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He turned to me slowly, his eyes changing from amused to something like the winter sea—chilled and unforgiving.
“No,” he whispered. “But once you find out who I am, you’ll make your distance. Same as everyone else.”
I swallowed, catching the seriousness in his tone. “Oh? And just who might you be?”
He gave a proud smile. A real grin. “Someone who holds your fate in the palm of my hand.”
CHAPTER 2—ARRANGEMENTS
Jacques was a solemn dancer, hitting each step with perfect precision but without any flare in his step. Was he truly the man Father had picked for me? I didn’t mind his face, but the lack of warmth or—well, quite honestly, the lack of any emotion at all—behind his eyes was quite uncomfortable.
“Thank you for the dance,” I said with a curtsey and a smile when the music ended. “I’m honored for your time.”
He gave a hollow smile in return, and with a quick bow, he left me for the bar once more.
My fate was in his hands, was it? There was only one reason he would say such a thing.
As the night trickled on with suitors and other gentlemen fighting for my attention, I couldn’t help my eyes drifting to wherever Jacques was, wondering what kind of future I could possibly have with a man so dark and serious. He didn’t seem like the affectionate type. Would he enjoy spring walks to see the blossoms? Winter fires and long stories? No, probably not. He was just…a gargoyle. Father wouldn’t pick such a man for me, would he?
After an hour or so of dancing and drinking, I couldn’t handle the curiosity burning every corner of my mind. I tracked down Father, linking my arm through his.
“Father, can we speak?”
He nodded with a rosy complexion, leaving his current company but bringing along his drink. We went to the first-floor parlor room, shutting the doors behind us.
“Is the party to your liking, my love?” he asked.
I swung my arms in contentment. “It’s the best party you’ve ever thrown, I’ll say. I’ve never felt more like royalty.”
He glowed. “In my eyes, you’re better than any royalty.”
“I know it,” I said proudly. “Which is why I trust your judgment on the man you’ve arranged for me.”
He shifted, swallowing uncomfortably. I paused, allowing him a moment to prepare for my question.
“He’s here tonight, isn’t he?” I asked.
Father nodded slowly. “He is.”
“And he agreed to the wedding after meeting me?”
“He agreed before meeting you.”
“He must be an incredible good man for you to allow such an arrangement.”
Father nodded. “He will bring you security and stability in every sense. I have no doubt you’ll be well taken care of.”
I swallowed, playing with my gloves. I then let out a sigh.
“Oh, no need to be coy about it, Father. I know who it is.”
Father raised an eyebrow. “You do? And you’re not angry?”
“Angry?” I giggled. “Oh, angry, no. He’s quite handsome. You certainly know my tastes. But his personality is so dry. And there’s a bit of darkness in him I can’t put my finger on. You know I’ve always been good at reading people, Father, but I can’t get a sense of anything from him. Why, when we were dancing, he said the strangest thing—”
“Dance?” Father chimed in. “My dear, you never danced with him.”
I cocked my head to the side. “No? Whatever do you mean? You weren’t setting me up with Jacques?”
