“And Father would probably beat me for allowing it to happen.” I grimace.
“What has you so hung up on her anyhow?”
Blowing out a breath, I stare at my feet. “I’m not sure how to explain it, but I’ve always been drawn to her. She’s pretty, yes, but every time I’ve seen her, I’ve learned something new. She’s daring, intelligent, curious, and there’s a kindness to her. She treats everyone with respect, even the people serving in her home. I like that she’s easy to talk to.”
“Clearly, you’re smitten,” Dylan says with a grin. “Even if she has forgotten you though, I’m sure we can get into some trouble tonight. There will be plenty of fresh young women for you to practice on.”
I shake my head but can’t stop the smile from stretching my face. He’s right. Even if she isn’t there, or Luna forbid, wants nothing to do with me, there is sure to be someone who would want the attention of a prince, right?
I’m no saint. Dylan and I have developed somewhat of a reputation these past years. But every girl I’ve held in my arms has only made me think of one I’ve never had . . . might never have.
The royal carriagepulls up to the large country manor, and I hop out, excitement running through my veins. A vibrant symphony is carried in on the breeze, and I make my way toward the party that is already in full swing. I’m fashionably late as usual. Wanting to avoid the herald, I sneak around to a side entrance and jump in with another crowd of attendees, who are all dressed to impress.
Damn, I forgot this was a masquerade. Everywhere I look, masks are on display.
I stick to the dimly lit corridors and finally spot a discarded black one on a table next to a brightly feathered one. The smack of flesh hitting flesh has me raising a brow. Swiping the black mask off the table, I don’t really feel bad. I’m fairly certain they won’t miss it.
I stride into the ballroom, the music so loud, I can hardly hear myself think. My eyes scan the crowd, hoping for a glimpse of her. If it weren’t for these damn masks, it might be easier. With every glimpse of reddish-brown hair, my heart skips in my chest, but it’s never her. She’s nowhere to be found.
Needing some fresh air and quiet, I grab a drink off a tray and make my way to the gardens. Fairy lights are strung up all over the courtyard, giving it an ethereal feel. A few couples walk around, quietly chatting and flirting as if there’s no tomorrow.
My eyes are drawn to the fireflies lighting up the night sky near the pond, and I stroll over to get a better look.
A dark-haired female in a shimmering gold dress stands with her back to me, and I try to make noise with my feet so as to not startle the poor girl with my approach.
“A beautiful evening, is it not?” I remark.
Despite my attempts, the girl jumps and turns to look at me. This time, I think my heart does stop as I’m met with beautiful green eyes behind a mask of gold.
I can’t stop the smile from overtaking my face as I give her a small bow and reach out for her hand. “Lady Raelyn, how lovely to see you again.”
She allows me to take her hand, and I press a soft kiss to it, feeling her pulse quicken beneath my fingers.
“I apologize,” she says, “have we met?”
My heart sinks in my chest. Again? What in Luna’s name is going on with this girl? Am I truly that forgettable?
I let go of her hand and straighten. “Prince Kian.”
A slight flush stains her cheeks. “I’m so sorry, Your Highness. I should have recognized you.”
Should have because I’m the prince or should have because she remembers me from four years ago or the many years before that?
“That’s quite all right,” I try to placate her. “It is quite dark out here.”
“I apologize, Your Highness. I don’t leave my manor very often. I can’t even recall the last time I was at court with my family.”
I frown. How could she have forgotten a royal wedding? Even if she’d forgotten me, surely a wedding would have been memorable.
“Please, don’t worry about it,” I say. “Isn’t your father close to the king?”
She nods demurely. “Yes, but he doesn’t ever bring me with him when he visits.”
“What a shame,” I say. “You’re quite lovely.”
Idiot. Why did I say that?
She looks around as if she wants to escape, and I squeeze my eyes shut. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to come on so strong.”
