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I turned back to Prince Vale, my body drawn to him and my mind wondering why he’d approached me. Was it as Saga said and he wished to apologize for his outburst at the breakfast?
“One dance, my prince.” I would try not to prolong Roar’s pain for any longer than necessary.
Prince Vale held out his hand. I took it. Those callouses I’d felt when he pulled the glass from my skin were still there, rough against my hands. I found them reassuring. It made me think Prince Vale worked as much as his people did. I suspected that his twin’s gloved hands would be smoother than mine.
As the prince led me on to the dance floor, I once again became engrossed in everything around me: the prince and the many types of fae present—dryads, faeries, nymphs, brownies, and even a fae I thought could be a selkie. Though I’d grown more accustomed to seeing fae around me, rather than vampires or humans, I still found it astounding at how diverse the fae order was.
“Were you taught the latest dances?” the prince asked as we stopped near the center of the dance floor. His hand landed on my waist as the other took my right hand. I touched his shoulder, putting us into position.
“I was,” I replied. “Were you?”
A smile grew on his face at my jest, and the music picked up in a new song. We moved with the tide of fae, the prince leading me in a circle. “When I was younger, I was given lessons more often than I liked.”
“If you don’t like dancing, what would you rather be doing?” The question flew out of my mouth before I could stop it.
“Riding into battle, defending villages, towns, or smaller cities—some jarls have no armies. If I’m at home, I’d rather be sparring with my friend, Sir Caelo, or enjoying the beaches. Sometimes, I like to frequent taverns too.” He paused. “And I never said I didn’t like dancing, just the lessons. When one has an interesting and beautiful partner, dancing can be quite fun.”
I blushed as dark eyes stared down at me.
“And you?” the prince asked, mercifully breaking the silence. “What do you like to do?”
The question struck me as so innocent, so normal, that I laughed. Nothing about my life had ever been normal.
“What’s so funny?”
I scoffed. “Do you actually care? Or are you just using me to anger Roar right now? Or something else?” I hoped it would give the prince a chance to give up this farce and either interrogate or apologize, whichever he really wished to do.
Prince Vale nodded. “I do care.”
I took in his expression, which looked genuine, and a touch hurt from my questioning. Another thing I’d gotten wrong about him, apparently. I felt bad, so I answered with the truth. “I like to sew. Creating gowns is a hobby of mine.”
He glanced down. “Did you make yours?”
“I did.”
“It’s lovely. The prettiest dress at the ball.”
“I—I’m sure you’ll say that to all the ladies you dance with.”
“I won’t.”
At that moment, his wings unfurled and, for a second, my heart stopped. Then, as the black wings wrapped around him and me, I remembered it was an optional part of the dance. Of course, the prince, who I had to admit had an impressive wingspan, would not fail to show them off.
“I didn’t mean to startle you,” he breathed.
“I know.” I looked up at him and found myself unable to stop. The music played, beat by beat, and as we stared into each other’s eyes, a shiver ran down my spine. Around us, the air warmed, electrified. His lips looked so soft.
The music changed its tune, and the prince’s wings retracted. Lights blazed down on us, as did a hundred eyes.
I inhaled and looked away. Stars, I’d wanted to kiss him! What an idiot. It would not do to gain the king’s blessing to marry the warden and then moon over the prince’s lips.
“Lady Neve.” The prince’s voice came out slightly strangled. “I apologize for my actions earlier today. It was unbecoming of me.”
I nodded, furrowing my eyebrows. “Why did you punch him?”
He swallowed. “My brother and I have a difficult relationship. And I found his claim that you beguiled me to be . . . too forward.”
Prince Rhistel had not used the word beguiled. Nor had Prince Vale said that his brother was incorrect. I stiffened.
