CHAPTER 23
We arrived at the Grand Hall far too quickly. With every step towards it, the blaring music and raging cheers grew more and more intense until, by the time we reached the entrance to the ball, my grip on Lukas’s arm was tighter than my corset lacing. The sounds, the lights, the people – it was all turning my mind in vicious circles, and suddenly the world was moving much faster than I could handle.
Noticing my obvious discomfort, Lukas leaned closer. “Everything alright?” he asked quietly.
“I’m fine,” I shot back, my tone perhaps a little too cutting. Glancing around, I tried my hardest to steady my breathing. Really, all I needed was a distraction. I’d be alright if I could just focus on something else.
As I stepped forward to grasp the balcony railing, my gaze scanned the impressive scene before us. We were stood near the top of a wide open staircase that led down to a huge ballroom. In the far corner, several musicians with violins, harps, and other instruments I’d never seen before played jaunty music that could just about be heard over the constant chatter. Below us, couples twirled impressively, dancing in time to the music, and above them, hanging from the ceiling on a golden chain, was a grand chandelier. Just like everything else in the palace, it was brushed with gold and dripping in diamonds that shined so brightly, they made my eyes sting.
“We should start by addressing the other royals in attendance,” Lukas suggested as he also approached the balcony. “News of our engagement has reached as far as Ryntook, so I’m sure they’ll all be eager to meet you – the mysterious Corlixin princess.” Turning away from the dancers, he extended a hand. “Are you ready?”
I wanted to take it, but my mind was still buzzing from the overwhelming scene in front of us. So instead, my fingers dropped from the railing to bury themselves into the fabric of my skirt, rubbing against it in repetitive calming circles.
“I think… I think I need a drink first.” Wine would surely distract me, especially since I was really starting to regret not saving some of Raena’s anxiety powder for myself.
A concerned smile covered Lukas’s face. “I can help with that. Wait here.” He then rushed down the stairs and vanished into the crowds, only to return less than a minute later with two goblets filled with shimmering red wine.
“For you,” he said as he handed me one of the goblets.
Without any hesitation, I brought the goblet to my lips and tossed the wine to the back of my throat, scowling at the taste. Red wine was disgusting, but I craved how it would take the edge off any overwhelming sounds and give everything in the room a soft, rosy hue.
“Thirsty?” The prince raised an eyebrow. “You can have mine too, if you’d like?”
I didn’t need to be told twice. Within seconds, his wine goblet was also emptied.
“That’s so much better,” I sighed, already beginning to feel the wine warming my body and dulling my senses. Perhaps I might actually enjoy this ball now.
With a half-enthralled, half-concerned expression, Lukas removed the goblets from my hands and placed them on a nearby servant’s tray. “Who’d have thought, the brave princess who grew up as a commoner in the woods and had no hesitation when it came to saving a young boy’s life, would be scared of a simple party?”
“I’m not sscaredd,” I attempted to correct him, but the alcohol was already slurring my words. Apparently Drothmore’s wine was much stronger than the watered-down bottles we used to sneak from the village mother’s cupboards.
Lukas tilted his head, smiling in amusement. “It seems I shall have to keep a close eye on you tonight. So much for you making a good impression on the other royals…”
“I caan be good,” I told him with far too much confidence as my gaze caught on his perfect nose. How had I not noticed how beautiful his nose was before? And his toned arms too… Ancients.
“I’m sure you can be,” he chuckled, taking my arm to carefully lead me down the steps. “And please, stop staring at me like that, or I might start to think you were lying when you said there’s nothing between us.”
We spent the next half-hour arm in arm, greeting the various royals who had visited for the ball. I tried my best to keep my mouth shut, only curtsying politely to greet the other guests – though occasionally, Lukas would have to help me back up again as I wobbled on my feet. While the visiting royals were mostly lovely, I doubted I would remember their names in the morning. Every time a servant wandered past with a tray of wine goblets, I’d snatch one up and finish it before Lukas had a chance to stop me. After the fourth glass, I even started to enjoy the taste of the scarlet liquid as it pooled in my throat.
“Fantastic soirée, dear princeling!”
Lukas spun us around to face a snooty-looking, middle-aged lady. She was plump, her extravagant low-cut gown straining against her ample figure, while her powdered face and rouged lips made her appear as if she’d dunked her head into a sack of flour before kissing a tomato. Standing beside her was her equally portly husband. He was dressed in a lavish velvet suit that looked more like it belonged in a carnival than at a royal ball.
“Queen Marigold and King Thorian of Hallshire,” Lukas introduced them to me. It was difficult to remember much about Hallshire with my wine-dampened mind, but I could just about recall the basic facts that Lukas had shared with me over our dinners. Hallshire was the kingdom that specialised in farming and textiles. They traded their produce for other resources across the three other kingdoms, but there had always been tension. Apparently, Hallshire had a habit of being unfair with their trades, claiming every year was a poor harvest, while their people never seemed to go hungry.
