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Jace’s strong arm encircled my waist, and I found myself whirling easily under his steadfast footing.
The orchestra played a waltz, and together, we fell into a rhythm as the onlookers stared. Jace’s gorgeous eyes stared into mine, sending fissions of energy coursing through my soul.
“You clean up nicely,” he told me, and I almost snorted, but I managed to stifle the urge.
“So do you,” I countered. His smile widened, and he spun me around before sweeping me back into his arms, his solid frame tense against me. I relished every line of him, the sporty scent ofhis masculinity arousing me. Not once did he take his eyes from my face.
“Everyone is looking at us,” I mumbled.
“That’s the idea,” he reminded me. “They’re all here for us.”
But that wasn’t what I meant. Looking into the crowd, I saw that they were gazing at us with a mixture of admiration and jealousy, as if we were their relationship goals.
They’re really eating up this engagement crap,I thought, lifting my eyes back toward Jace, who continued to stare at me as if he truly was in love with me.But I guess he has way more experience in acting around the masses than I do.
Dropping my head against his shoulder, I told myself not to overthink it. I may as well enjoy it while it lasted.
Chapter 11
Elix
Ibarely remembered what happened for the rest of the ball except that I was at Jace’s side for it. We remained glued to one another, him holding fast to me as if he worried that loosening his grip on my arm might result in my spinning off into oblivion forever.
And I was afraid of letting him go, of ruining the spell that had befallen us, if only for this little point in the charade we had created.
Throughout the night, I was introduced to various noble faeries and ministers from Ironhelm, their wives and partners flying by in a flurry of faces and fancy dresses. I waited for Jace to nod encouragingly at one male or another for me, but he seemed to hold me closer when an available councilman made his presence known.
None of this matters,I kept telling myself when someone asked me about foreign trade or my advice on the equal distribution of taxes. One day, Jace’s real wife would answer all these questions, but I didn’t need to have an opinion. But at the same time, Jace did not try to match me with anyone.
I retired from the ball first, leaving Jace and King Cade laughing with some of the ministers. One of our guards escortedme back to our room, and I fell asleep almost as soon as I changed into my pajamas.
Dawn had almost ventured back over the horizon by the time Jace stumbled in, and he didn’t bother with night clothes. I wondered if he had found someone to take my place at his side when I went to bed, and the notion flooded me with upset.
Who cares if he did? He has every right to do what he wants.
Jace snored lightly as I tiptoed to the bathroom to get ready for the day ahead. Unsure of the king and queen's plans for our final day in Ironhelm, I was determined not to be late for breakfast again. I let Jace continue sleeping as I quickly showered and got dressed.
I was shocked to see the dining room alive with bodies this morning, among them, Queen Zephyrine.
“Good morning, Elix,” she said sweetly. “I imagine King Jace is sleeping off his ambitions from last night.”
“He is…” I replied apologetically.
“So is Cade,” she laughed. “More time for us to talk about them.” She grinned to show me that she was joking and ushered me toward the table, nodding at the others who milled about. “I’m not sure who you met last night, but you can work out the introductions amongst yourselves. Many of the guests came a long way to meet you.”
Flattered and embarrassed, knowing that they’d come for a ruse, I offered them a meek smile.
“Good morning,” I said, taking my seat. I was greeted with a response of smiles and wary glances as the visitors resumed their breakfasts.
Talk was light and quiet, but I couldn’t help but notice that several guests cast me furtive looks that I didn’t understand.
Jace finally made it down as I sipped on my second cup of coffee, King Cade following soon afterward.
“Good morning, Miss Elix. I’m sorry I monopolized your king so late last night.”
“You can keep him permanently,” I answered dryly, and the table chuckled. Jace cast me a rueful look.
“Are you energized for a tour of Ironhelm City today?” King Cade asked.
