And after that kiss from Arenn, I wasn’t sure if I even wanted him at all anymore.
“You wouldn’t be interfering with anything,” I told her plainly. “There’s nothing between us.”
Raena’s smile fell, and I could’ve sworn a cold wind brushed past my exposed shoulders.
“Nothing between us?” a low voice repeated from behind me, sending my stomach diving for the floor. “Then perhaps I should’ve invited another court lady instead to—”
The prince’s mouth fell open as I whirled to face him. He was dressed in a formal grey and gold doublet, while his dark brown hair was styled in such an effortless way – I had to swallow down a heart flutter. Glancing at his face, his stormy eyes must’ve been too busy tracing the semi-sheer fabric of my gown to remember what he was going to say next, because his mouth quickly clamped shut and his jaw tightened.
His reaction didn’t surprise me, my gown was certainly unusual. Unlike the typical flared skirt style that was so popular amongst the other ladies here, the shimmering violet fabric slinked down my body, tightly wrapping around my curves and finishing just off the floor. There was also a long slit that travelled up to my thigh, and although it was completely scandalous, it at least made walking a little easier. Small silver stars were embroidered into the bodice that hugged my waist and chest. And while the low-cut neckline showed a little more maturity than I would have liked, Raena’s shower of compliments on how gorgeous I looked convinced me to not rip it off and shove myself into something more plain.
That being said, by the way Lukas couldn’t keep his eyes off me, I was beginning to think I might regret that decision.
“I’ll see you both at the ball,” Lady Raena whispered, dipping her head in parting.
Before she hurried off, I slipped a small vial of anxiety powder into her hand. “If you start feeling afraid again, mix that in with some wine. It will calm your nerves.”
She nodded, giving me a thankful smile before she disappeared down the marble stairs.
“What was that about?” Lukas asked, finally tearing his gaze away from my gown.
“None of your concern,” I said dismissively. “It’s just a mixture of herbs I threw together to help her at the party.”
“And why would she need help at the party?” His eyebrows lowered. “If something bad has happened to one of my future subjects, I need to know.”
“Like I said, that’s none of your concern,” I insisted. “This is a private matter between Lady Raena and me, and the issue is being resolved.” At least I hoped it was. While I hadn’t yet seen Arenn make good on his promise, I hoped that by the time I next visited, that green guard along with his smug smile would be thrown straight into a prison cell.
My firm answer seemed to satisfy the prince, though. With one last suspicious look, he held out his arm for me to take. “Shall we?”
CHAPTER 23
We arrived at the Grand Hall far too quickly. With every step towards it, the blaring music and raging cheers grew more and more intense until, by the time we reached the entrance to the ball, my grip on Lukas’s arm was tighter than my corset lacing. The sounds, the lights, the people – it was all turning my mind in vicious circles, and suddenly the world was moving much faster than I could handle.
Noticing my obvious discomfort, Lukas leaned closer. “Everything alright?” he asked quietly.
“I’m fine,” I shot back, my tone perhaps a little too cutting. Glancing around, I tried my hardest to steady my breathing. Really, all I needed was a distraction. I’d be alright if I could just focus on something else.
As I stepped forward to grasp the balcony railing, my gaze scanned the impressive scene before us. We were stood near the top of a wide open staircase that led down to a huge ballroom. Inthe far corner, several musicians with violins, harps, and other instruments I’d never seen before played jaunty music that could just about be heard over the constant chatter. Below us, couples twirled impressively, dancing in time to the music, and above them, hanging from the ceiling on a golden chain, was a grand chandelier. Just like everything else in the palace, it was brushed with gold and dripping in diamonds that shined so brightly, they made my eyes sting.
“We should start by addressing the other royals in attendance,” Lukas suggested as he also approached the balcony. “News of our engagement has reached as far as Ryntook, so I’m sure they’ll all be eager to meet you – the mysterious Corlixin princess.” Turning away from the dancers, he extended a hand. “Are you ready?”
I wanted to take it, but my mind was still buzzing from the overwhelming scene in front of us. So instead, my fingers dropped from the railing to bury themselves into the fabric of my skirt, rubbing against it in repetitive calming circles.
“I think… I think I need a drink first.” Wine would surely distract me, especially since I was really starting to regret not saving some of Raena’s anxiety powder for myself.
A concerned smile covered Lukas’s face. “I can help with that. Wait here.” He then rushed down the stairs and vanished into the crowds, only to return less than a minute later with two goblets filled with shimmering red wine.
“For you,” he said as he handed me one of the goblets.
Without any hesitation, I brought the goblet to my lips and tossed the wine to the back of my throat, scowling at the taste. Red wine was disgusting, but I craved how it would take the edge off any overwhelming sounds and give everything in the room a soft, rosy hue.
“Thirsty?” The prince raised an eyebrow. “You can have mine too, if you’d like?”
I didn’t need to be told twice. Within seconds, his wine goblet was also emptied.
“That’s so much better,” I sighed, already beginning to feel the wine warming my body and dulling my senses.Perhaps I might actually enjoy this ball now.
With a half-enthralled, half-concerned expression, Lukas removed the goblets from my hands and placed them on a nearby servant’s tray. “Who’d have thought, the brave princess who grew up as a commoner in the woods and had no hesitation when it came to saving a young boy’s life, would be scared of a simple party?”
