Prince Gerard startled and met his gaze.
Elias smiled.That’s better!
The string instruments started. They began to dance.
They twirled around the dance floor. Elias gazed upinto his betrothed’s face. Prince Gerard’s large hand rested on Elias’s waist. But Prince Gerard looked out over his head.
A soprano’s voice rang out: “They flew through the air, masters of Draconia. Their wings beat as they approached the vile Voltarian city.”
As they danced, Elias spotted the empress smirking.
“Did you know about the song change?” Elias asked.
“My family received the note this morning requesting this song instead, since it is your favourite.” Prince Gerard paused. “I was surprised.”
Of course he fucking would be! “The Flight of the Dragons” was a song that had originated from Draconia after dragons attacked Tarbas, a Voltarian city. The soldiers and lightning sorcerers had been defeated and killed. The city had been reduced to ash. It was a tragic day in Voltarian history.
Of course, the Draconians viewed that day very differently.
“But it is a lovely melody,” Prince Gerard said, as if not wanting to offend Elias for his absurd song choice.
“They flew above”—the soprano’s voice reached a crescendo—“delivering flames and death on the city below. Flames and death on the Voltarians below.”
I fucking hate my stepmother.The empress stood, talking to the queen consort beside her. But all the while, she smiled straight at Elias.
And did Elias’s father know what this song was about? Based on his tapping foot and his clapping hands, he clearly had no idea.
“Victory! Victory! Victory!” the soprano sang. “Victory over Voltaria!”
Did Prince Gerard think Elias had no idea what the songwas about? Did he think Elias as empty-headed as Emperor Hugo?
But Elias shouldn’t be thinking of the song now. He finally had Prince Gerard all to himself. He wanted to make the most of that. And at least this epic song went for ten minutes. So Prince Gerard was stuck with Elias.
Elias let out a breath, relaxing his shoulder muscles. He smiled, ready to charm his betrothed.
Chapter
Eighteen
“You are an excellent dancer,” Elias said.
“Thank you, Prince Elias,” Prince Gerard said, voice stiff. “You are an excellent dancer yourself. I had heard that you studied dance. It clearly shows.”
Prince Gerard was so fucking courteous. But Elias wanted more than courtesy.
“Thank you. But please, we are betrothed.” He laughed, tilting his head. “Just call me Elias.” He dropped his eyelids halfway, gazing up through his eyelashes. He gave his most seductive smile.
But Prince Gerard wasn’t even looking at his face! He kept his gaze on the ballroom around them. “Thank you, Elias. And of course, you can call me Gerard.” His voice was flat and strong, lacking any warmth or hint of flirtation.
But Elias would not give up so easily.
“Thank you. I will do that.” Elias slid his hand over Gerard’s muscular shoulder. He had so many muscles. Elias’s mouth watered at the thought of running his hands over all of them. “I’ve been looking forward to this dance.Since we are to be married, I want us to get to know each other better.” He moved closer.
Gerard cleared his throat but kept his gaze up. “Yes. It is important that we get along. It is important that this marriage is successful to ensure the success of the peace treaty.” The comments sounded almost rehearsed.
“Yes. I, too, wish for a successful marriage for the sake of the peace treaty,” Elias said.
“I am glad to hear that.”
