“I find it unacceptable.” There was a hint of a sarcasm in my tone. “That you have nothing else to say to me.” I hated it that I wanted more from him.
“Ashlyn.” Fyn said my name like a warning. “There is much I’d like to say to you,” his voice lowered as he extended his arm. “But none of it would be appropriate.” His smirk finally formed.
I wasn’t someone who could be tempted and be left wanting. No, I’d think about his every possible thought all evening. “Try me, Lord Fyn.”
“Your dress is rather revealing.” There was an even cadence in his every step. He wouldn’t falter as he prodded me.
“The court will see my neck and my arms. It’s such a scandal.”
“They won’t be able to miss any part of you.” Fyn’s eyes parted from mine.
“You wouldn’t dress your bride this way?” I asked.
He pulled his shoulders back as we rounded the next corner. “I would never dress my bride.”
“You’d rather her undressed?” I kept my tone low.
The air whistled in his throat. “For a princess, you sure speak in surprising ways.” He tugged my arm closer to him. “I don’t believe in dressing females. My bride could wear whatever she chooses.”
There were few times I started a conversation and wished I didn’t. It was unfortunately one of those times. I knew better than to ask him anything further, but that didn’t stop me from doing it. “So you will marry someday?”
“I’m not sure how you coming here for a potential marriage turned into a conversation about me.” His eyes caught on mine again. “But since you asked… no, I don’t see myself marrying.”
“Ever?” He didn’t seem like the type that would, but when he said it still surprised me.
“It doesn’t seem to be in the stars’ plans for me,” he said.
“Surely someday you’ll meet someone so extraordinary that you’ll rethink those words.” I tugged on the fabric of my dress as my slipper caught. “Stupid slipper.”
“Are they as stupid as the boots?” His laughter rose, cutting through me.
My cheeks heated.
Fyn stopped, pivoting towards me. “You’d wish for me to marry?” The jade light in his glare glowed fiercely.
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?” Swiftly the sensation swelled.
I pressed my fingers into his arms, steadying me.
“It’s good to know I’ll have your blessing from afar.” We turned the corner stepping closer to the grand staircase.
I caught a glimpse of Soren standing on top of the stairs. I tried to sever the hold Fyn’s gaze had on me as I focused my attention on the prince.
His tunic was darker than my gown, with midnight sheen.
My hand slipped from Fyn’s arm as I took each step up to the top.
“Princess Ashlyn.” Prince Soren bowed. “You are radiant.” He lifted my hand to his lips, his blue eyes held mine, before they slipped to my necklace.
“It’s a most beautiful gift. You are truly so kind to think of me.” I forced myself to stare into his eyes.
Silk scrunched beneath my fingertips as I clutched Soren’s arm.
“It is stunning on you,” he said.
Every hue that decorated the ballroom was just as I dreamt it. Silks in shades of burgundy and plum trailed from high above, creating a canopy that embraced the chandeliers.
As I peered at the people who stood around us, the vibrant shades of hair caught my eyes—emerald, ruby, violet, fuchsia, and inky blue. Coordinating gowns and tunics made the room appear like a painting I had seen so long ago. The colors created a midnight garden in a way that was more lifelike than any I had seen before.
