His words flew out quickly, and his shoulder twitched. Classic signs of lying.
“That’s what I thought,” I said, turning away. Biting my lip, I resisted the urge to look at him again.
After Eleos broke my heart, the last thing I needed was to be toyed with, dragged on a string only to be thrown away.
Falling into silence, I studied the shelves of liquor and listened to the music, eager to get this over with. Percy finished his first song and began another.
“I know this one,” Seth sat up. He flashed me a smile. “Want to dance?”
I shook my head. “I’m not in the mood.”
“Are you sure? This might be our last chance to share a dance.”
“There are plenty of women around for you to carouse with. Pick someone else.”
“Why would I want anyone else,” he said with unusual intensity, “whenyou’resitting in front of me?”
“I’m only good for fun, remember? You said as much back in the refugee camp.”
Seth grimaced. Usually, his guard was iron-clad, but a moment of weakness gripped him. I read him like a book. He did not remember speaking those words, and was horrified at the thought.
Percy had been right. Seth hadn’t meant his insult—he was trying to push me away before something deeper developed between us.
He needn’t bother. I wasn’t the kind of woman who could be loved. Seth would learn that soon enough.
“You know what? Sure,” I stood. “Let’s dance.”
Flipping back his hood, Seth pulled off his mask and fixed his shoulder-length black waves. Offering me a hand, he pulled me to an empty corner. We passed an older couple laughing as they shared a dance, and I managed a smile.
Wrapping an arm around my lower back, Seth pulled me against him. I knit my fingers through his and laid a hand on his upper arm, but my knowledge of dance ended there.
Ainwir had never taught me.
We took a few steps, following the quick tune Percy played. I stepped on Seth’s feet multiple times and stumbled when he pulled me in a direction I didn’t anticipate.
Stopping, Seth peered down at me. “Aethra. Do my eyes deceive me, or can you not dance?”
“I can’t.” I shook my head. “I grew up in the sewers.”
Glancing at Percy, Seth nudged my foot off his. “Go limp.”
“Isn’t that going to make things worse?”
“Just go limp.”
Obliging, I relaxed my muscles and lolled my head to the side. The sudden whirl of movement that followed made me gasp.
With the grace of someone well-practiced, Seth spun me around so quickly the room blurred. Percy’s song picked up in pace, and I felt myself being twirled around to its rhythm. Desperate to keep up, I frantically tried to match his feet lest I trip and spill across the floor, and found myself dancing better than when I’d been putting in a concerted effort.
“See?” Seth whispered.
Dazed, I didn’t answer. All that existed was him and me, and the effortless way he controlled me like a puppet on strings.
My imagination wandered, pretending a beautiful gown swirled around my feet, and a princely cape danced around his. The heirs to rival nations, we’d sneak outside onto the balcony and steal a kiss.
A smile touched my lips as Seth pulled me back to him, his hand grasping my waist tightly. His guess had been correct—I did enjoy indulging in fantasies.
The bard’s lute strummed faster and faster until he sang the final note. Seth twirled me one final time before dipping me. Floundering, I grabbed his neck, holding on for dear life.
