Around them, the meal continued as normal. Arianna forced herself to smile now and then, answering a passing remark so that no one noticed her silence. She had to hide her turmoil.
At last, she glanced once more toward Ian. He sat close enough that she could still feel the warmth of his presence. Yet he felt farther away than ever. And a quiet thought settled painfully in her heart.
Soon I may leave this castle forever, and a piece of me desperately wishes I daenae have to.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
The musicians suddenly struck up a lively tune, pipes and fiddle weaving together in a rhythm that stirred several warriors to their feet. Benches scraped along the floor as couples began gathering in the open space at the center of the hall. Arianna watched them with quiet distraction until Ian rose beside her chair. When she looked up, he was already extending his hand toward her.
“Dance with me,” Ian said simply.
Arianna blinked in surprise, her gaze lifting to meet his. Around them, she could feel curious eyes drifting toward the high table. Her heart gave a quick, uneasy beat as she remembered her resolve to behave normally.
Act as me usual self.
She placed her hand carefully into his. “Aye… if ye wish,” Arianna said quietly as he closed his fingers around hers.
Ian guided her down from the dais and into the open space among the dancers. His hand settled at her waist, firm yet respectful, while their joined hands lifted slightly between them. The warmth of his palm seeped through the fabric of her gown and sent an unwelcome shiver along her spine.
“Did ye sleep well last night?” Ian asked as they began to move with the other couples.
“Aye,” Arianna replied, keeping her voice steady. “Well enough.”
She kept her gaze on him as Ian watched her face for a moment as he guided her through the slow turning steps. “Have ye spent time in the gardens today?” he asked, his hand shifting slightly lower along her back as they moved.
“A short walk,” Arianna said softly, aware of the warmth of his touch through her dress.
“Did ye enjoy it?” he asked.
“The roses are beginning to bloom,” she replied.
I feel as though we are strangers again.
Ian nodded slightly as the dance carried them in a wide circle across the floor. “And the wee rabbit?” he asked.
“He is well.”
“Good,” Ian murmured.
The conversation faltered again, leaving only the quiet rhythm of their steps and the music swelling around them. Arianna could feel the steady strength in his arm guiding her through each turn. The familiarity of the motion stirred a quiet ache inside her chest. Her thoughts darkened.
What if this was the last time?
Her fingers tightened slightly around his hand as the realization settled over her. Soon she would leave this castle, and with it the strange, fragile bond that had begun to grow between them.
This may be the last time I dance with him. The last time I felt his warmth beside me. The last time I heard his voice so close.
Ian drew her a little nearer as the dance shifted into a tighter pattern. His gaze dropped briefly to her face.
“I noticed ye didnae take the honey cakes,” Ian added, studying her expression.
“I wasnae hungry for sweets.”
The music carried them through another slow turn. His hand remained steady at her waist, and she could feel the warmth of his body close to hers. Her breath caught slightly as he leaned closer to guide her through a turn.
For a fleeting moment, she thought he might kiss her. His gaze lingered on her lips. But he did not.
Instead, he straightened slightly as the dance continued. Arianna studied him carefully.
