Eighteen
Hugo spent the entire day prior to the ball with Prince Everand talking and wandering around the palace. He shared countless stories about his family, the great and the silly. There were many stolen kisses and whispered promises that made Hugo flush. In the evening, he took a moment to pen a quick letter to his brothers and mother, reporting that he was well and would be returning home the morning after the ball.
A small twinge of guilt struck when he thought of how he wouldn’t be attending with his mother. Jessamine Baker would have loved every moment of the ball. She would have soaked in the glitter and glamour of it all, reveling in rubbing elbows with baronesses and duchesses. She could marvel at the exquisite gowns and wonderful gems that sparkled under the gas lamps and candles.
However, Hugo consoled himself with the idea that if he married Everand, there would be other balls that his mother would attend as the mother-in-law to the crown prince. There would be no more worries about trying to marry off her last two sons or making sure they had enough money to buy coal thatwinter. No more crazy tales or exaggerations to make Hugo pull his hair out.
The royal ball was even grander than he imagined, and it took all his self-control not to gawk like a simpleton at the opulent ballroom as he descended the long, curved staircase into the sea of people waiting below. Marble columns stretched up to support a second-floor loft that held a full orchestra in black tails, while an enormous gold and crystal chandelier hung over the dance floor, lit by more than two hundred candles. The warm light reflected off the dangling crystals, sending out sparkles in every direction. There were beautiful bouquets of flowers everywhere along the walls and covering the tables that offered both food and wine.
And then there were the people. The Winthrop Ball had been a crowded affair, but this was a complete crush. There had to be close to five hundred people lining the walls and filling the dance floor of the ballroom. Dresses of every color flourished with each turn, while most of the men were in more mundane black tuxedos. There were a few daring souls who’d opted for more interesting colors. Fans fluttered, beating back the stifling heat in the press of people, and gems glittered in the light.
All his wonder ceased as his name was announced. More than a few heads turned and watched him descend the stairs. Mr. Booth had been correct that his perfectly crafted suit served as armor against those calculating looks. At the very least, they couldn’t snub him because of his attire.
Nearly an hour earlier, King Hubert and Queen Lilianna had entered the ballroom and danced a waltz before moving to a raised dais at the far side of the room where they would hold court for their closest acquaintances. Hugo had wanted to precede them so he could already be lost in the crowd as they arrived, but Everand kept him at his side. The mischievous gremlin reminded Hugo that he always arrived wellafterhisparents. His way of refusing to be upstaged by his royal mother and father.
Thankfully, Everand admitted he might be pushing his luck if they were announced together, so Everand allowed Hugo to enter first. Yet, Hugo’s polished boots had scarcely touched the marble floor when Prince Everand entered the ballroom.
Hugo slipped into the crowd close to the staircase and gazed up at the stunning man who’d claimed his heart. Now he dared to steal his breath away. In the warm glow of the lights, Prince Everand held a dark charm. His black tuxedo and snowy white shirt and neckcloth looked so good against his sun-kissed skin. Black hair as shiny as a raven’s wing framed his handsome face, while a red ribbon drew back his long locks from his shoulders. The same red appeared in his waistcoat—a daring splash of color rather than more white.
Tonight, Hugo wore a tuxedo of the same cut and design—something he was not blind to. He didn’t know if that was Mr. Booth’s choosing, or at the request of Everand, though. Hugo’s waistcoat was deep hunter green. Everand had argued that it needed to be gold, but Hugo had put his foot down. He had no desire to tweak the queen’s nose after all that straw-into-gold nonsense.
But there was a big difference in their attire that made Hugo’s heart swell.
Neither of them wore blue flowers to show they were in search of a male partner. No, they were matching red roses. There was no longer a need to search. They’d each found the person they desired.
They hadn’t discussed how they would proceed at the ball. Hugo imagined Everand would first go pay respects to his parents, then mingle with some of his friends. Eventually, he would work his way around to Hugo, and maybe they would share a dance together, but only one among the many dancesEverand was duty bound to have. By the end of the evening, peoplemightsuspect the prince had an interest in Hugo, especially since they were wearing matching boutonnieres, but many would brush the thought aside as silly. They’d more likely believe Hugo was a shameless schemer trying to capture the prince’s attention.
Everand did not do any of these things.
Everand blew away all doubts about who had claimed his heart the moment he stepped into the ballroom.
The prince grinned as he walked right up to Hugo, ignoring several people who called out to him and bowed at his approach. As soon as he drew near, Hugo’s heart flipped while fizzing bubbles of joy filled his veins. He attempted to join all the others in bowing, but Everand caught his arms, keeping him upright.
“Dance with me, my treasure,” Everand requested, sliding his hands along Hugo’s arms to capture his hands. He squeezed Hugo’s icy fingers, warming him to his soul.
At Hugo’s last ball, many had snubbed and overlooked him. Countless people had snickered behind their fans at his mother. But right now, the crown prince of Branem was staring at him as if he were the only person in that crowded ballroom. How could he say no?
“Of course, Your Highness.”
Everand tucked Hugo’s hand into the crook of his arm and led him out to the center of the dance floor. With a slight nod to the conductor, the orchestra started playing a waltz that allowed Everand to keep Hugo so very close. Maybe too close. But Hugo couldn’t bring himself to care. The people and lights glowing in the ballroom became a blur. There was just Everand and his big, bright smile.
Laughter sneaked out of Hugo. “You’re incorrigible.”
“So very true.” And there wasn’t a hint of remorse in his tone.
Hugo sucked in a deep breath through his nose and fought to get his amusement under control so he could continue in a more serious tone. “Shouldn’t you have at least greeted your parents first?”
Everand tipped his face up toward the enormous glittering chandelier over their heads and laughed. “Yes!”
His joy was contagious, and Hugo gave up all attempts to admonish him. He didn’t dare glance at the king and queen, but kept his gaze locked on the handsome man guiding him through the dance.
“I had no choice,” Everand continued. “It’s all your fault.”
“What? How?”
“You’re far too handsome. I saw it as soon as you entered the ballroom.Everyonewanted you.”
Hugo chuckled, but the sound grew choked when he noticed Everand wasn’t laughing as well. The prince was very serious. He actually believed that others wanted him.
