Is this conversation appropriate?
Damien saw her apprehension. “It’s all right. The Aromatic and Taste courts have always been friends. Lord Grégory will end up at that table with them later, leading everyone in a song.”
Lord Grégory wagged a finger at him. “I forgot you attended that Solstice party! Don’t go telling the princess all of our secrets, or I’ll let her in on your shenanigans!”
Evelyn grinned. “I wouldloveto hear your stories, Lord Grégory.”
Damien glared at her. “No one has enough wine for that. You should be back on the dance floor, anyway.”
“You aren’t going to keep her all to yourself tonight, are you, Captain?” Lord Grégory complained. “I can’t remember the last time we had princesses in this kingdom. My son would love to dance.”
Edmond looked like he would very muchnotlove to dance. But a new song was starting and he knew better than to refuse. “May I have this dance, Princess Evelyn?”
“Yes, of course,” Evelyn said sweetly, compensating for the heir’s lack of enthusiasm.
Edmond didn’t even try to make conversation with Evelyn. To his credit, he was putting a lot of effort into remembering the steps of the simple dance. At least he only stepped on her foot once. Leo, on the other hand, danced gracefully with another unfamiliar woman.
This is not how I imagined tonight going.
When the song ended, Edmond let go of Evelyn like she’d burned him. He should have bowed before leaving, but Evelyn wasn’t about to call him back.
“I think he’s scared of you,” said a new voice.
The blond-haired man Hannah had danced with earlier approached Evelyn. His expression was kind, not the least bit threatening.
Evelyn instinctively relaxed. “I don’t think he wants to be here.”
“Do any of us actuallywantto be here?”
Evelyn smirked at his honesty. “My sister seems to be enjoying herself. You danced with her earlier, right?”
“I did. I’m Nicolas Auclair, Lord of the Vision Court.” He bowed respectfully.
“Oh!”
I would not have guessed he was a lord. He’s too… nice? Handsome? Young.
The man seemed to know what she was thinking and explained, “I’m the youngest of the lords. My father fell ill unexpectedly and passed away last year.”
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Evelyn said sincerely.
“Thank you.” Lord Nicolas glanced over her shoulder. “I was hoping Damien would introduce us. I saw you making the rounds with him.”
Evelyn noted the familiar use of Damien’s first name, instead of calling him Captain Fontaine. “We didn’t make it very far. But if you promise not to step on my feet, I would love a dance.”
If I can’t dance with Leo yet, Lord Nicolas is a better option than most men here.
He held out a hand and they returned to the dance floor.
“How do you know Damien?” she asked.
“He and I ran in the same circles for a while,” the lord said mischievously.
“That sounds like a good story,” Evelyn prompted.
“That depends. Damien seems quite possessive of you tonight, Princess,” he observed. “Howcloselydo you know him?”
Evelyn’s cheeks went pink at the implication. “Damien and I are just friends. I was a bit overwhelmed coming here tonight, and he’s helping me with introductions.”
