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“That is precisely why I wanted to bring this most unpleasant development to your attention.” Simon folded the newspaper and tucked it into the inside pocket of his jacket.
“Would I be able to keep that?” Wesley asked. “To show Phillipa.”
“Of course. I’m sure this is not the only copy ofThe High Teacirculating around the hall. So far, we are unaware of a follow-up. I can’t imagine that Her Majesty would respond to such a ludicrous attempt to undermine her excellent selection process. But Phillipa cannot leave this Ball unclaimed.”
ChapterFifteen
Phillipa
“My lady, you look absolutely radiant.” Sir Oliver, the orc she had danced with last night, bowed in front of Phillipa.
She shook her head slightly, his sudden presence startled her right out of her own head. “Thank you.”
“I dare say I wish I was the one who made you look that way. Compliments to the lucky beast who has.”
Her mouth dropped. “We haven’t done anything scandalous. Just danced.”
“Oh, Miss Willoughby, everyone saw that wicked, scandalous kiss.”
She put her hand over her mouth. There was no way that the other dancers could have missed it. Her cheeks burned as she thought of what it was like to kiss the wolven.
Nothing like it had been to kiss Wesley. His mouth was big, his teeth jagged, and the kiss was as wild as the rest of him. She was thankful that he’d pulled away before she had a chance to get truly lost in him.
“I do not say that to shame you, my lady. Only expressing my envy that it was not me. If you were not so drawn into your wolven, you would see many similar displays happening throughout the Hall. I must confess, I was surprised the wolven seems to be the one who’s won your heart, especially after our conversation last evening.”
“We haven’t made any commitments yet.” Phillipa wished she didn’t have so many doubts about the wolven. She loved the fantasy that he was Wesley, but there was no logical way this could be the case.
The orc’s face brightened. “Oh, that is wonderful news indeed. Does that mean there is room on your dance card for me?”
She hesitated. The answer should have been yes, but her feelings for the wolven were complicated. Her heart wanted to go all in. But her head wasn’t ready to believe him completely yet.
“My lady, I do not intend to kiss you the way the wolven did. Of course, I would not be opposed to the possibility.” He waggled his brows. “I jest. I would do nothing to sully your reputation, although you would have to do a lot worse than kiss two beasts in one night to blacklist yourself here. I merely thought that you would like to follow up on our conversation from last night, in case there is more to your sudden infatuation with the wolven than meets the eye.”
“Infatuation, you say.” She folded her arms playfully in front of her chest.
“You’ve had eyes for no one but the wolven all night long,” the orc said. “Those that are not familiar with the situation are positively smitten with how romantic it is. But I must say, you did not practice the utmost discretion last night when you asked anyone interested in dancing with you the best way to kill such a wolven.”
She laughed. “I would blame the wine.”
“Miss Willoughby, you are a wicked woman. You knew exactly what you were doing then, as much as you do right now. Now, can I count on you for a dance, or will you be committing yourself to the wolven for the rest of the evening?”
“He is aware of my plan.”
The orc’s lips parted. “Maybe the beast has plans of his own.”
Phillipa never thought she’d be relieved to see Martin. But the feeling was fleeting, as the minotaur was as much of a rake as Oliver.
“Please forgive the intrusion, but I do believe Miss Willoughby promised me the next dance,” the baron said.
Oliver nodded. “You have quite an act to follow.”
He bowed, and let the crowd swallow him.
“Lady Phillipa, you’ve had quite the eventful evening.” The minotaur gave her a wicked grin.
“As I’ve been told countless times.” She took a drink off a passing tray.
“Do you still care to dance?”
