I hesitate. The prince has me completely flustered and confused, and we’ve only spoken for a few minutes. Is it really a good idea to subject myself to his company for an entire dance?I’ve already completely embarrassed myself; Luna forbid I make it worse.
“Don’t leave me hanging here. People will talk.”
I bite my lip before nodding. “Okay, fine.”
A wide grin splits his face. “Delightful.”
The prince leads me to the dance floor and sweeps me into a flowing waltz. I stumble for just a moment before I let muscle memory take over. The rise and fall of the music flows through me, and we glide across the floor as if we’ve done this before. His right hand is like a brand on my shoulder, my awareness of him heightened. I can feel his eyes on me, but I’m too afraid to meet his gaze. There’s something about him that has me off-kilter.
“You have freckles,” he blurts out.
“What?” I ask, whipping my face up.
“Freckles,” he repeats. “I’m aware of your . . . affliction, so I didn’t expect freckles. I don’t remember?—”
So surprised at his observation, I trip on the hem of my gown and almost go sprawling, but he deftly catches me before anyone seems to take notice.
“Thank you,” I breathe, my mind still trying to work through what he said. I hate that people at court are aware of my affliction, but I suppose that can’t be helped.
“My pleasure.” He hums. “I enjoy holding a beautiful woman in my arms.”
Something about his words are oddly familiar, but I can’t place them. “I think I need some air.”
“Let me escort you to the gardens,” he replies.
Finding myself unable to deny him, I nod.
He places his hand on the small of my back, and a shudder courses down my spine as he leads me out to the terrace.
“You have such a lovely garden,” he says.
Small talk . . . I can attempt small talk, I try to reassure myself. Taking a deep, cleansing breath, I turn to face him, the torchlight casting shadows over the sharp planes of his face.
“Yes, I probably ought to spend more time out here,” I admit.
He’s not wrong. There are torches all around the terrace emitting warmth and light while the jasmine-and-vanilla scent of the moonflowers tickles my nose. I spy a couple sneaking off into the hedge maze in the direction of our fountain, and my mind flashes back to thoughts of kissing in dark corners.
The prince opens his mouth as if to speak but then glances around, running a hand through his hair in an almost endearing way.
I allow a small smile to slip through.Is he just as nervous as I am? Interesting.
A cool autumn breeze caresses my bare skin, and I wrap my arms around myself. I can’t explain the nerves, like I’m a young girl attending her first ball all over again.
“Are you cold? Would you like to go back in?” he asks, breaking the awkward silence.
“No, the cool air feels nice, actually.” Before I can lose my nerve, I ask, “Would you like to take a walk?”
“Are you sure?” He raises a brow. “We don’t have a chaperone.”
“Quite sure,” I reply as I start walking down the hedge-lined path. Either he’ll follow or he won’t.
“You aren’t worried about what someone might say about the two of us out here alone?” His voice dips lower.
I laugh. “Trust me, I’m fairly certain my new stepmother would actually be thrilled that I’m talking to a man, and besides, we’re not truly alone.” I gesture toward the other couples walking the terrace behind us.
“You don’t typically talk to men?” He frowns.
“Hardly. I’ve heard the whispers tonight. I know I’m considered the reclusive Astoria, the daughter my father is unable to get rid of.” I can’t keep the bitterness out of my voice.
