Page 124 of Prince of Darkness and Deceit

“Understandable, considering the week you’ve had.” He settles at my side, shoulder brushing mine, as he turns to face the dancing crowd jumping and twirling in front of us.

From the corner of my eye, I take in his forest-green uniform. The durable fabric hugs every inch of his muscular thighs, and the cut of the tunic tucked into his pants accentuates his trim waist.

“You look nice.”

He always looks nice.

“And you are stunning.” Deep brown eyes land on me, drifting over my flowered headpiece before trailing down my light-blue gown. “I’ve never seen this dress before.”

“Juniper gave it to me.” I swallow the lump in my throat and add, “It was my mother’s, apparently.”

Lev blinks, the only sign of his surprise. “I didn’t know she had anything left of your parents to give you.”

Oh, you have no idea…

“Me neither.” I look back to the crowd, afraid Lev will read the truth from my eyes.

He knows me too well.

“It fits you perfectly.”

“Yeah.” I trail my fingers over the silver floral embroidery on the bodice and down to the edge of the flowing tulle skirt. “It really does.”

“Is Ferria’s gown your mother’s as well?”

Anton spins Ferria with effortless grace.

My grin returns, warm and unguarded. “No, that’s hers.”

“And she’s actually dancing with Kinless?” His tone drips with disbelief and a little humor.

My smile falls.

He holds up his hands. “Sorry, Anton. I meant to say Anton.”

I huff and look away, letting the irritation slide off my mended back. I don’t have the energy to be angry with him tonight.

He clears his throat. “Do you want to dance?”

The shadows under my sheer sleeves twitch.

Lev extends his arm. I stare at it and all that’s between us; our past, our present, and the unknown future flash in my mind. Despite the tension simmering between us, I can’t ignore what Lev means to me.

I slip my arm through his. His shoulders relax, and a smile tugs at his lips.

The dancing couples part like I’m a plague victim and they’re afraid to breathe the same air. I keep my head high and eyes forward, though the intensity of their stares rattles me.

After all I’ve done for Verdanthia, all the people I’ve helped, it stings to realize my efforts don’t matter. My association with the Fae, even unwilling, has made me an outcast in the only place I’ve ever called home.

Lev guides me into a turn, his arm sliding around my waist, drawing me into the rhythm of the dance. I stiffen, conscious of every step, of the gap between us that shouldn’t feel so wide.

Couples glide around us, laughter spilling like wine, music lifting into the night. Joy lives here, but not between us.

“I looked for you today,” Lev says after a beat, gaze skimming past mine.

I stare at the base of his throat. “I was working at the Fae’s camp.”

“You spend a lot of time there.”