Curtsying deeply, I kept my voice light and sweet as honey. "I apologize, Your Highness. I just remembered there are some urgent details of our quest that I need to discuss with Captain Delmar, matters that simply cannot wait." My eyes lifted to meet his rage filled golden ones. "Please do seek me out later for our dance."
As if I’d actually allow him to catch me alone once again, but I’d take great pleasure in making a game of it.
He was stiff as I straightened out, his lips pursing as he dipped his head. A picture of sophistication and aristocracy masking the wrath that brewed beneath. "Of course, my lady."
I held out my hand, gaze still holding the Prince's, my voice still honey sweet. "Captain?"
A cough came from Prince Kairen, the laugh within it poorly masked.
"My lady."
That voice was dark, sinful and deep, washing over me like a cold autumn rain. Invigorating and utterly delectable. His hand was warm beneath mine as he led us towards the crowd of dancing nobles that parted like a sea as we entered.
The wide berth they gave us should have bothered me, should have worried me as their sidelong glances lingered upon us, but it didn't. Not as he spun me into his grip, his hand still holding tightly to my own, his other moving to rest comfortably in the dip of my hip. He leaned in slightly, a wicked little smile curved his lips as we fell into step with the music. "I thought I wasn't allowed to dance with you, little menace?"
"I suppose an exception can be made tonight," I grinned, my eyes meeting his, sparkling with mischief. "It is a celebration after all,is it not?"
His body was strong beneath my hand as we moved, his steps light and quick as he led us around the dance floor. His confidence deliciously contagious as he spun me.
"I heard some Luanthian prisoners apparently went missing." The question in my voice was soft, hesitant as to what his response would be. "Were you punished for not seeing them back to Hewstone?"
"No."
His answer was short, clipped. I decided not to pry more as the song went on, our bodies perfectly in tune with one another and the gentle music that floated throughout the opulent room.
My breath hitched as he leaned closer once more, the scent of rain and cedar enveloping my senses. "Did I mention that you look stunning tonight?"
Raising a brow, I fought the flush I felt rising to my cheeks. "I suppose I have you to thank for that, with the dress and all."
"The dress is hardly the reason, Syra."
I stumbled slightly as my name slipped from his lips. He had never spoken it like that, only using it in times of distress, never so freely. It was always little menace, or Apprentice Sommers.
The song came to an end and Roan stepped back, bowing deeply as I curtsied in return, his lips pressing upon the back of my hand. Warm, soft, and ever so gently, like a whisper of wind. My chest tightened when I saw exactly where his lips had met.
Precisely against the scar that now marred my hand.
"Thank you for the dance, my lady."
Let us do it again, my heart sang, but I bit my lip, forcing the words to stay within. It wouldn't be appropriate to have another dance, it would draw too much attention. More than enough guests were already focused more on the two of us than the festivities.
He turned then, disappearing within the crowd to find his way back to Kairen as I was swept into another dance with a different nobleman, my eyes searching for that shock of white in the crowd with every turn and spin.
Chapter Seventeen
The cool night breeze kissed my skin as I made my way through the palace gardens, the revelry of the celebration drifting through the open doors as I basked in the fresh air.
I needed a moment away, time to catch my breath after socializing and dancing most of the night away. A headache had begun to form at my temples and my feet ached from the heeled shoes Rena had forced me into.
I admired the pretty flowers that lined the cobbled pathways as I walked, the stars twinkling far above. I had never seen the private palace gardens before as they were cut off by tall hedges from the rest of the grounds, accessed only from within the massive structure itself. It was the marble fountain that caught my attention though, all pathways leading directly to it as the moonlight cast a silver glow across the stone as if highlighting the beautiful craftsmanship.
It depicted a massive flame blossom tree, the intricacies so delicate and detailed that if I were to brush my hand against the trunk, I thought I’d feel the rough bark of wood rather than marble. Water flowed fromthe top of the structure, twisting and traveling down the path the leaves created, before pooling into the basin around it.
Sitting upon the marbled edge, my fingers dipped into that swirling water and I was delighted to find it surprisingly warm.
Heated by magic, perhaps? To always flow and never freeze in the Tavarrian winters.
Kicking off my shoes, I bunched the elegant satin up around my knees, twisting to slip my tender feet into the water, a gentle sigh escaping my lips as it soothed away the aches. Leaning my head back, I gazed up at those stars now, at the moon that shone so high above.
