I smiled up at him. "You always were a charmer. I can't believe I fell for you."
Ian glanced around the room to make sure the masters were occupied. Then he swiftly lifted my chin and kissed me – ignoring the shocked gasps around us as he pulled me into a long, ardent embrace. When he was done he released me with a chuckle. "Should have tried that when I met you."
I elbowed him, still a bit dizzy from the kiss. "I would have slapped you."
"It would have been worth it." Ian took me by the hand. "Are you ready to dance, my lady? And you can't use the same excuse you used when we met – I know Ella has been secretly teaching you the steps."
I giggled. "Then I guess I have no choice."
****
After many fast-paced dances with Ian the two of us returned to the benches where he brought back some refreshment. Alex and Ella joined us shortly after. I had just reached for my second glass when a shadow darkened the hand I was using to pour.
"Have you retired for the evening?"
My hand jerked and part of my juice spilled onto the floor – narrowly avoiding the hem of my dress. I looked up to find Darren watching me.
"Darren," Ian greeted the prince enthusiastically. The two of them were back to friendly terms after my public acceptance of his apology in camp. "Care to join us?"
Darren gave Ian a small smile. "No, I'm afraid I came here with a different purpose in mind."
"What a shame." Alex didn't look disappointed at all. "Well, then if you don't want to spend time with us maybe you can ask my sister to dance since-" He paused dramatically. "-She. Forgives. You." My twin burst into hysterical hoots.
I felt my face go up in flames as I glared at my brother – and Ian, who was no better, shaking and trying very hard not to laugh at my brother's joke.
"Your brother does make a good point."
My eyes shot to Darren whose eyes hadn't left my face. "Would you like to dance, Ryiah?"
"I." I froze, looking to Ian and Alex who were too busy laughing, and then Ella, who was too busy trying to get the stain out of her skirts from when Alex had knocked over his juice.
I swallowed. I wanted very much to say no…
But there was another part of me that wanted to say yes. It knew better, of course, but it was screaming too loudly to care. Yes, yes, yes. It was an idiotic, foolish notion – but it wouldn't go away.
You are going to regret this, the sane part of me warned.
I stood and let Darren lead, my hand in the nook of his arm as he led me to the center of the ballroom floor. People automatically parted in the wake of the prince and granted us extra space as was the custom for royalty. I was unaware of all the faces staring; my eyes were glued to the prince as he put one arm on my waist and reached up to put my hand on his shoulder.
"What dance is this?" I mumbled. The music hadn't started but I knew instinctively that Ella hadn't taught me the steps to the one he was about to begin.
"Don't worry," he said quietly, "I won't mind if you step on my feet."
All at once the music began and I didn't bother to wonder at how the musicians had timed their play to begin exactly when he moved my arm. I didn't stop to think about how everyone else was quiet, how the room seemed to sparkle and glow in a heady gold light as he led me forward and back. All I was aware of was his palm on the small of my back and the way my skin burned hot beneath the dress as we moved.
Darren's second hand held mine in the air, and as we continued to travel across the floor it seemed so perfect, so easy for him to lead me through the series of fast and slow steps. And it felt right. It felt impossibly, ridiculously right.
The corner of his lip twitched. "I hope you didn't mind my asking you."
"Why would I mind?" I was distracted by his mouth.
Stop staring, Ryiah.
"You've been avoiding me."
I stumbled and tripped – but Darren caught me and turned it into a low, swooping dip. "I take back what I said to you about that dress in Mahj." He paused. "You should never take this one off."
I forced myself to swallow. "T-that's not very practical."
Darren brought me higher and held me upright, not moving, as he said, "There is nothing practical about the way you look tonight, Ryiah."
You are with Ian. I kept my eyes on the ground. Ian. Ian...
"Why are you saying this?" I had no memory of the dance. I let Darren spin and twirl me around the room lost in the beat of my thundering pulse.
The prince stiffened. "Because I am a fool... And you look beautiful. And I-" Darren made himself look at me. My heart stopped. "I just thought you should know."
Not Darren, I told myself repeatedly, desperately. Anyone but Darren.
"In Devon." I couldn't stop myself. "What did your brother say to you?"