Page 156 of Hellbound

He led her through one last turn and into a dip as the last warbling note from the violinist came to an end. From the first floor to the top balcony, people clapped and cheered, a roar that returned Ksenia to reality.

With her hand still firmly in his, he gestured her forward, and she gave a sweeping bow followed by his.

The crowd joined them on the ballroom floor.

His lips met her open palm as his eyes found hers, and her heart was in freefall.

She had known every step up until now—suddenly, the floor was out from under her. Every nerve was awakened, and a sickening warmth spread from it.

The sensation was a catastrophic loss of control.

She had become entangled in the thought of them.

As she slipped back into the crowd, a flock of women sought out Bohdan’s attention.

She could feel his eyes on the back of her head, but she didn’t break her stride.

She needed air, and quickly.

She sequestered herself in a small but sumptuous greenhouse garden away from prying eyes. There, exotic and foreign plants were mixed in with those native to Kraal. Ksenia drifted toward a bush of flowers caged by sharp iron-filigree fencing. Deep pink petals faded into a soft, rosy pink from the center to the edge. Arranged in precise, overlapping rows, the petals fanned out generously around a tender bud in the center. Dark, glossy green leaves accompanied each one.

She was numb. Tingling from head to toe.

Stop it.

Had she drunk something? She couldn’t remember.

She found herself surrounded by a variety of colors, ranging from pristine whites and soft blush pinks to deep crimsons and rich coral tones. Some had fully bloomed, golden stamens clustering together, providing a warm contrast to the petals’ cool perfection.

She inhaled their light and sweet scent, like fresh honey on a crisp morning.

Her hand was still shaking, and she roughly grasped it with her other one.

Stop it.

A sharp note of whiskey cut through the air.

“Lady Senka, you’ve evaded me enough.” He slurred.

She whirled around.

Chancellor Valdren lurched from behind a tree, his eyes hazy with alcohol.

She took a deep breath, grateful for his distraction.

“So I have. I’m terribly sorry, Valdren.”

He staggered to her, his thick lips slightly parted as his watery eyes dropped to her chest. “It’s quite all right, dear, I know how hard it is to get settled in court. Lady Milena can be a treacherous handful as well, so it was wise you stayed out of the court’s eye these last few weeks…” He drew closer to her with every word.

Petals and leaves brushed against her skin as she backed away. “Yes, of course. I appreciate your patience, Valdren.”

“Does that mean you’ll finally be taking up my invitation to meet?” The few strands of hair he had fell into his face.

Ksenia grimaced and placed a hand on his chest to appease his affections and maintain some semblance of distance. “Of course, of course. What of tonight?”

He waggled his brows lecherously. “After Kindling, in my quarters, then. I will supply the wine, if you bring that wickedly sharp wit of yours…”

He retreated back inside, but not before placing a wet kiss on her hand.