“How do you know that woman?” my sister asked.
“Huh?” I stood, still lost in my dream. “What do you mean?”
Leanna stepped in front of me, blue eyes meeting my own. “You said her name. How do you know her name?”
“It’s a long story, one for a later time.”
As the night waned on,my attention remained almost entirely on the brunette, who seemed to stay stationary at the tables of food. Dance after dance, feet sore and mind tired, I walked away from each conversation more bored than before. Where are you from? What are your hobbies? Tell me about yourself. Do you possess Divine magic? Blah. Blah. Fucking, blah.
Several females were interesting enough to entertain my thoughts briefly, but that was the extent of the connection. One woman, Maris Faldor, stood out for both her beauty and her wit. Her family was well known, she held a decent enough conversation, and seemed interested in my recreations. I asked Leanna to speak to her and invite her to stay at the castle for the month.
Having invited four other women earlier in the evening gave me the freedom to focus solely on Audryn for the rest of the ball. She was still at the tables, hovering around the assortment of desserts. An overly friendly attendant holding a tray of wine glasses occupied her time; surely he had better things to do than speak with my guests.
“Good evening, Your Highness,” a brown-eyed woman bowed in front of me. Her red, curly hair bounced past her shoulders as she stood. The light pink dress she wore came slightly off of her shoulders, exposing her collarbone and her golden skin. A slight blush rose to her cheeks at the realization of my gaze.
“Would you like to dance?” I offered a hand, my interest piqued.
Her smile lit up, exposing straight, white teeth. “I would be delighted.”
We effortlessly moved around the floor as I learned the basics of her life. Allura came from a house of nobles; her parents were Lord and Lady Sanson. She was an only child, and she didn’t use her magic. At a young age, she discovered shewielded air. Her manners were impeccable, though her conversation skills could use improvement.
The dance concluded, and I directed her to speak with my sister. The night was almost over, and I’d yet to dance with Audryn. I made my way across the floor, seeing her friend mouth words to her that sent the red-haired attendant scattering away. She turned to face me, plate in hand and mouth full of chocolate. How could she still be hungry? She hadn’t left the table once.
“Good evening, again.” I paused. “And …”
“Benton, Your Highness.” The muscular male moved into a bow.
Audryn popped another chocolate into her mouth, tilted her head and looked at me expectantly, once again forgetting to provide a proper greeting.
“May I have a dance with you?” I extended my hand, bracing for the warmth of her skin against mine. But she didn’t take it and instead plucked a grape from its stem.
“Maybe when I’m done eating,” she mumbled through a mouthful of food.
“Excuse me?” I was in shock.
“Oh, I said,” her voice slowed to enunciate each word, “maybe when I’m done eating.”
Benton grabbed her plate. “You’re done.” He pushed her toward me, sending the grape flying and her body crashing into mine.
I caught her in my arms. “Well, that’s one way, I suppose. Though, I would’ve settled for a yes.”
Swallowing her food, she regained her composure before running the back of her hand across her lips. The beautiful rose color blanched briefly before filling back into her perfect cupid’s bow. Before I knew what I was doing, I ran my thumb over her lower lip, brushing away a speck of chocolate she’d missed. Our breath collectively sputtered from the contact.
“Fuck,” Benton muttered under a gasp. “Great Divine—I’m sorry.” He rushed away.
I led her to the dance floor, and our bodies moved as one; nobody else existed. The skirts of her dress prevented me from pulling her in close, leaving every part of me aching from the distance.
There was a tap on my shoulder not even a minute later. “Your guests will be leaving shortly.” Leanna looked at Audryn curiously. “Would you like me to speak with Audryn?”
I shook my head.
“No?” Leanna’s brow scrunched. “But?—”
“I would like to finish this dance without interruption,” I snapped. The others could leave for all I cared. I’d waited the whole damned night, and I wouldn't let Leanna ruin it. My sister blew out a breath and slunk away; she knew better than to push me.
With the night coming to an end, I didn't have as much time as I would’ve liked to speak with Audryn. At a minimum, I'd need to ask her the crucial question before she could escape with the crowd.
“Will the king be coming?” Audryn asked, looking at the clock.
