Penelope’s arm is in his, and Sebastian's looped in mine. Neither of us focuses on our partner as time slows, allowing several moments to pass. It is wistful—forbidden—both of us locked into our arrangements but craving only one another.
Penelope moves to say something in Wrath’s ear, but his gaze does not falter from me, and he says nothing in return. She turns, trying to find the source of his yearning, her gaze eventually locking in on me. She scowls as she yanks on the sleeve of Wrath’s jacket. Penelope’s lips are moving, but the string quartet drowns out her words.
“Raelys.” Sebastian’s voice snaps me out of my trance.
“Yes?” I say softly, returning my focus to him.
“Would you like some wine?” he asks, gesturing to the servant with the tray.
“I would.” I reach out to grab a glass. “Aurelia?”
“Hello, Princess,” Aurelia whispers, holding a tray. “I’m not allowed to talk to the guests.”
“As you were, then.” I dismiss her, not wanting to get her in trouble.
Taking a sip, I turn my back to Wrath; I do crave his presence, but it’s not what I’m here for tonight. Despite my best efforts, I can’t ignore his magic lingering in the air. It slithers toward me and brushes against my skin like a caress of silk.
“A productive chat,” I say vaguely to Sebastian, missing most of his conversation with Alec.
“Indeed, it was,” Sebastian replies. “Are you hungry?”
“Slightly.”
“At Noctalis, supper is served at midnight to honor Seluna,” he explains.
He slips a hand around my waist, tugging me closer to him. Sebastian’s fingertips glide lower across my hip. The gesture is possessive, taking me by surprise. I lift my gaze to Sebastian and watch him study every part of my features as if he’s trying to drink them in.
I’m sure Wrath is seething.
There goes my vow of not thinking of him.
“I’ll send a letter to your brother, Raelys,” he says quietly.
Sebastian told me that sending a letter to Cathros was going against his king’s wishes. Now, he’s willing to do it to sway me to take his king’s deal. It is suspicious, yet I have to play along.
“Truly?” I feign surprise. “Thank you, I’ll be forever grateful.”
“Of course.”
Sipping my wine peacefully, I watch the royals around us converse and move through the room. Strangely, I miss this atmosphere now that I've been away from it for so long. Playing games of court at an event like this has made me realize that I thrive in this environment.
Footsteps approach me, and I turn to see Rowena striding toward me. A smile forms on my lips as I step away fromSebastian to greet her. She’s wearing a large emerald green ball gown with silver embroidery and long sleeves.
“You look stunning, Lady Rowena.”
She smiles. “Me? Look at you!” Rowena steps closer. “You look like goddess divine.”
“Only due to your craftsmanship.” My tone is light as I give her a spin.
Rowena nods, taking in the dress. “Truly one of my best.”
“Rowena, this is Duke Sebastian Black of Ashvarin.” I introduce the two, causing Rowena’s gaze to flick to Sebastian.
“Your Grace.” Rowena curtsies.
“Lady Rowena. It is a delight to meet any friend of Raelys.” Sebastian nods his head in greeting. “Allow me to depart for a few short moments. I will return shortly.”
Sebastian walks away, leaving me alone with Rowena. I drain my glass of wine, handing the empty glass to a servant as they walk past.
