Chapter 7 Ryder #2
As the night waned on, my attention remained almost entirely on the brunette, who seemed to stay stationary at the tables of food.
Dance after dance, feet sore and mind tired, I walked away from each conversation more bored than before.
Where are you from? What are your hobbies?
Tell me about yourself. Do you possess Divine magic? Blah. Blah. Fucking, blah.
Several females were interesting enough to entertain my thoughts briefly, but that was the extent of the connection.
One woman, Maris Faldor, stood out for both her beauty and her wit.
Her family was well known, she held a decent enough conversation, and seemed interested in my recreations.
I asked Leanna to speak to her and invite her to stay at the castle for the month.
Having invited four other women earlier in the evening gave me the freedom to focus solely on Audryn for the rest of the ball.
She was still at the tables, hovering around the assortment of desserts.
An overly friendly attendant holding a tray of wine glasses occupied her time; surely he had better things to do than speak with my guests.
“Good evening, Your Highness,” a brown-eyed woman bowed in front of me.
Her red, curly hair bounced past her shoulders as she stood.
The light pink dress she wore came slightly off of her shoulders, exposing her collarbone and her golden skin.
A slight blush rose to her cheeks at the realization of my gaze.
“Would you like to dance?” I offered a hand, my interest piqued.
Her smile lit up, exposing straight, white teeth. “I would be delighted.”
We effortlessly moved around the floor as I learned the basics of her life.
Allura came from a house of nobles; her parents were Lord and Lady Sanson.
She was an only child, and she didn’t use her magic.
At a young age, she discovered she wielded air.
Her manners were impeccable, though her conversation skills could use improvement.
The dance concluded, and I directed her to speak with my sister.
The night was almost over, and I’d yet to dance with Audryn.
I made my way across the floor, seeing her friend mouth words to her that sent the red-haired attendant scattering away.
She turned to face me, plate in hand and mouth full of chocolate.
How could she still be hungry? She hadn’t left the table once.
“Good evening, again.” I paused. “And …”
“Benton, Your Highness.” The muscular male moved into a bow.
Audryn popped another chocolate into her mouth, tilted her head and looked at me expectantly, once again forgetting to provide a proper greeting.
“May I have a dance with you?” I extended my hand, bracing for the warmth of her skin against mine. But she didn’t take it and instead plucked a grape from its stem.
“Maybe when I’m done eating,” she mumbled through a mouthful of food.
“Excuse me?” I was in shock.
“Oh, I said,” her voice slowed to enunciate each word, “maybe when I’m done eating.”
Benton grabbed her plate. “You’re done.” He pushed her toward me, sending the grape flying and her body crashing into mine.
I caught her in my arms. “Well, that’s one way, I suppose. Though, I would’ve settled for a yes.”
Swallowing her food, she regained her composure before running the back of her hand across her lips.
The beautiful rose color blanched briefly before filling back into her perfect cupid’s bow.
Before I knew what I was doing, I ran my thumb over her lower lip, brushing away a speck of chocolate she’d missed.
Our breath collectively sputtered from the contact.
“Fuck,” Benton muttered under a gasp. “Great Divine—I’m sorry.” He rushed away.
I led her to the dance floor, and our bodies moved as one; nobody else existed. The skirts of her dress prevented me from pulling her in close, leaving every part of me aching from the distance.
There was a tap on my shoulder not even a minute later. “Your guests will be leaving shortly.” Leanna looked at Audryn curiously. “Would you like me to speak with Audryn?”
I shook my head.
“No?” Leanna’s brow scrunched. “But—”
“I would like to finish this dance without interruption,” I snapped. The others could leave for all I cared. I’d waited the whole damned night, and I wouldn't let Leanna ruin it. My sister blew out a breath and slunk away; she knew better than to push me.
With the night coming to an end, I didn't have as much time as I would’ve liked to speak with Audryn. At a minimum, I'd need to ask her the crucial question before she could escape with the crowd.
“Will the king be coming?” Audryn asked, looking at the clock.
