“Just one dance?” I ask again, taking a step closer to her.
She glances around, as if looking for someone to tell her no, but when she doesn’t see anyone, she finally agrees. “Just one dance.”
I lead her to my side of the ballroom, and we sway to the music. She fits perfectly in my arms, and I can’t quite explain the rush of feelings flowing through me. There’s a connection between us despite the fact that I hardly know her . . . I want to know her . . . and it’s not just because she’s exquisite. My eyes drop to her lush pink lips, and I think about kissing her . . . I’m in trouble.
“Did you enjoy the binding ceremony?” I ask.
“It was fascinating,” she admits. “I always thought the disappearing ribbon was just a fanciful story.”
“Don’t you believe in the gods?” I ask, raising a brow.
“To a point . . .” she says. “They haven’t been seen or heard from in centuries or something, right?”
“That’s correct,” I admit.
“Is it not valid for me to wonder how much of what we’re taught is accurate or even still holds true anymore? What if the gods have moved on from our realm and no longer want to be involved?”
She might have a point there. “But doesn’t the binding ceremony prove there is still magic in our realm?” I prod. “If there’s still magic, the gods aren’t completely gone, right?”
She smiles, and my heart flips in my chest . . .She’smagic.
“Fine, I’ll give you that.” She grins. “I do like the idea of there being some magic, even if the gods are gone.”
I shake my head. “You’re very opinionated, aren’t you.”
“That didn’t sound like a question.”
“It wasn’t.”
She smiles again, and it lights up the entire room. “It is true. I’ve been told so many times.”
“Why don’t you ever come to court?” I ask breathlessly before spinning her out, then bringing her back in.
“I’m not old enough, silly,” she replies.
Hells. I almost forgot. An ache forms in my chest at the thought of not seeing her again for . . . years.
“In fact,” she continues, “it would probably be frowned upon that I’m out here dancing with you when I’m not of age yet . . .”
“I’m not of age either. Let them talk,” I whisper in her ear as I pull her in closer. Gods, I really want to kiss her.
“Ki! It doesn’t work like that, especially not for me,” she exclaims before whirling out of my reach. She looks apologetic and mouths the words “I’m sorry!” before disappearing into thecrowd. I realize my hand is still outstretched, as if reaching for her.
What can I do? Take chase? Find her?
My hand drifts down to my side. No. She’s right. Being the center of gossip would only harm her reputation before she’s even old enough to have one. I’ll wait. It’s only a few more years. I only hope she’ll remember me next time.
Chapter Thirty-One
KIAN
Slamming my book shut, I nod at Alex. “Are you up for some sparring in an hour?”
Alex groans, stretching his arms overhead. “Why do you have that look in your eye?”
“What look?”
“The look that says you’re planning something I wouldn’t approve of.”
