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Time slowed as Talon and I locked eyes, my pulse returning to normal.
I took one step after the other, the wood cold under my bare feet. Closer and closer to him. His formal uniform hugged his body in all the perfect places, accentuating his large arms and built frame. His hair was haphazardly slicked back, and I mused about how those strands felt in between my fingers.
I didn’t pay any mind to the cruel smirks and amused expressions from the rest of the court. None of it mattered while his eyes caressed my body. Mischievous thoughts ran across his features, but when I blinked, they were gone.
As if I’d imagined it.
When I looked again, Talon was in deep conversation with a forest nymph at his side, her fingers lightly stroking his forearm. And he laughed, that boyish smile of his on full display.
My hands tightened, and I stumbled, my foot slipping from underneath me, when a hand snaked up my back, catching me before I tumbled down the stairs.
“Careful, Elowyn,” a familiar slimy voice croaked from beside me.
My skin rippled with unease at Prince Bowen’s hand on my hip, and I forced back a grimace.
“You look breathtaking,” he continued, shamelessly eyeing my cleavage. “Although, I am disappointed I don’t get to see you in my dress. However, this one”—he ran a hand over the laced sleeve—“I must know who designed it and give them my full appreciation.”
I gulped, my eyes darting over to Talon, who was now whispering into the nymph’s ear. She giggled and my stomach sank. “I—uh, I did.” I shook off his touch. Outing myself be damned; at this point, I’d welcome the punishment.
Prince Bowen moaned, looking me up and down once more. “Are you thirsty? Would you like me to get you something to drink?”
“No. No, that’s okay. I’m okay. Thank you.”
“Please,” he insisted, “it would be my pleasure. It’s quite delicious, too, if I say so myself. Wait here, I’ll be right back.” He disappeared into the sea of fae before I had a chance to politely decline again, although something told me he wouldn’t have taken no for an answer, anyway.
“Don’t drink anything he gives you,” Talon’s voice said from behind me.
I felt his presence like a vice grip around my chest, pulling me toward him with dominating force. But I kept my eyes straight ahead. “I’m sorry, are you talking to me?”
“There’s no need to be immature, Elowyn. I’m only trying to look out for you.”
“Oh, that’s rich.” I scoffed, daring a glance at him. “I’ll take that into consideration. You should get back to your forest nymph now. You wouldn’t want to keep her waiting, would you?”
Talon circled me. “I didn’t realize you were the jealous type.”
“Jealous?” I seethed. “More like disgusted.”
“Don’t let your emotions override your logic, firefly. Heed my advice. Or don’t. But don’t come crying to me when your plan goes up in smoke.”
“Screw you,” I said through a wide smile as Prince Bowen made his way back over to me. Thankful to be relieved from Talon’s company.
He huffed an annoyed laugh and slipped past me, bowing to the prince as he headed back to the center of the ballroom. Talon didn’t waste any time pulling the nymph in for a dance, holding her close to him. They swayed to the music.
I couldn’t care less what he did—or who he did, for that matter. It was none of my business. He thought I was jealous! Ha! Of course, his ego would make him believe he was a gift to this world. Ultimately, though, he was like every other male that walked this planet. Disappointing and selfish.
“For you.” The prince extended one of the glasses he held to me.
I took it from him, smelling the contents inside. It was a tart and sour mixture that made my cheeks tingle, and I scrunched my nose, making no effort to take a sip. “Thanks.”
“It’s safe,” he urged. “I promise. Look.” He grabbed the glass from my hand and took a large gulp, keeping his eyes on me the entire time. Stars, I hated the way he looked at me. It was wrong. Unnatural. “See, no glamours this time. Now, I insist,” he went on, his tone dripping with honey. “Drink. Lest you want to offend me.”
With a resigned sigh, I looked to Talon, his focus on me with hawklike intensity. I was damned if I did and damned if I didn’t. It’s not like he could save meor cared enough to try. That nymph had him captivated.
Before I could talk myself out of it, I sipped the contents of the glass in its entirety, thumbing away the residual juice from my mouth when I was done.
“Well,” the prince marveled, “this will be an interesting night. Come now, let’s dance, shall we?” He hooked his arm around mine and led me to the dance floor, not giving me an opportunity to protest.
Not that I would. I was feeling instantly lighter.
