Callum mirrored my expression and leaned over to whisper in my ear, “Is that the same Kuya we know and love?”
“Nope,” I responded. “That’s fancy Kuya.”
It was like the case of the body snatchers.
Professor Crane, seemingly pleased, bowed to the prince and excused himself. Probably on his way to yap at someone else for poor posture or being a messy eater.
Sawyer visibly fought a smile. One that spread wide across his lips as soon as the older man was out of sight. He wrapped his arms around Kuya. “Never change, kitten. Not for anyone. I love you just as you are.”
Kuya grinned and flicked his tail. Purrs rumbled in his chest as he nuzzled Sawyer. “Kuya loves his prince too. So, so much.” He closed his eyes. “More than Kuya loves cake.”
Usually, Sawyer wasn’t so bold in his affections for Kuya. As a prince, he knew he had a certain image to uphold. But with their time limited, he didn’t seem to care anymore. He hugged Kuya close and petted the back of his reddish-brown hair, murmuring things too quiet for me to hear.
Emotion clamped down on my sternum, and I averted my attention, giving them a private moment.
Callum met my eyes and softly smiled, reaching for my hand. We’d once thought our love was impossible too. Fate had other ideas, leading us where we needed to go: to each other. Hopefully, the same happened for Sawyer and Kuya. Their paths might have to stray for a while, but I prayed it’d eventually lead them back together.
“My prince?” Sir Noah bowed his head. “It’s nearly time for the announcement.”
Sawyer sighed and withdrew from Kuya. “I suppose we should find Lady Alina and ready ourselves.”
Given that the ball was being held in celebration of their engagement, all in attendance already knew the news, but the official declaration was needed. A public showing of Voltas and Bremloc forging an alliance through marriage.
“We’ll speak again soon, my friend,” Sawyer told me before taking his leave. Kuya waved at me and went with him, Sir Noah following close behind.
“Psst.” I motioned for the guards to come over.
A mix of curiosity and amusement showed on Finnian’s face as he and Ban stepped toward me.
“For you.” I slipped a cookie to each of them.
“Many thanks, young Evan,” Finnian said. “I shall eat it with honor.”
Ban held the cookie closer to his chest and smiled at me. A full smile, one that smoothed the hard lines of his brow and gave him a sense of boyishness.
The two guards followed Sir Noah.
“He actually smiled,” Callum said. “I didn’t think he knew how.”
I laid my head on his shoulder. “He’s just shy, I think.”
“Shy, yet strong. He’s a great ally to have by your side.” Callum pecked a kiss into my hair. “What do you say to that dance?”
As if I could deny him anything. With my heart full, I led him toward the small orchestra and joined the other dancing couples. He spun me around, drew me back into his chest, and swayed. The song changed, becoming slower, and his movements slowed with it.
“You’re good at this,” I said, letting him lead. Surprisingly, I didn’t stumble even a little. He kept a good hold on me.
“My ma taught me.” Callum brushed aside my bangs before letting his hand fall back to my waist. “She said a gentleman should know how to dance with his lady. Or a little lord in my case.”
“Stop.” I pushed my face against his collar.
“You’re the shy one now.” He rested his head on mine and hummed to the song under his breath. He then laughed. “It appears Briar has made a friend.”
I followed his gaze, finding Briar standing with professors from the magical academy. He sometimes traveled to the school to be a guest lecturer and to aid in research, as well as took in students from the healing arts program to shadow him as he worked in the clinic. As such, he’d become friendly with the other professors.
My attention lingered on one in particular. Gray streaked through the woman’s brown hair, and a purple dress hung off her thin frame. I pressed my lips together. Professor Madeline stood beside Briar, a little too close for comfort. His comfort, anyway. He tried to inch away from her, and she grabbed his arm, dragging him right back before throwing her head back with a laugh.
“Should we rescue him?” Callum asked.
