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Roger was fine, mostly quiet. He seemed nervous, but who wouldn’t be with the tough and impressive Major Chad Prescott obviously wanting to shove the man away from his beloved mother?
The sun had disappeared behind the castle during dinner and the dancing started as it set. Hope shivered and for the first time regretted not bringing one of the wraps hanging in the closet. She’d been too excited about the dress and Chad seeing her in it. Not to mention being part of a royal wedding. The outdoor heaters helped keep the area warm but cold air still filtered through.
Music started, and the wedding party was directed to the dance floor. Faith had snuck away from their table and was lingering near Captain Levi, gazing up at the man with hero worship. The dark-haired guard appeared to be on duty. Hope could see his struggle from across the courtyard. He clearly wanted to talk to Faith but had to be vigilant in his duties.
The wedding dances began, and it was like having a front-row seat to the best theater performance in the world. Hope stood by Chad’s side to watch. His mum and Roger had wandered away to talk to somebody.
“Did you see where Faith went?” she asked, gesturing across the courtyard.
Chad shook his head and started toward them. “She won’t listen to me, but Captain Levi will.”
Hope caught his hand. “Is he being negligent in his duties?”
Chad looked at her, then back to Faith and the captain. “I hope not.”
“Let them be for a minute. Faith’s a big girl.”
He smiled down at her. “I know I seem overprotective, but Levi has some … things in his past that could dim Faith’s light.”
“Is he dangerous?”
“No.” Chad shook his head. “Nothing like that.”
“I think she’ll be okay to flirt for a minute. It’s not as if she’s falling in love with the man.”
“You’re right. Between worrying about her and my mum, I’m not focused where I want to be … on you.” His gaze was warm and mesmerizing.
She sucked in a breath and tried not to drown in his charm. “I’m sorry you’re so bothered by Roger. Do you think he’s dangerous?”
“If he and his son are associated with the Rindlesbachers, he is.” Chad pushed out a heavy breath. “But with William and Treven dead, I don’t think Naomi would try any more crazy schemes by herself.” He focused on his mother. “My mum has to make her own decisions, but she’s always busy and rarely accepts any of the various date offers she receives. And then to choose to date that guy…” He shook his head in disgust.
“She’s a smart lady. She’ll figure it out if he’s not a good guy.”
“You’re right. I want to be supportive of her like she’s always been of me.”
His mom had also said he was a philanderer.
A crisp breeze swirled around them. Hope shivered and folded her arms across her chest.
“Are you cold?” Chad asked, wrapping his arm around her, his palm warm on the bare flesh of her arm.
Any resistance she should mount flitted away with the wind. The royal wedding entranced her, and Chad captivated her.
“Not if you do that.” She leaned into him. Being around his mom had encouraged her, despite her line about him being a philanderer. His mom acted as if Hope was the first girl Chad had ever talked about to her and who she wanted to meet. Also having Sophie’s commendation of Chad had made Hope think about letting her walls down.
Chad grinned down at her and before she could blink, she was enveloped in his strong arms. He shifted her in front of him and wrapped her up from behind, his face resting against the side of hers as they watched the traditional wedding dances, dances that were as fascinating as the royals who performed them.
Hope was on fire from his touch. She could hardly wait to dance with him.
“Would you accept my suit coat?” he murmured against her ear.
“I’m plenty warm now, but thanks. I really like you in that suit coat.”
He chuckled.
The formal dances ended, the cutest one being when Prince Malik danced with Princess Sunny and then each of his brothers took a turn cutting in, Chad said from youngest to oldest, until Princess Sunny finished the dance with the illustrious King Nolan holding her. The little girl obviously ate up all the attention.
Everyone was then invited to dance. Hope wondered if the magical spell would break, but Chad gently spun her in his arms and the mythical feel of the night only grew.
