Chapter 11
ELEVEN
Midnight approaches fast, and there are admittedly some nerves within me as I consider the eyes that are about to be on me.
I assume that many people in the room are aware of the betrothal, even if they don't know that it's about to be announced, but there are still plenty for whom this is going to come as a surprise.
After tonight, everyone is going to know that I'm about to become a member of the royal family. For better or for worse.
I look over to the other side of the room to find Linc.
His hands are moving quickly in front of him, and I realise that he's tying knots in the ribbon I gave him.
My heart aches and I long to go over to him to help with some of the nerves.
I know he doesn't want to be the centre of attention, and that's exactly what this situation is going to do to him.
But we're playing parts right now, and we both know that we have to do it perfectly. But maybe at some point we need to actually talk about what we're both trying to achieve beyond surviving.
The musicians come to a stop, but it's only when the King steps forward that people fall silent. "The time has come for the unmasking," he calls.
Around me, everyone pulls at the ties of their masks. Assuming I should do the same, I reach behind me and pull on my own, letting it slip away from my face. I tie it to the loop in my gown that I'm reasonably sure the seamstress put there for this purpose and look around me.
My gaze locks with Linc's and I smile at him, feeling better instantly. This can't be bad when the two of us are facing it together.
"And I'd like to take this opportunity to announce the betrothal of my son to the daughter of Lord Fallmartin of House Rothorne," he calls, gesturing around for both of us.
"Go," Lord Fallmartin instructs with a gentle push on my back.
I walk forward, trying to still the nerves racing within me as I approach the King. I sink into a deep curtsy, wondering if this would be easier or harder if I'd already met him. "Your Majesty."
"Lady Beatrice," he responds. "I believe you know my son." He gestures to the left.
I turn to where Linc is approaching. "I have that honour, Your Majesty."
The smile he gives me is surprisingly genuine. Though I suppose it makes sense. Lord Fallmartin said that he agreed to the match because he thinks I've been a good influence on Linc.
"Lady Beatrice," Linc says, holding out his hand.
"Your Highness." I place my hand in his, feeling much better now I have the comfort of the person I know is on my side.
There's a hint of a smile on his face and I assume it's because he's thinking about how strange it feels for us to address one another like this when we've never actually done it before.
Without saying a word, he turns us and leads me into the middle of the dance floor. I can feel everyone staring at us, but I keep telling myself that it's all right. They don't care about Bea and Linc, they just want to see the Prince dance with a Rothorne.
Linc lets go of my hand and I immediately miss his touch, even if I know it'll only be for a moment.
One of the musicians starts to play, the sound of a lone violin filling the ballroom.
I dip down into a deep curtsy while Linc bows to me.
We move into hold, Linc's hand on my waist banishing a lot of the nervousness. It's all going to be fine now that we're here.
He pulls me closer and we begin the steps of the dance.
"I hate dancing with this many people watching," I murmur.
"Me too. But it'll be over soon," he promises.
"And then we can sneak away?"
"I'm not sure if we're going to manage tonight," he responds, nodding over to where his father is watching us.
"I should have known."
"Mmm."
"Can you imagine if this had been when we'd found out about one another?" I ask, already forgetting about all of the people around us.
Linc laughs. "I would have been quite shocked."
"I'd have felt even more like an idiot than I already do for not having worked out you were the Prince."
"In fairness, I'm just as much of one for not realising you're from House Rothorne," he says.
"You know what should have really given it away?"
He spins me under his arm before responding. "What?"
"Marcus."
He chuckles. "Ah, yes. That one should have been obvious. You told me you met your cousin on the first night here."
"And I should have been tipped off by the fact he was comfortable on the third floor of the library with Lord Luca. I just thought the two of you were good friends."
"I suppose we are," he responds. "But we're also brothers. Well, half-brothers." He spins me again, the move effortless when it's with him.
"I know this is all fast, but I'm glad it's you I'm here with."
"Me too," he agrees.
"What would you have done if it had been someone other than me your father had announced?" I'm not sure whether I want to know the answer. We've been skirting around it for a few weeks, trying to work out what it will mean for our relationship.
"My duty," he responds as he pulls me closer to him. It's probably closer than we should be during a dance, but I doubt anyone is paying attention. Or if they are, they're thinking that it's sweet for us to be like this just after the announcement of our betrothal.
"I hope this is better than that," I respond, meeting his gaze.
"Yes." He swallows hard. "But I'm also scared." He spins me outwards, and I make sure to extend my arm the way we've been taught in class. I don't know if this looks as good as it feels, but I hope so.
He pulls me back to him and I place my hand on his chest to complete the move. "Scared?"
"For you. Being a princess is dangerous."
"My family keeps telling me that being married to someone I love is also dangerous," I respond.
He raises an eyebrow. "Do you love me, Beatrice?"
I meet his gaze. "I don't know," I whisper. "But I could."
The dance comes to an end and the two of us break apart.
I step back and dip into another curtsy, looking forward to getting off the dance floor and somewhere with fewer people staring at me.
It's enough to make me wish that the masks were back on, then at least I could pretend that they're just trying to work out if they know me.
Several couples head onto the floor ready to dance, and I take the opportunity to slip my arm through Linc's and allow him to lead me to the refreshments table.
"I will admit, it's nice not to feel like we have to sneak around to spend time with one another," I say.
"Yes. And a relief."
"Oh?"
"I don't have to watch you marry someone else," he says.
Despite knowing I shouldn't, I melt a little at his words. "You'd have managed."
"Mmm, and if my father or Marcus ever gave me the power, I would have sent him on some long diplomatic mission that took him far away."
I laugh without meaning to. "Do vampires even go on long diplomatic missions?"
"They would when I was done," he responds.
I shake my head in amusement. "And what would you have done while this non-existent husband of mine was gone?"
"Pine from a distance," he jokes. "And cruelly hoped that you'd become a widow."
"I think this is a much better outcome," I say. "Even if I'd rather we were alone right now."
"We can be tomorrow," he promises.
I smile, realising that's true of a lot more than just tomorrow.