Kaz shrugs. “I may have slipped them some gold to have them practise on the other side of the hedge.”
“Wait, you did all this?” My jaw hits the grass. “The music, and the flowers too?”
“And the candles. I had a busy afternoon.” He smirks, leaning against the archway with folded arms.
“But I don’t understand,” I say. “Why were you embarrassed to show me this?”
Wincing, he grips the back of his neck. “I had to pick a lot of flowers… And I spent alongtime arranging them all.”
Our eyes meet, confusion swirling in mine.
“I’m just not used to all this courting shit,” he grunts, folding his arms again. “I used my daggers today to cut through more stems than they’ve ever cut through people. I’m new to romance. It doesn’t feel right for someone like me.”
“Romance,” I breathe. “Stars…” Laughing softly, I turn back to the gazebo only to have my breath abandon me once again.
It’s all so lovely, the winding flowers, the soft glow of the candles. Even the music makes my bones ache to dance, but instead I remain still, my knees trembling in awe.
No one has ever done anything as grand as this for me. I’m the eldest. I’m the one who plans the parties, chooses the gifts, makes those special moments for all my sisters. But now, here I am, standing in front of something more special than I could’ve ever possibly imagined.
“What are you waiting for?” Kaz’s voice slips through my thoughts. “You said you wanted to dance, didn’t you?”
With a teary smile, I turn back to him. “Thank you, Kasimir,” I say, unable to hide the butterflies swarming my insides. “This is the most enchanting gift anyone has ever given me. I’ll never forget this.”
Something flickers across his features. It’s a look that’s soft and unexpected on a face as chiselled as his. It makes me feel so warm inside.
“Your stage awaits you,” he says, gesturing with his eyes to the gazebo behind me.
I grin. Without needing to be told twice, I sprint along the petal-lined path just in time for a new song to begin.
Hours pass and I’m still dancing. The stars above watch like a twinkling audience while the moon slowly glides across the sky. Even as it dips below the hedgerow, I’m lifting my leg into another arabesque.
At first, Kasimir just watches me. As if I’m some goddess instead of just a girl in a sparkling gown. He keeps his gaze fixed to me the entire time, never daring to look away as I dance only for him.
At least until the quartet transitions to a more upbeat song, and he decides to march up the steps and join me. Then, it’s like we’re back in the ballroom, talking and laughing as he parades me in his arms. In between twirls, he lifts me by my waist, spinning us around in time to the music.
I can’t help but smile every time his hands touch my skin. With the wisteria curtains and the flickering candles, this all feels so magical, and I wish this night would never end. I wish I could stay like this forever, away from all my responsibilities, away from any other princes.
But the heavy ring on my finger is a constant reminder that Kasimir is not my prince charming. And the moon rapidly sinking towards the horizon feels like any sort of happiness I could have is slipping away, disappearing beyond the trees just like Kasimir will have to when I’m forced to marry Orion.
As the music slows, I rest my head against his shoulder. Hot tears roll down my cheeks as I try my best to focus on my breathing.
“You know,” Kaz’s voice vibrates against my ear, loosening the tightness in my chest, “when I went to find you in your bedchamber, I was expecting you to be in bed.” His fingers draw small circles on my back. “Thought I’d need to convince you to come with me,” he chuckles. “But instead you were already in your dance gown, and you practically threw yourself at me. You’re insatiable, Ruby.”
Swiping away the tears, I lift my head to glare at his grin.
“You’re very good at twisting the truth.” I scowl jokingly.
“I’ve never lied to you.” After spinning me around his tall frame, he draws me back to his chest. “And I never will. I can promise you that.”
My limbs melt like butter in his hold. Just for one night, I’ll give myself to him; every part of me before another man stealsme away forever. With a soft smile, I bring my arms around his shoulders and lean into him.
“I want to know everything about you,” he murmurs.
My stomach dips. “I’m surprised you don’t already with how much you follow me around,” I tease.
Kaz snorts. “What’s your favourite food?”
“Really?” I laugh, raising an eyebrow. “That’s your question?”
