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His brother tapped Tor's shoulder a few minutes later and suddenly Blythe found herself dancing with Prince Geir while Tor partnered another woman.
"My brother is taken with you," Geir said as he expertly led Blythe around the dance floor.
It felt so different dancing with Tor, no matter how good his brother was at the traditional steps and cadence.
"We are friends."
"More than that, I think."
Blythe refused to comment. Over the years, she'd learned that when dealing with the royal family, silence was more effective than explanation at times.
Geir frowned. "I don't think Tor was happy with the surprise party."
"Did you think he would be?" Blythe couldn't help asking with some censure. "Even if he was just getting out of the military, the adjustment would be hard enough, but he only got back from his latest mission a few days ago."
"You are very perceptive and protective of him."
Blythe chose silence again.
A small sigh escaped the prince. "Holger and I tried to tell our father that this party would be better served happening in a month's time."
"He wouldn't listen." Blythe was not surprised.
Prince Canute made no secret of his desire to see his youngest son settled in marriage and this party was one big attempt at matchmaking.
For all the good it would do the former king and his plans.
"No, he wouldn't. And it's clear Tor has no interest in socializing."
"He has been an exemplary host," Blythe disagreed. If not flirty with the women brought to his attention.
That was as much her fault as Tor's need for some downtime. She'd kept his attention on her and knew soon the time would come to let it go.
"Like I said, protective."
"And you aren't?" Blythe had noticed she wasn't the only one running interference for Tor tonight. She wondered if Tor had.
"He's my little brother."
"Hardly little."
"But he'll always be younger."
"I know." Blythe couldn't keep the wistful tone out of her voice.
"Eight years is hardly a barrier between two people meant to be together. Holger is seven years Janne's senior."
"It's different though, isn't it?"
"I do not think so. If I do not miss my guess my brother does not either."
He was right about that, but Blythe had already strayed dangerously close to deep waters that could drown her. She backpedaled. "Well, it hardly matters for two friends."
"Does my brother know you see him as nothing more than a friend?" Geir asked, his expression less than pleased.
"Is that really any of your business?" Blythe found herself asking, surprised at her own temerity, but she would be darned if she would discuss her relationship with Tor with anyone but the man himself.
"Don't hurt him," Geir instructed in a tone that left no doubt how serious his edict was.
