The air sharpens. King Silas’s smile holds, but the faint tick in his jaw betrays him.
I school my features, keeping my voice light. “It’s true that alliances with Podrosa have always been strong. I’m sure they will remain so.”
Dante’s jaw remains hardened, but his tone stays pleasant. “Indeed. And with the realms’ approval of my claim, I believe all our kingdoms will only grow stronger together.”
The Mersos king murmurs his agreement, but the Podrosan king’s lingering glance makes it clear he’s not entirely mollified.
Before the tension can stretch thinner, the musicians shift into a livelier song, strings swelling beneath a bright cascade of flute.
“If Your Majesties will excuse us,” Dante says smoothly, as if the conversation had been nothing but cordial.“I believe my bride-to-be could use a dance.”
Without waiting for anyone’s reply, his hand finds the small of my back, warm and steady, and he guides me away from the cluster of royals.
I clench my teeth, pushing down my anger, forcing my breaths to remain even.
Because no one will ruin this night for me.
My pulse stirs as Dante leads me into the center of the floor, the sweep of his arm wrapping around my waist in a way that feels both protective and possessive. The open display of affection causes my breath to hitch. We don’t have to hide anymore. This is not only allowed, it also shows the kingdom that their prince accepts me as his betrothed. The orchestra swells around us, the lilting melody threading through the air, a song meant for lovers.
All eyes are on us, but for a heartbeat, I can almost forget the watching crowd.
Because Dante and I have never danced before. I’ve never seen him at a ball. Even during the ball the queen threw when I first arrived, Dante didn’t step foot in the ballroom.
“I didn’t know you could dance,” I tease, feeling at ease in his arms.
The corner of his lips quirks up. “With all the moves I’ve shown you, did you doubt me?”
We move in time with the music, his steps sure and confident, mine following as though I’ve been dancing with him for years. He spins me, and I catch the faintest smirk curving his mouth.
“This isn’t just a dance,” I murmur.
“No,” he says, drawing me close enough that I can feel the steady beat of his heart against mine. “It’s us, showing them.”
“You might enjoy showing me off a little too much.” I raise a brow.
“Of course I do,” he replies with no hesitation. “They should know exactly who my first choice is. Or rather, myonlychoice.”
My cheeks warm. “Careful, Dante. You’re going to make me forget we’re making a political statement.”
His fingers flex at my waist, a subtle pull that draws me half an inch closer. “I can think of worse things than you forgetting yourself.”
I swallow hard, the weight of his words settling deep in my chest. And yet, as I look at him—at how poised he is, how effortlessly he moves through this world he always swore he wanted nothing to do with—I can’t help but wonder.
“How are you handling this so well?” I ask, searching his face. “I thought you despised court life.”
His lips twitch, though there’s something deeper behind his expression. “I do.”
“Then why—”
“Because I’ve already decided where my loyalties belong.” His voice is softer now, but no less certain.
Something in my breath stutters.
His fingers flex against my waist as he pulls me slightly closer, hisnext words slipping between us like a vow.
“There is only one person in this world I would ever kneel to.” His gaze locks on to mine, unwavering. “And she’s in my arms right now.”
Warmth spreads through me, and. I bite back a smile. “Your Highness, if you’re trying to make me swoon, it might be working.”
