A surprised gasp sounds behind me. The princess no doubt.
“Care to dance?” he whispers the words right by my ear with a voice that’s smooth and deep, filled with something that sounds a lot like desire. His eyes sweep over me slowly, drinking me in, and I do the same to him.
“Who thefuckis she?” Yup, definitely Helena, and she’s not happy, not that I can bring myself to care.
Instead, my traitorous thoughts flash back to the night he was in my room, when he placed my hands on his shoulders and pressed his forehead to mine.
A moment that’s been on a loop in my mind, playing over and over again, refusing to fade. And when he cocks his head to the side and his lips part on a silent breath, I wonder if he’s been thinking about it, too.
Unable to form words, I simply nod, trying to ignore the pressure I suddenly feel pooling in my stomach.
That unbelievable smile flashes across his face, devastating and breathtaking all at once, and for the first time, I notice the dimple on his right cheek.
I think the sight of it might cause my flames to consume me, ignite into a glorious blaze that devours my dress and everything around me, but before I can lose control, he grabs me by the hand and pulls me onto the dance floor.
Chapter 24
Serafina
“You look absolutely stunning.” He tugs me against him, one arm sliding across my back while the other holds my hand firmly to his chest.
I try not to shiver. I try, oh so very hard, to remain poised and proper, like a woman such asHelenawould. But I can’t. My entire body betrays me, trembling as I give into the pull that ishim.
“Are you all right?” he whispers, his words meant only for me. His warm breath grazes my ear, sending another shiver down my spine. “I know this can’t be easy, seeing all of this and knowing what they’re celebrating.”
Right. That’s why I should be shivering. Because I’m horrified. Because I can barely contain my rage.
And I am horrified.
I am pissed that the Elite live these extraordinary lives and have these elaborate parties when the people in my village fight over scraps to survive.
But then my mind circles back to how he saidthey. Notwe.
Does he not believe the start of the third trials is worthy of celebration?
Pulling away slightly, I glance up to meet his gaze. His golden eyes catch the light, the flecks brighter than I’ve ever seen, perfectly matching the crown atop his head.
“I’m fine,” I manage, though my heart pounds relentlessly. “Just trying to take it all in.”Including him.
He smiles softly before spinning me in a fluid circle, and I can’t help but notice how many people have stopped dancing, choosing to stare at us instead.
His long fingers grip my hips with enough possession to send my thoughts spiraling.
“Is this okay?” I ask, hating how aware of everyone I am when all I want is to dance with him and feel his hands on me time and time again. “Should you be dancing with me?” But what I really want to know is how dangerous this is, drawing so much attention when no one can know who I really am and where I really come from.
“My parents have retired for the evening,” he says, his voice unbothered. “And when the gossip reaches them in the morning, all they’ll hear is that their son spent the evening dancing with the most beautiful woman at the ball. Which I’m sure no one will blame me for, nor think twice about. Especially considering half the men here haven’t been able to take their eyes off you.”
The most beautiful woman at the ball.He can’t be serious. And there’s onlyonereason they can’t take their eyes off me.
“Because I’m dancing with their prince, something I hear you tend not to do.”
He chuckles at that.
“Oh, Nova, you’re far too bright to be so painfully unaware. The men were staring long before I ever approached you. I would have gotten to you sooner had I not been forced into a conversation with the treasurer.”
Gotten to me sooner?Heat blooms in my chest, and now I’m the one smiling.
“Why, prince…” I tilt my head, raising a brow in the same teasing fashion he’d used on me a week ago. “Are you jealous?”
