“Good idea,” Leo said, bowing once more. He looked about and spotted Mattias standing under a lantern, clutching his goblet tightly and watching them. He waved him over and Mattias was at his side in an instant. “You needed me, sire?”
“Yes, Chancellor. Princess Sophia requires a dance partner.”
Mattias’s eyes widened just a fraction before he turned his attention to the princess. He gave her a dazzling smile, and she returned it. “Would you care to dance, Your Highness?” Mattias asked, bowing low.
“That would be lovely,” Sophia said, a soft note to her voice. Mattias positioned his hands at her waist in a manner that wouldn’t raise any eyebrows, the music picked up again, and they were off.
Leo stepped out from among the dancers and made his way to the side of the room, only to find Stephan approaching. He gave a small nod as the man came to a halt in front of him. “Stephan.”
“Your Majesty.” Stephan’s eyes flicked to the dance floor and back to Leopold. “Do you tire of my sister’s company already? Does she not please you?”
Leo sidestepped the question neatly, plastering a smile on his face. “Princess Sophia is delightful, and I enjoy spending time with her. However, it was she who suggested that if I am seen to be too attentive, false assumptions may be made about my intentions.”
Stephan’s brow creased, and Leo could see the moment he realised what Leo was saying. His eyes narrowed. “You truly do not intend to propose, do you?”
Leo shook his head, a minute movement. “No.”
The corners of Stephan’s mouth turned down. “Sometimes duty comes before preference,” he said lowly. “The advantages an alliance could bring…”
“Can be explored through a trade agreement,” Leo said firmly. “Your sister and I have agreed that we will not marry.” Before Stephan could argue, he turned away and signalled for a glass of wine to be brought over.
He drained the glass and then linked arms with the nearest young noblewoman and put some distance between himself and the prince. When he sneaked a glance, Stephan was still frowning, but Leo ignored him.
As far as Leo was concerned, the visit had been a success. He’d avoided an unwanted betrothal without diplomatic incident, nobody’s feelings had been hurt, and there were plans in place for Leo and Mattias to visit the king of Evergreen the following month to formalise the details of their new alliance which, while not quite as strong as the bond formed by a marriage, was nonetheless a satisfactory result.
Leo danced a while longer with his new partner, a willowy blonde who smiled and blushed prettily in a way that brought back fond memories of the young noblewoman he’d had a dalliance with in his late teens. It had been nice while it had lasted, but then her family had moved from Ravenport to a country estate, and he hadn’t seen her again. And nowadays, rather than soft, feminine curves, he was partial to the smooth planes of a man’s chest, strong thighs, and muscled buttocks that flexed and pinked under a firm hand.
If said buttocks happened to be attached to a certain smart-mouthed groom, so much the better.
Tomorrow, Leo decided, he’d reward himself for surviving this week, and go and see Felix for a ride at the first opportunity.
And afterwards, maybe they’d take the horses out.
ChapterEleven
Felix put his hands on his hips and arched backward, groaning with relief as the muscles of his back stretched and popped. He’d spent the morning helping Mother, the older grooms, and the stable boys make sure the visitors’ horses were ready for their departure, and now he ached all over.
The tightness in his muscles didn’t matter, though. Whatdidmatter was that when the visiting party had left the castle just before noon, every Evergreen mount had been perfectly turned out, which meant that not only was there no chance of someone taking umbrage over their horse’s care, but Mother’s reputation as one of the best would remain intact, something Felix knew the man valued.
“Are we done yet?” Davin whined. “We’ve been here forhours.” To his credit, he’d genuinely put his back into it this morning. He had stray bits of straw in his hair, a smudge of something on one cheek, and he’d actually sweated through his clothing, which for Davin was almost unheard of. Ollie, who was standing next to him, didn’t look much better, and his stomach let out a growl.
“Maybe, since they’ve worked so hard, the lads can have the rest of the day off,” Felix suggested.
Mother hummed, the corner of his mouth quirking up as the boys shuffled from foot to foot in suppressed excitement, and Felix knew he’d guessed the head groom’s intentions correctly. “I suppose you’ve done well enough,” Mother said at last. “You’re free until the evening feed, boys.”
“I’ve heard tell that there are leftovers from the banquet last night if you go up to the kitchens,” Felix added.
Ollie’s eyes went wide, and his mouth dropped open. “Forus?”
“If you’re quick.”
Felix let out a snort at the speed with which the two boys went scampering off towards the kitchens, and Mother shook his head fondly.
Felix stifled a yawn. He’d gotten up early to take care of Blackbird and Shadow and now he was feeling it.
Mother raised an eyebrow. “Should I give you the afternoon off as well, Flick?”
Felix shook his head. “I’m fine. There’s some tack to be cleaned.”
