Louis walks toward the door, and I watch him go. Just before he reaches it, he turns back, giving me a smile.
“I won’t ever look at that table the same.”
I chuckle as he disappears through the door. By tomorrow, the whole world will know we belong to each other, but for these last few hours, the secret is still ours, and I’m trying to prepare myself for what comes next.
28
LOUIS
The ballroom is a sea of masks and candlelight, and I’m drowning in it.
I sit on the throne beside my father’s empty one, surveying the room from above, like the prince I’m supposed to be. The chair is uncomfortable, designed for posture rather than ease, and Tatiana occupies the smaller seat to my right. She reaches for my arm the way she’s done a hundred times over the past two weeks, and this time, I pull away.
“Don’t,” I say quietly.
She frowns behind her red mask. “What’s wrong with you tonight?”
“I’m finished playing games.”
“Louis—”
“Smile. The ambassador is looking.”
She grins, but I can feel her frustration. For weeks, I’ve let her touch me, hang on my arm, play the role of future queen for cameras and crowds. Tonight, I can’t stomach it. Now, every time she reaches for me, I think of Addison spread across the table this morning, making sweet sounds as I buried my face between her thighs. Fuck, I can’t forget how she clenched around me when I came inside her.
She’s out there somewhere in this ballroom, mingling with guests and sipping champagne. No one knows what we did this morning. No one but us. Understanding that she’s waiting for me on the other side of this facade makes it impossible for me to allow Tatiana to touch me.
My father appears at the base of the platform. He looks pleased, surveying the ballroom with the satisfaction of a man who’s finally seeing his son choose a wife.
“Beautiful turnout,” he says, climbing the three steps to join us.
I rise to clasp his shoulder and help him settle into his throne. “How are you feeling?”
“Well, and excited.” He pats my hand.
An event photographer snaps a photo of the two of us together, which will more than likely end up in the royal archives. I wonder how history will remember this event.
“Your mother has outdone herself with the decorations.”
My mom materializes, as if summoned by the mention of her name. She’s wearing emerald green, and her mask is a delicate gold that matches the crown nestled in her hair.
“Louis, darling.” She kisses my cheek, then glances at Tatiana, who’s smiling and greeting guests. She lowers her voice. “You seem … distant. Is everything all right?”
“Life isperfect.”
“Good.” Her smile tightens. “I’d hate for there to be any complications. Especially after that little stunt you pulled this morning.”
“I don’t know what you mean.” I act dumbfounded.
My father looks between us as she holds my gaze. I want to tell him how she’s made my life hell, but before I open my mouth, the two of them are pulled into a different conversation.
Directly in front of the orchestra, a large canvas sits on an ornate easel. A white cloth is draped over it, hiding the engagement portrait of Tatiana and me.
I haven’t seen the finished piece because of Addison’s rule. But I can’t imagine how difficult it was to complete in such a short amount of time. Pity she wasted her time and talent on something that will be destroyed.
Eventually, the chatter dies down, and the orchestra begins a slow waltz. I scan the crowd from my elevated position, searching for her.
I lock my eyes on her near the champagne tower with Delphine. They’re holding glasses and laughing at something. They’re tipsy. I can tell from the way Delphine keeps touching Addison’s arm and the wayAddison’s cheeks are flushed pink below her silver mask. They’re having fun, genuinely enjoying themselves.
