He looked into her gaze, and she could feel the emotion radiating from him in waves. Part of this plan required him to be cruel to her and for her toleave with another male.
“I can’t do it,” he said, gripping her sides.
“We have to,” she said, “because what is the alternative?”
His brow furrowed, and she hoped he understood.
He was immortal, and if this tether between them was real—if he felt everything she was feeling now—then Tavia’s death would be the most unbearable pain he would ever experience.
“We’re going through with it,” she said firmly. “Now focus because if we do this right, we can have what we both want.”
She didn’t want to say her true feelings.
She wasn’t sure if he felt everything she did or if this was just because she had never kissed anyone before. But she had to believe there was something deeper between them, growing over the days they’d spent together.
He groaned. “All right. I’m going to search for the guard. Go find something to eat or drink and keep yourself busy. Be polite, but don’t engage in conversation with anyone. I’ll be back.”
He kissed her softly on the lips and then disappearedinto the crowd.
Tavia looked around her, but nobody seemed interested in their interaction. Everyone was too enthralled with their own companion or the ball itself.
Grabbing her dress, she hurried off the dance floor to one of the tables adorned with cheeses, meats, and fruits. She found a table with various chocolates and desserts. She picked up a sugar cookie with purple dusting and a purple flower embedded into it. She took a bite, tasting a hint of lavender.
While she adored chocolate, these lavender sugar cookies were delightful. She grabbed another one and ate it, taking in the scene around her.
A beautiful fae in a red flowing dress, draped in white fur like a fox, with hair like onyx flowing down her back and a red fox mask covering her face, approached the table.
“Those are some of my favorites too,” she said, pointing to the lavender cookies before reaching for a handful of chocolates.
“They’re very good,” Tavia said. “Enjoy the night.”
The female bowed and continued on, disappearing into the crowd.
Tavia went to another table, needing a strong drink.
Her emotions were frayed, and her mind couldn’t stop thinking about Lucius’s kiss. She wanted tonight to be over so they could return to his tiny home. After checking on her parents, she wondered what would happen with her and Lucius. But somehow, she knew their life would just start beginning if they survived tonight.
She turned and found two wine fountains, one with red wine and one with white wine. Not wanting to ruin her dress, she went to the white fountain and filled a crystal goblet with wine, drinking it and letting the warmth ease her thoughts.
Someone stepped behind her, and she flinched before she recognized the scent.
“Are you here alone, madame?”
She smiled.
“No, I’m here with my husband,” she said, teasing him.
“And he left you alone.” Lucius’s mouth went to her ear, and his breath tickled her neck.
“Yes, he’s foolish, isn’t he?”
“He’s very foolish. I would never leave a pretty dove like you alone.”
He kissed her neck, and she shivered under his touch.
“What did you find?” she asked.
“Our target is over to the left with a few other guards. We’ll have to argue over there. At the south end of the room, there’s a hallway. There are a few drawing rooms and a parlor. There are no guards, so just find one that’s empty. I’ll be watching.”
