I give him a pointed look. If anyone was already ruined, it was me. Hechoseto leave. He refused to see me before he departed, and I was the one who mourned his death. Last night, I made it clear there was nothing he could do to change my mind. Now he’s leaving, and it’s for the best.
“I think nine years has been slow enough, Kieran.”
He lets out a low, scathing laugh as his hand finds my hips, his thumb stroking along the thin fabric. His touch feels so good that I want to lose myself in it—even here, surrounded by people.
“I want you to beg for me,” he whispers. “I want you to cry out from the torment of wanting me, Princess. We’re far from that point yet. Perhaps it will happen after you take your wedding vows.”
“I’ll never beg for you,” I retort.
He withdraws his hand, and the loss of his touch chills my senses just as our food is served.
“I look forward to the moment when you beg for ruin.”
25
Genevieve
I see Kieran across the ballroom—even though he wasn’t invited, even though I know Mother would be horrified to see him here, dressed as a young blueblood in all his finery. Finery, I’m sure, that he borrowed from Gabe.
I can’t stop myself from going to him, knowing he’s snuck into my nineteenth birthday ball just to see me. He’s never done anything so bold as to push beyond his status in a public room. That boldness in him awakens a boldness in me.
“Kieran, you came.” The words escape me in a hushed urgency.
He stares down at me, taking in the way my deep purple bodice fits snugly against my flesh, boosting my breasts before it flares into a full skirt, giving the illusion of generous hips.
“You look—” He pauses, swallowing. “You look perfect, Gen.” Then his eyes dart around the room before he murmurs, “Maybe I shouldn’t have come. I can leave.I can—”
I don’t let him finish. I pull him close, drawing us both onto the ballroom floor, where a melodic song beckons.
I can feel the crowd’s heavy gaze on us as we move together. A suitor I’ve snubbed in favor of Kieran looks ready to interrupt, but none of that matters because Kieran came to me.
Kieran has publicly taken the risk to be in my arms in front of all the court.
After our meal, Prince Leland makes his way to my side, an indiscernible expression on his soft features. “May I have the first dance with you?”
“Of course.” The words stumble from me as the prince guides me toward the ballroom. The room is cast in the same dark, mysterious shadows as dinner—romantic and sensual, a setting sure to make people think scandalous thoughts and perhaps act on them, only to become the subject of salacious gossip by morning.
Gabriel walks beside Queen Kalise, and it’s obvious they’re having some sort of dispute. Every time I’ve seen them together, they’ve done nothing but argue. It must be a novel feeling for my brother, having a woman not fall instantly for his charms and graces.
“Do you think Gabriel is alright?” Leland asks as we walk behind them. Gabe scowls at Kalise with such disdain I’m afraid he might burst into flames.
“Our siblings seem to have a proclivity for hating one another,” I remark.
Leland chuckles as the instruments begin to warm up. He hands me a glass of sparkling wine from a passing footman, and I take an eager drink. “Yes, I think you’re right. At least we’re the ones who agreed to this arrangement—and not them.”
“I don’t think anyone could make Gabe agree to marriage. He’s far too busy bedding whomever he pleases and preparing for the next conflict that may arise. He’d make a terrible husband.”
“And Kalise is far too afraid of herself to let a man get close. Their mutual hatred would lead to a bitter arrangement, I’m sure.” He pauses, glancing around the room. His eyes fall on Kieran and a beautiful blueblood—a duke’s daughter, if I recall correctly. Seeing Kieran hold her close makes my skin prickle.
“Speaking of mutual hatred,” Leland says, “I can’t help but notice you and Mr. Blackwell seem to be at constant odds. He’s become a friend, but if you’d rather not work with him, I’m sure we can find another organization to build the railway through Naseria.”
I set my empty glass on a passing tray, wishing for another drink. My mouth feels dry as the music begins, and Leland leads me across the room in steady steps.
“No, of course not. He’s the only one capable of completing the project anytime soon, and I’d prefer we connect our two countries. It will make travel easier when we wish to visit Icelantica.”
“Were the two of you acquainted before? There’s something familiar about your interactions.”
My breath catches. I should tell Leland the truth now. He deserves to know.
