shifting side to side as all their eyes are glued to me.
I’m panicking.
My heart flutters, feeling the pulsing radiate throughout my head when he pulls me into him. His hand wraps around my back, taking his other hand and curling his fingers into mine.
I can’t focus. I can’t look towards him. My eyes flicker everywhere else.
