Page 103 of A Legacy of the Light

His grip tightens. “I’m going to spin you,” he warns before pushing me away from his body and lifting his arm so I can turn underneath. I twirl, once, twice, my dress flying out around me.

A smile breaks out across my face and Tavish pulls me back in, closer than before. His hand now rests on my lower back and my chest is pressed against his as he guides me through this dance.

I look up into his face and he’s grinning down at me.

“You certainly make a handsome prince,” I confess.

Tavish’s smile deepens. “How many drinks have you had?”

I laugh. “Only two. Wait. Three. But I’m okay. I had something to eat and I’m pacing myself.”

“At least you listened to my warning.”

“I did.” I smile up at him again and risk a glance over his shoulder. Regret fills me immediately.

There are only a few couples dancing now. And the entire room is focused on us.

“Everyone is staring at us, Tavish,” I whisper.

“They’re not staring at us, Elsie.” He spins me out again. “They’re staring at the most beautiful woman in the room.” He clasps me by the waist and lifts me, much like Eòghann had lifted Reyne. The crowd gasps in shock. Or is it delight? I don’t care; they don’t hold my attention anymore. Tavish does.

My hands brace on his strong shoulders as he spins us. The corners of my eyes crinkle with the wide smile on my face and something sparks in Tavish’s gaze as he looks up at me.

He sets me back on my feet slowly, sliding me down his body so I feel every inch of him.

Heat pools in my cheeks and in the bottom of my stomach and I can’t take my eyes off his. At the fire staring back at me.

No one has ever looked at me like that; with such desire. I’m suddenly finding it difficult to remember why I only want to be his friend. Our steps slow and I hold onto him, my breathing erratic as Tavish looks at me with that burning intensity.

The music stops and he steps back, lifts my hand to his mouth, and places a soft kiss on my knuckles. He bows and turns to leave through the crowd without saying another word to me.

I stare at his retreating back with my heart in my mouth and my blood thrumming through my veins. The whispering around me filters in. We put on quite the show for everyone, and green-dress-girl is trying to murder me with her eyes. Behind her, Hume’s lips curl into a menacing grin. There’s no doubt he’ll be whispering in the king’s ear in no time.

I turn and make my way into the crowd, guests parting around me like I have some kind of infectious disease.

I need another drink.

I swipe one off the passing tray and take a big mouthful.

“What the fuck was that?” Reyne asks as she joins me, breathless.

I knock back another mouthful and she laughs. “Take your time, lass. I’m not carrying you back to bed. Although judging by the way Tavish was looking at you just now, I’m sure he’d be willing.”

“Reyne,” I groan and roll my eyes, finally looking at her. She has color high on her cheeks from dancing.

“What? I’m just stating facts. Everyone saw it.” Alcohol has definitely loosened her tongue.

I fan myself. “I’m hot. Is it hot in here?” I ask, looking to her.

Her brow lifts. “No, it’s just fine.”

“Oh. Where is Eòghann?” I ask, desperately trying to take the focus off me.

“He’s getting us drinks. Elsie, are you okay?”

“Yeah. I’m fine. Where is the ladies’ room? I just need some cooler air.”

Reyne tells me where it is and I quickly leave the throne room, keeping my head down.