14. Chaperone
Chapter 14
Chaperone
S tellon
Leading the woman to the dance floor, I marveled at how perfectly the matchmaker’s glamour had performed, even when wielded second-hand by my brother.
All my qualms about the evening had disappeared the moment I’d laid eyes on her. She was absolutely exquisite.
The lady didn’t look quite as delighted as I felt. In fact, she looked a bit queasy.
“I have to warn you. I’m not a very good dancer,” she said.
“Everyone says that. I’m sure you’re wonderful.”
“No really,” she insisted. “I haven’t done much dancing. I’m going to step all over your toes and embarrass us both.”
Looking into her eyes, I saw sincerity—and a little fear. I also got a shock of recognition, though I was sure I’d never seen her before. I would have remembered that face.
“Just follow my lead then. This dance is a fairly simple one, the Nordica Waltz. Do you know it?”
She shook her head rapidly, looking panicked.
“It’s a good place to start,” I assured her.
We began moving together. She was, as she’d said, not very good. I guessed her clan wasn’t that into dancing.
But after a few turns around the floor, she relaxed in my arms and fell into a more comfortable rhythm.
“See? You’re wonderful.” I smiled down at her.
She returned the smile but then looked away quickly, letting her gaze roam around the ballroom and then down to the floor.
“Are we… are we dancing on top of a tank of fish?” she asked in a way that told me she’d never thought such a thing possible.
“Indeed we are, my lady.”
As a nod to Seaspire Castle’s oceanfront location and in honor of my mother’s love for all aquatic creatures, my father had commissioned an aquarium nearly the size of the ballroom to be built beneath its sturdy glass floor.
The room-sized tank featured ocean life such as jellyfish and rays, seahorses, a variety of tropical fish, a giant octopus, and even a few sharks.
The effect could be a bit disconcerting, like dancing atop the ocean itself, but the transparent ballroom floor was one of the palace’s most distinguishing features, and first-time visitors always seemed to find it fascinating.
As a boy, I’d loved to stretch out on the floor and press my face to the glass, watching the sea creatures going about their business.
They seemed so peaceful compared to the frenetic pace of palace life, I’d almost wished I’d been born a Selkie and could escape beneath the water’s surface and swim with them in their silent world.
It had always relaxed me to spend time in here—when a ball was not going on, that was. There was nothing relaxing about attending a function where you were expected to locate your eternal mate.
Tonight was turning out much better than I’d anticipated though.
“I didn’t think you’d been here before,” I said to my dancing partner. “At first I thought we might have met as children, during the last Assemblage.”
Of course that would have meant I’d met her then and forgotten, which was highly unlikely, no matter how many years it had been.
“No, you’re right. It’s my first visit to the palace,” she confirmed. “Your home is incredible. So beautiful.”
She was beautiful. All Elven women were. But this one… there was something about her.
Every detail pleased me, as if she’d been formed by the Grand Star specifically for my eyes.
Apparently she appealed to my brother’s eyes as well.
He was staring at us.
But Pharis looked at lots of women. He’d probably dally with half a dozen by the time the sun rose tomorrow. He could do without this one.
I wasn’t sure I could.
When Mareth had said we’d probably each meet the perfect woman for us at tonight’s ball, I’d scoffed, believing it impossible.
The perfect woman didn’t exist—or so I’d thought.
“What is your name?” I asked, gazing down at my dance partner.
“It’s… Wyn.”
Her eyes flew up to meet mine. They were wide, expectant.
How do I know her? Even her voice sounded familiar. “I’m very pleased to make your acquaintance, Lady Wyn.”
She looked away, seeming disappointed.
“Thank you.”
Her body had tensed again. Shaded stars. It was the Crown Prince thing.
It made women nervous, as if the fact I stood to inherit the throne someday made me something other than just a man with all the same faults and fears and needs and desires as other men.
“Thank you for the dance. These events can be so awkward, can’t they?” I said to set her at ease. “Meeting strangers all night…”
Of course I met strangers every day. It was part of my job. But I sensed Lady Wyn was a bit on the shy side. Perhaps she was from a very reclusive community and didn’t get out much.
There were Elves, like those in some parts of Sundaris, Avrandar’s deep southern region, who lived in forests or caverns, far from others of our race and very far from other Fae. Their representatives only ventured out for this gathering once every ten years and avoided human contact entirely.
I wanted to ask about Wyn’s home and people. I wanted to ask about everything . But I also didn’t want to come on too strong.
