He was lying to her.
When she forced her laughter, I studied it. I never wanted to forget how her nose crinkled, or the melodious sound that rose from her.
I rose from my spot and walked closer to the dance floor.
The court watched her with great admiration. The ladies all spoke of how beautifully dressed she was—how stunning her hair was.
She was someone to them. It didn’t matter that they didn’t know her.
I missed our training sessions back in Nythrel. The wayshe’d push me to strike her sword harder when I held back. I’d teased her endlessly and she’d only bite back.
No one spoke to me that way before. I expected I’d never find anyone else who would.
When the song ended, he held his hand out to her.
Her eyes met mine for a mere moment as he led her toward me.
“Lord Fyn, I insist you dance with Princess Ashlyn.” Soren wasn’t smiling when he said it.
“He’s a terrible dancer,” Ashlyn said.
“Then we shall all be most amused.” Soren leaned in and whispered to her.
Something unsettling shone in her gaze.
“She’s right. Maybe it’s better if you dance with her.” I didn’t want to either.
“I simply insist.” Soren held her hand in front of me.
The heat of her palm met mine as I guided her onto the dance floor.
“What was that about?” I whispered as her hand rested on my shoulder.
She watched him as he moved through the crowd. “I don’t know.”
“What did he say?” I swept her sideways.
“That it seemed like there was another reason I didn’t want to dance with you.” She kept her voice low. It drifted in and out of the music.
“And is there?” My hand fell to her waist with each next step.
She was right. I was terrible at it. I led her in the wrong direction more than once.
“I don’t wish to answer that.”
“If I ever meant anything to you—as a friend or even someone you barely tolerated—then you’d tell me. I knowyou wouldn’t let me leave here not knowing.” They were dangerous words.
“He is watching every move I make.” Her eyes peered up into mine.
“Then act annoyed with me,” I said. “Act like you can’t stand to dance with me.”
It was an easy request when dancing with a fae who barely knew how to dance at all. The human dances had far too many steps.
The next move had me pulling her even closer. “Tell me.”
“Not here.” Her eyes watered.
She was right. She was a terrible actor.