“No, but he wishes well to all in attendance.” I automatically gave the rehearsed line, but then offered more. “He’s ill, but you might already know that.”
“There are rumors.” She hesitated. “Can a healer mend him?”
I shook my head. “We’ve exhausted every resource. The land gives and the land takes. It’s nothing a healer can fix.”
Whether or not they were ready, if a fae proved unworthy, the land would drag them to their death.
The ironic thing was, my father was never worthy enough to live.
He’d been a cruel man for as long as I’d known him.
If the land truly didn’t allow evil to walk among us, my father had somehow slipped by at birth.
Her eyes dipped down, and while I regretted dampening the mood, it felt good to finally be honest with someone about my father’s prognosis. I was tired of being weighed down by the lies and secrets.
“Do you have Divine Magic?” The question leapt out of my mouth more abruptly than I’d intended. I let my eyes close for a moment, realizing my mistake.
She drew back, stepping out of my reach. “Rude of you to ask such a thing. Do you not have any manners? Are they not required for a prince?”
I moved forward, but she stepped back once more, a dance no longer in each other's arms. “I only ask because I’m looking for my betrothed. You know all royals must be blessed with Divine magic, even those made royal through marriage.” I stepped forward once more, and she didn’t retreat.
“I don’t ask to be impolite. It’s a required formality. ”
Audryn scoffed. “Your father prevents us all from using magic. Forbids the entire kingdom of our inherited right." Her hostile tone cut sharper than the words she spoke. "Yet you question me about what magic I may possess?”
If she had known he’d done so for my protection, maybe she’d understand. But that wasn’t something I could explain. That wasn’t something anyone could ever know.
“Do you know if you have Divine ability?” I lowered my voice. “If you don’t know, it’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
Her eyes narrowed at me. “Of course I know. I possess the land. I am from this land—part of this land. I am from this kingdom, as are both of my parents.” Her glare was harsh. “Just as you are.”
If only she knew the lie in her statement.
I extended my hand to finish the dance, but she only looked at me with indignation. It was the same look I’d given my father so many times. I never expected to be on the receiving end of such a look. My eyes scanned behind her. People were filing out. The evening had concluded.
“I’ve invited several women to take up residence in the castle for the next month. I’d like to get to know each of you better.” Each of my fingers thrummed against my thumb. “Will you stay?”
Sending her to speak with my sister would’ve been grossly negligent. Especially after Audryn's insistence on my personal invitation to the ball.
“You mean you want me to stay and compete for your attention.” She smirked. “As riveting as that sounds, I must decline. Though I thank you for such an appealing invitation. To be wooed among several women is something a girl always dreams of.”
She turned to leave, but I reached out, catching her upper arm in my hand. She turned and pulled from my grip so quickly that the distinct sound of stitches ripping made us both pause.
“I’m sorry,” I said, throwing my hands up.
I searched the sleeve of the gown, looking for the tear, but didn’t find one.
Knowing how particular women were about their clothing, I could only hope the damage was so minor that she wouldn't notice either.
“Stay, even if only for a week.” Fisher moved toward me, but I waved him off.
“I hope your invitation to the others was a bit more chivalrous, perhaps a pull of the hair?” She turned to leave.
“Consider it. I’ll send a carriage to your home tomorrow.” I was trailing her as she stomped toward Benton. Thankfully, the room was empty except for Leanna and a few guards.
“Let’s go!” Audryn shouted to her friend before pivoting toward the door.
The woman wasn’t petite, but the hearty gown was swallowing her whole, impeding the perfect fit she was throwing. I would have laughed at her theatrics if she wasn’t so enraged.
“Audryn!” I shouted, sounding more like my father than I’d ever hoped.
She paused for a moment; her shoulders rose and fell before she turned to face me. Anger simmered behind her mask, and I was grateful she decided against saying whatever was on her mind.
“Think about it?” I asked, almost begged.
“Don’t send a carriage.” The skirts of her gown shimmered as she turned to leave once more. “I don’t need a fucking carriage.”