She was like one of the skittish horses I’d trained. You had to let them get used to you in increments before making a move, or they’d bolt.
She nodded in agreement. “It can be awkward, Your Highness.”
The musicians began playing a new song, indicating it was time to change partners. As the Crown Prince, who was supposed to be seeking a bride, I in particular was expected to spread my attention around this evening, meet as many candidates as possible.
But I kept my arm firmly around Wyn’s back, moving us smoothly into the next dance.
This moment with her felt fragile, like a glistening orb of soap foam. I worried that if I let her go, it might burst, and she would vanish.
“Sometimes, meeting new people is a good thing, though. Wouldn’t you agree?” I asked in a gentle tone.
“It can be,” she said again, and then she really looked at me, studying my eyes.
The eyes . That was what it was. Hers were a unique shade of brown I’d seen only once, maybe twice in my life. The warm golden brown color reminded me of wildflower honey.
I was about to ask her for some information about herself when Pharis butted in. He still stood at the edge of the dance floor, watching us, but his voice was loud and clear in my mind.
You’re supposed to be dancing with all the unbonded women here.
My gaze flicked over to meet his disapproving glare.
I’m aware. I don’t need your matchmaking services any longer—or a chaperone. Go on and enjoy the ball.
In my mind, his tone grew harder.
I told you, this one’s not for you. The matchmaking glamour told me she was literally the worst match for you in this entire castle. Why did you ask for my help if you were just going to ignore me?
Looking down at Wyn, I sent my brother a reply. You’re wrong. I can feel it. There’s something about this one.
So you don’t trust the matchmaker’s glamour? Or is it me you don’t trust?
The last question was a growl in my head.
Of course I trust you, I said. With everything but this. I saw the way you were looking at her.
And yet you still moved in and took her away?
I didn’t take her away, I insisted. You told me yourself she’d already refused to dance with you, eat with you, or even sit on a bench with you.
I let out a sigh of frustration.
But there’s something between her and me , I told him. I can’t explain it. It’s like we already know each other somehow. I’ve never felt anything like it.
You’re right, Pharis said . I was interested. Believe me, I get the attraction. But this is not jealousy speaking—something is wrong. For whatever reason, she is not the future queen of Avrandar. I don’t think she’s who you think she is.
I don’t know who she is yet—and neither do you, I argued . But I intend to find out. If there’s a problem, I’ll get to the root of it. Now, go and find someone to dance with. You can have any other woman here. Literally, take them all , individually or all at once. I don’t care. But leave just this one for me.
Throwing his hands up in frustration, Pharis stormed off. My eyes followed him until he was lost in the crowd, and my gut twisted with concern. We so rarely argued, and never before about a woman.
“Is everything all right, Your Highness?” Wyn asked.
Her brows were lifted, and there was real interest in her tone.
Naturally she hadn’t heard my exchange with Pharis. Though Elven people could speak to each other mind to mind, it wasn’t broadcast widely for anyone to overhear—unless we wanted it to be.
Direct one-to-one conversations were private. For that, I was glad. Wyn didn’t need to hear about my brother’s suspicions.
She would have been highly insulted. And he had to be mistaken.
I felt what I felt. My instincts had never led me astray before. Besides, it seemed ridiculous that someone so lovely could possibly be so “wrong” for me, as he’d insisted.
Anyway, the truth would come out soon enough. Elves couldn’t lie to each other mind-to-mind.
Though it was rather forward of me—one didn’t initiate mental conversation with new acquaintances—I decided to venture it. Just in case.
Are your feet getting tired? Would you like something to eat or drink? I asked.
Before she had a chance to answer, a page tapped me on the shoulder, interrupting us. I turned to him.
“What is it?”
The young Elf’s tone was apologetic. “The King summons you. And the lady.”
He nodded to us both and walked away.
My gaze lifted over the crowd and toward the dais where my father’s throne sat. Unlike the intricate coral one in the much-smaller throne room, this one was made of thousands of pieces of seaglass melded together.
It sparkled under the lights, surrounding him in the reflected glow and making him look like some kind of celestial being. His superior expression only added to the godlike image, something he undoubtedly intended.
Father never deigned to participate in the dancing at these events, preferring to simply supervise the merriment until the dinner afterward when he’d take his place at the head table, lead the toasts, and join in the twelve-course meal.
He was looking directly at me now.
At this distance, mind-to-mind conversation wouldn’t be clear, possibly not work at all. It only worked at a distance with one’s bond-mate. That was why he’d sent the young page.
But I understood the look well enough, and no one refused a summons. Not even me.
