“Try to relax,” he murmured, his gaze finally shifting down to hers. Something twinkled in his otherwise hard gaze, and Ophelia felt her body obey his suggestion. She drew in a breath, and as the music started, she allowed Tristan to lead her into the steps.
She found herself surprised at how easily Tristan seemed to guide her, and within moments, she her and anxiety and stiff stature faded into a graceful movement.
“So,” she sighed, “You are on the marriage mart now too.”
The left side of Tristan’s lips lifted toward a cheerless smile.
“So it would seem,” he agreed, “Much to my sister’s insistence.”
“Since when have you allowed Theo to push you around?” Ophelia said with a light laugh.
The little smile in the corner of Tristan’s mouth grew genuine, and this time when he looked down at her, it was not quick glance.
“It is just a ruse for the night. To keep her happy,” he replied.
Ophelia felt a bout of unexpected relief.
“So you are not marrying?” She asked as he twirled her around.
“Oh, I will,” he replied in earnest, “When I am ready. It was always part of my plan. I was surprised to hear your plans had changed, though. The steadfast spinster taking on a husband. Is the apocalypse upon us?”
Ophelia let a dry laugh as they moved with one another.
“It certainly feels like it,” she muttered.
Tristan’s brows tensed.
“So this is not something you want?” He asked.
“Sadly not,” she sighed, smoothing her thumb his jacketed broad shoulder, “However it is required.”
She brushed her thumb over his shoulder again, finding comfort in the way it felt for some reason.
“I am sorry,” Tristan murmured softly.
She rolled her eyes up toward his with a smirk.
“No you are not.”
“No, I truly am,” he replied quickly, his eyes shining with genuine sympathy. “I understand better now just how much your freedom means to you.”
Ophelia did not laugh this time as she looked away from Tristan’s sympathetic gaze.
“Yes, well, I only wish I would have taken more liberties with it,” she murmured.
“What liberties would those be?” Tristan asked.
Ophelia felt her cheeks grow hot at his question and did not answer.
“Speaking of liberties,” Tristan went on after a moment, “I must apologize for the ones I have taken with you. That kiss. The way I grabbed your throat the other night. My behavior toward you as of late has been most uncalled for and I have no proper defense.”
Ophelia smirked, feeling herself relax more into his leading embrace.
“Honestly there is no need,” she replied, “I told you I had no care for propriety at the time. And now I’m almost thankful of those moments. They are most likely my last acts of true rebellion before I am to be married off.”
A tremor of excitement p traveled from Ophelia’s head all the way down to her toes as she watched Tristan’s eyes darken with pleasure.
“You enjoyed them?” He asked, his already deep voice dropping lower.
