“Stop!” I tried to squirm out of his too-strong arms.
“That’s not an acceptable answer, darling,” he purred, then twirled me forcefully again. His intentions were crystal clear, and I wanted nothing to do with this, but all my attempts to escape only seemed to amuse him. It was only when another hand clamped down on my shoulder that his grip suddenly loosened, and he jumped back.
“May I cut in here?” A familiar deep voice spoke from behind me.
“Prince Lukas,” the stranger acknowledged him with a forced smile. He then bowed respectfully. “Forgive me, I did not realise this one was yours.”
“I belong to no one but myself,” I spat at him. The fear clawing at my heart was replaced by an intense rage.
Lukas drew me back into his chest, wrapping his arms around mine in an annoyingly comforting way. “I suggest you make yourself scarce, Prince Colyn. While the King isn’t here, the guards answer only to me, and I’ve dealt with enough Hallshires tonight for at least the rest of the season.”
Prince Colyn’s cheeks flushed an angry shade of rouge. Really, I should’ve known he was royalty. His clothes were so regal, and he looked almost exactly like King Thorian, albeit much leaner and at least twenty years younger.
“Have it your way,Your Highness.” He then tilted his chin down to face me. “If you change your mind, darling, do come and find me.”
With a filthy wink, he sauntered off into the sea of waltzing dancers, leaving Lukas and I alone once again. I let myself remain pressed against him, perhaps longer than I should have. The violet fabric of my gown was so thin, and his chest was so warm. Around us, the dancers relentlessly twirled along to the music. Everything was still far too loud, but for some reason, with the wine settling in my bones and Lukas’s arms wrapped around me, I didn’t feel so overwhelmed anymore.
“Are you alright, Naria?”
Was that my heart pounding against my spine, or his? It didn’t matter. Suddenly feeling too hot, I spun to face him.
“I’m fine,” I said, lifting my chin and steadying my voice. “Thank you for stepping in. It wasn’t necessary, though, I had the situation under control.”
The prince lowered his brow. “Certainly looked like it.”
I was lying, and he knew it, but I persisted. The way he mademe feel just then was dangerous – maybe even more dangerous than Colyn’s unwanted advances. I had an entire kingdom resting on my shoulders, and so far, the fae were the only ones who could help. Though I certainly wasn’t thinking of any ruined kingdoms or amber-eyed faery princes a few moments ago. Only how the curve of my back fit so perfectly against Lukas’s toned chest. I couldn’t let myself fall for him. I wouldn’t. Not when the entire population of my home village depended on me marrying the right prince.
And Lukas wasn’t the right prince.
“I don’t need you to protect me,” I seethed.
A muscle tensed in Lukas’s jaw. Then, from the corner of the ballroom, the same musicians that once played the gaudy Hallshire waltz transitioned their song into a much slower, more inviting tune. Music weaved through the thick air until all I could focus on were Lukas’s darkened eyes, and how they were fixed on me.
Without uttering a word, he extended a hand out in front of him. I shouldn’t have accepted it, but instinct took over. As soon as my fingers were intertwined with his, he drew me into his chest, and before I knew it, I was dancing again.
Except he wasn’t rough like the way Prince Colyn had been. The fabric of my skirt flowed as he led me in a circle, gently pressing his hand to the small of my back. Around us, I could feel the stares of other couples judging every movement. I didn’t know this dance. We’d never thrown parties like this in the village, but somehow, this all felt so natural. With him guiding me, it was as though I’d danced this waltz a thousand times before.
“I told you I’m a good teacher,” he said in a voice low enough that only I could hear.
I couldn’t deny that. We spun together, and then his hands clamped around my waist, lifting me with such ease. I felt like Iwas flying as he twirled me around, my feet suspended in the air beneath me. Suddenly, it was like the rest of the ball had faded away. There was only myself, the smooth music, and Lukas’s hands feeling entirely too warm against the thin fabric of my gown. When he finally lowered me, our faces now dangerously close, my gaze met his. There was something so hungry storming across his features.
And deep inside me, I could feel something equally ravenous.
The music grew faint as his mouth moved towards mine. Heart racing, my eyes fluttered shut. It was only when I felt his breath on my already parted lips that I realised just what was happening.
Cursing internally, I stumbled back. Instantly, I was stone-cold sober.
“I’m sorry,” I stammered, bringing a hand up to conceal the heat on my cheeks. “I can’t do this with you.”
Something like hurt flashed across the prince’s face, but before he could open his mouth to speak, I spun on my heels and shoved through the dancing crowds.
“Naria!” I heard him calling after me. Part of me wanted so desperately to run back, to return to his warm embrace and melt into that kiss. But I couldn’t let myself. I couldn’t, because I knew if I did, I’d never be able to return to the fae and marry another – ruined kingdom or not.
CHAPTER 24
Without Lukas at my side, the ballroom quickly felt far too intense. The obnoxious chatter paired with the blaring music felt like a hundred nails scratching my skin. I needed air – nice, cold, sobering, outside air – and fast. Barging through the crowds, I searched for the nearest open door, then barreled towards it. The cool evening air immediately soothed my racing heart and scalding skin as I rushed outside.
“Ancients, save me,” I sighed through heavy breaths. Confusion swam in the wine that still sloshed around my mind. If it weren’t for the transparent glass doors, I’d strip off my gown and collapse in just my undergarments onto the dewey grass. Maybe then, while staring up at the stars, would I finally find some answers.
