The music picks up, and I start to sway, the drink in my hand nearly gone again.
A sharp laugh rings out to my left. It’s a sound I recognize immediately, one that sets my nerves on edge, making my blood run hot.
I take a slow, deep breath through my nose to try to steady myself.
She laughs again. The gorgeous blonde I once saw dragging her slender finger across Ryjax’s chest, the memory forever burned into my mind.
My jaw tightens as I gulp down another mouthful of punch, straining to listen to her conversation with her equally stunning companions.
“Did youseethe way he was looking at me earlier?” she says, her voice dripping with confidence.
My heart thunders in my chest. She can’t possibly be talking about—
“If only the prince would dance with me. He looks absolutely gorgeous tonight, but every time I try to touch him, he makes himself scarce. This wholehard-to-getruse is getting a bit old. Especially when we both know how much he desires me.”
“Do you think that’s what it is? We’ve all heard the rumors about the prince,” a dark-haired woman whispers, and I find myself taking a small step closer to them.
“What rumors?” the blonde snaps, her chest puffing out, accentuating her large breasts.
Her gown is truly exquisite. Gold and black, with sections covered in what looks to be tiny diamonds.
“That the prince,” says the brunette, her tone still hushed, “does not like to be touched.” Her doe eyes widen, and I hide my smile behind my glass.
Oh, the prince does like to be touched.My smile deepens.Just not by you.
I watch as the blonde’s grip tightens on her own glass, her eyes narrowing on who I assume to be her friend.
“But the prince is as good as yours.” The brunette bites her lip. “Your parents must be so pleased.”
The blonde’s expression softens into a radiant smile as she tosses her hair over her shoulder.
“Beyond. A betrothal between our kingdoms is something they’ve waited a long time for.”
Betrothal? Kingdoms?
Which means she’s—
“Oh, Helena, your wedding will be most beautiful!”
Helena,princess of Bragunda and apparently future wife of the prince. OfRyjax.
“He hasn’t proposed yet, but it’s only a matter of time,” she says with a nod of her head.
My stomach churns, and I see red. And Icannotsee red because Icannotdraw attention to myself. Not in this way.
Suddenly, Helena stiffens. Her posture straightens, and her neck extends in a way that makes her look polished and poised like the gods-damned princess she is.
“He’s coming,” she says quietly, and a few of them turn their heads. “Don’t look!”
Her voice is sharp, and I want to roll my eyes, but I don’t. Instead, I point them in the direction she referenced, andthere he is.
My heart stutters. Or stops. Or speeds up. Truly, I don’t even know what the damn thing is doing because the only thing I can focus on ishim.
Helena wasn’t wrong. He does look absolutely delectable tonight, and my mouth instantly goes dry. Not because of the way his tailored suit clings to his frame, or how his golden crown gleams against his dark hair. But because he’s looking atme.
Only at me.
He moves through the crowd with confidence, the guests parting as if compelled by some unseen force. Every long stride bringing him closer and closer until he’s standing directly in front of me.
