Entering the ballroom felt like shining a light into a cave and seeing hundreds of glowing eyes stare back. Evelyn hurried past the blur of nameless guests, her lips forming a disgrace of a smile. Of course Hannah didn’t need to fake her own expression of delight.
They joined King Gerard and Queen Camille at the head table. Prince Alexander should have been there, but he was nowhere to be found.
I’m not impressed that the prince never shows up to anything. Is he going to be like that even after he’s married?
Once she was seated, Evelyn locked eyes with Leo. He sat with Damien across the room and was dressed in finer clothes than she expected for a guard.
This kingdom likes to be fancy. It doesn’t matter what he’s wearing.
Evelyn’s heart raced when he smiled at her. She glanced at Damien in time to catch him rolling his eyes.
Why can’t I sit at a regular table with them? I’m on display up here! I wish Leo would use his magic on me again so no one would recognize me.
Guests were encouraged to dance after dinner. Most of the tables were magically removed from the room, allowing more space for people to socialize. The Connollys were separated by all the movement.
Evelyn spotted her sister’s bright hair and brighter dress, then watched Leo walk up toHannahand bow. Hannah beamedand dipped into a curtsy. Leo offered his hand and guided her to the middle of the dance floor.
Evelyn hadn’t known that jealousy could physically hurt her. Its effects invaded her body like an infection.
Why Hannah? Of all the ladies in this room, why did Hannah need to be his first dance?And he’s the one who approached her!
Damien appeared at Evelyn’s side as if she had summoned him. He was exceptionally handsome in his full dress uniform, complete with a shortsword sheathed at his side.
“May I have this dance, Princess?” Damien asked like the proper gentleman he was pretending to be.
Evelyn forced an unconvincing smile and took his hand. He led her onto the dance floor but steered clear of Leo and Hannah.
“Did you know your neck goes all red when you’re angry?” Damien teased as they began dancing.
“I’m not angry,” Evelyn grumbled.
“Jealousy is just sexy anger.”
“I’m not jealous.”
“Liar.”
She scowled at him. “Why did you ask me to dance if you’re going to be mean?”
“I would rather you take your anger out on me instead of someone important.”
“You are important,” she said without thinking about it.
Damien grinned. “Thank you.”
Evelyn glanced over just as Leo sent Hannah into a spin. Her gut lurched.
Why her? She’s supposed to be with the prince, so why start with Leo?
Damien leaned down and said into her ear, “You need to stop staring at them.”
“I’m not staring!”
Damien tilted Evelyn’s chin up, forcing her eyes to meet his. “Look atme.Always focus on the person you’re dancing with, or you will offend someone.”
“You will create gossip if you keep touching my face,” she warned.
Damien returned his hand to her waist. “Better to have a rumor about an officer than talk of a love triangle with your sister.”