Shifting my attention to Wyn, I said, “It’s time to meet the King.”
Her face contracted in obvious apprehension, and when I tried to lead her toward the dais, her feet seemed to be glued to the floor.
“I can’t,” she wheezed. Poor thing was paralyzed with fear.
“He’s not that scary,” I promised. “Besides, you’re with me. And he’ll find no fault in you, because there is none to find.”
If possible, she looked even more frightened.
“I’m sorry, but there really is no choice in the matter. King Pontus gets what he wants.”
In a bitter tone, I added, “One way or another.”
Finally, her feet started moving. When we reached the throne, my father beckoned Wyn forward.
“Your name, child?”
She curtsied and gave it to him. “Wyn, Your Majesty.”
“And your clan?”
She hesitated before answering, keeping her head bowed. From my position behind her, I could see her shoulders and hands shaking.
“From the southernmost region, Your Majesty.”
“Ah, Sundaris,” he said, showing off his knowledge of the kingdom’s farthest reaches. “You can’t be one of Lord Solan’s daughters. Which means you’re from eastern Sundaris. You’re from House Elardis?”
“That’s right, Your Majesty.”
That explained her shyness and lack of dancing skills. Lord Aydan Elardis rarely left Altum, his underground kingdom tucked inside a vast southern forest, and from what I’d heard, he discouraged his subjects from leaving as well.
Unlike the rest of us, they didn’t mix with humans or other Fae, choosing to stay isolated and keeping to the ancient ways.
My father smiled. “A reclusive lot. Your Lord is a right hermit. I’m flattered he even sent a representative—and such a lovely one. How was the journey from Altum?”
“Long, Your Majesty,” Wyn said.
After a moment’s pause, the King said to the guards on either side of his chair, “Bring her forward.”
My heart slammed against my chest wall, making it difficult to breathe for a moment.
What was happening? Had Pharis been right about her after all?
But when Wyn was brought to the highest step where my father’s throne sat, he simply extended his hand, palm up.
“Well, don’t be shy.” he said and raised his brows. “Let’s find out what’s so special about you. I’ve never seen my son so smitten.”
My father didn’t have to say what he wanted—his glamour would have made that crystal clear to her.
I only hoped that all he wanted was her hand. I didn’t like the way he was looking at her.
Moving as if she was in a daze, Wyn lifted her hand toward Father, and he brought it to his lips. But instead of the usual perfunctory kiss, he let his mouth linger on her skin, breathing deeply as he inhaled her scent.
Admittedly, her fragrance was alluring, but this was highly unusual behavior from the man who’d sired me.
At least I’d never seen him act this way. But then, I didn’t usually see him in the company of women.
As a widower, he couldn’t take another wife. Was he considering making Wyn an addition to his personal collection of “special” attendants?
My hands curled into fists, the tendons in my neck going tight as my jaws ground together.
“Do you approve of my choice, Father?” I asked with a terse note I couldn’t quite manage to erase from my tone.
Finally the King released her hand, and Wyn stepped off the platform. She scurried back to stand at my side, shaking even harder now.
Father’s eyes shifted from her to me and then filled with annoyance, as did his tone.
“You haven’t made a choice yet. That’s impossible because you’ve danced with no one but this girl.”
His gaze bounced between the two of us for another moment before he laid down the law.
“Let the poor thing rest and take some refreshment–and meet some other people. It’s the first day of the Assemblage for the gods’ sake.”
He waved to dismiss Wyn, and she sped away, off the dais and into the crush of people gathered around it.
“As for you… you will dance with every eligible woman here—particularly Lady Glenna Lalor.”
As expected, he’d named the daughter of his most favored political ally and the largest landowner in our kingdom—the woman the real matchmaker would no doubt have selected for me in spite of what her instincts told her.
“I will be watching to make sure you do ,” Father said. “If, by the end of the night, this southerner is still your favorite, we’ll look into her background and see if she’s a suitable choice.”
Father lifted the chalice beside him and took a deep drink, flicking the fingers of his free hand at me. I’d been dismissed.
Looking around for Wyn—because I couldn’t seem to help myself—I saw no trace of her. Hopefully she hadn’t been so terrorized by my father’s bizarre display she’d left the ball altogether.
I heaved a resigned sigh and approached Lady Glenna, who’d been standing oh so conveniently close to the dais steps, giving her a polite bow and requesting the “pleasure” of a dance.
The only good news was that Pharis hadn’t also been standing there, ready and waiting to comfort Lady Wyn in his arms.