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He chuckled. “They’re brother and sister.”
“Oh.” She surveyed the royals again, noticing the familiar similarities: the eyes, the shape of their nose and chin.
“It is rumored Prince Torin is seeking a mate. A future queen to rule by his side.” With a jerk of his chin, he gestured around the room. “You see the fevered expressions in the eyes of our unwed guests? Even some of the wedded ones are scheming to catch the Prince’s eye.”
Both royals were gorgeous, but Prince Torin was striking, and, by the cocky turn of his lips, he knew it. There was an innate self-confidence in the way he moved, his poise and posture. He seemed to be enjoying the attention much more than his sister who exuded an air of boredom and disinterest.
Absently, she told Khalstorm, “It shouldn’t take him long to find a partner. He’s quite handsome.”
“Is he, then?” He glowered in the direction of the prince.
She thought there was a hint of jealousy in that dark gaze.Or am I imagining it?As a test, she added, “Oh yes, exceedingly.”
His scowl deepened; she hid her grin behind her wine glass.
“Well,” he ground out. “Looks aren’t everything. What would you say if I told you a conversation with him is about as stimulating as conversing with a river stone?”
“I’d say with a man who looks that good, who needs conversation.”
His lips pinched together. When she let a giggle slip, he caught the teasing glint in her eyes, and his expression turned mischievous. “Perhaps I should introduce you as one of his many admirers.” He took her arm as if to escort her across the ballroom. “Tell him that instead of tedious conversation, you prefer to let your body do the talking.”
Her heart jolted at the humiliating prospect. “No, no, please,” she whispered, pulling away.
“I’m sure he’d love to hear all about your favorite midday activities.” His gaze traveled her body as though imagining her as she was on that beach, sans dress.
She fought a blush and shot back, “And I could tell him how you like to peep on unsuspecting women who are simply minding their own business. When his lips twitched into a smirk, she added sharply, “I hope you enjoyed your bath earlier today.”
He flashed a devastating grin. “No’ as much as I enjoyed yours.” He leaned down to mutter in her ear, “Have no’ been able to think of anything else since.”
Heat flooded her cheeks.
“I had to slog all the way back to the castle sopping wet and randy as a lad.”
Why did that please her so much? “You deserved it.”
“Aye. I did.”
She blinked, surprised by that.
“But I feel I deserve a boon, no?”
She gave a disbelieving laugh. “I’d say you already received yourboonat the lake. I don’t think there’s an inch of me that you haven’t seen.”
He scrubbed a hand down his face as if remembering.
“What more do you think you deserve?”
He met her gaze and offered her his hand. “Do you dance?”
Stunned, she replied incredulously, “You wish to dance with me?” She eyed his waiting hand. More than a little astonished, she slipped her hand into his and allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor. When they made it to the center, apprehension surfaced. “Wait, I don’t know any of these dances.”
He placed his hands gently on her waist and she felt the heat of him seep through her corset. “It isn’t so difficult. Just follow my lead.”
Nervously, she moved closer and rested her hands on his broad shoulders, finding that they fit together shockingly well. Then the music began to play, and before she knew it, he was twirling her around the dance floor with unexpected dexterity and finesse. So found herself thoroughly enjoying the moment, laughing at herself whenever she fouled a step—which she did often—and teasing that it was his fault.
He’d taken it in stride and jokingly replied that had he known she was such a terrible dancer, he would have prepared an ice bucket for his feet beforehand.
“Might I remind you this is the boon you asked for.”