“How delightful it is to be invited to your humble palace.” The woman forced her lips into a smile, her tone dripping with insincere sweetness. “And who is this?” She glanced at me. Her eyes swept from my head to my slippers in a manner that made me feel more like a piece of meat than a human being. “I don’t think we’ve met this one before,” she purred while gripping her husband’s arm.
“Allow me to introduce Princess Naria of Corlixir,” Lukas answered, his voice unwavering, “my betrothed.”
“How quaint,” Queen Marigold cooed before turning to her husband. “I didn’t realise there were any Corlixins left, did you, dear? I thought they’d all been reduced to cinders.”
Her husband grunted in response, clearly more focused on the buffet than any conversation.
Ignoring him, she twisted to face Lukas again. “You needn’t bother with this one.” She flicked her wrist in my direction. “What use is a Corlixin girl to a future king? If you want a real princess, one a bit more—” her gaze swept over me again, catching on my bodice – “substantial, then do ask your father to have a discussion with me. As you know, I have plenty of lovely daughters.”
“Thank you for the offer, but that won’t be necessary.” For once, I was glad that Lukas spoke for me because, at that moment, I wanted nothing more than to snap something cruel right back and then slap the powder off her plump cheeks. Though the feel of a strong arm wrapping around my waist pulled me back to the present. Lukas pressed me tightly against his side, a silent plea to remain calm and unaffected – as much as it might pain me to do so.
Although, what if I had smacked her? Would that have started a war? In my wine-tainted state, I couldn’t help but feel that a war would’ve been worth it just to see the look on her smug face.
“I must ask, though,” Queen Marigold carried on casually, “where is King Ikelos? I know your mother is always ‘ill’, or something of the sort, but I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure of meeting dear Ikelos tonight.”
“At this moment, the King is preoccupied with important matters of state. As Crown Prince, I represent him in his absence,” Lukas informed her, just as he’d told all the other royals who’d questioned the King’s whereabouts. It seemed his curse was not yet common knowledge.
“Interesting…” The Hallshire Queen’s expression gleamed with curiosity. She looked as though she wanted to probe further, but then the music in the Grand Hall flowed into a pompous waltz. Her round face lit up with excitement as she shook her husband’s arm. “This is our wedding song, dearest! We must show the others how a real dance is done.” Ignoring me, she tipped her chin dismissively at Lukas before whisking her husband off towards the dance floor.
Once they’d disappeared, Lukas drew closer until I felt his lips brushing against my ear. “I appreciate that the Hallshire royalty can be difficult, so thank you for handling that in an appropriate manner.”
I wanted to come back with some witty retort, but the wine was really starting to swirl my thoughts. When I opened my mouth to speak, only an incomprehensible mess came out.
‘No more drinks tonight,’ I voiced internally.
With a sigh, Lukas squeezed his hand around my waist. “I’m going to have the servants fetch you some water. Don’t go running off. Stay here until I get back.”
I nodded obediently, then watched him vanish into the crowd.
A few moments passed as I remained still until, with the wine sloshing rather intensely in my mind, my gaze slowly drifted over to the couples waltzing on the dance floor. They glided around with such elegance that I couldn’t help but close my eyes as my body swayed absentmindedly along with them.
It was only when another pair of hands clasped around my waist that my eyes snapped open, and I whirled around. To my surprise, though, instead of the steel-eyed prince I’d expected to see, I found myself face-to-face with a tall, dark-haired stranger.
“What is a beautiful young lady doing dancing alone in a place like this?” the stranger mused. He was certainly handsome, if perhaps in more of a rugged way, but there was something uncomfortable about the way his gaze lingered on my skin – and in his nearly black irises, there was something almost familiar.
“I’m, umm…” What was I doing? “I’m waiting… I think… I have to stay here.” The words came out in a slurred mess, and the room spinning around me certainly wasn’t helping the situation.
At my response, the stranger chuckled gleefully before tugging me closer to his chest. “Oh my darling, you sound like you need more wine. That can be remedied, but first, let me have this dance?”
Without waiting for me to respond, he took my hand and whisked me towards the dancefloor. All I could focus on was not stumbling as he led me towards the other waltzing couples. When we reached the floor, he spun me forcefully and gripped me so tight I could feel his fingers marking my skin. Beneath my skirts, my knees wobbled as he twirled me in his arms, leaving me struggling to keep my balance. Everything was happening so fast, I barely even noticed when his hand ventured down to my backside.
“Your gown is beautiful, but you know, it would look much more beautiful on the floor of my chambers,” he murmured, unease creeping up my throat. Panic welled up inside me as I tried to break free from his grasp. Dropping my arms from his shoulders, I attempted to pull away, but he only chuckled in response as he tightened his hold on me.“It’s been so long since I’ve sampled the goods outside of Hallshire. Give me what I want and I’ll make sure you’re rewarded handsomely.”
“Stop!” I tried to squirm out of his too-strong arms.
“That’s not an acceptable answer, darling,” he purred, then twirled me forcefully again. His intentions were crystal clear, and I wanted nothing to do with this, but all my attempts to escape only seemed to amuse him. It was only when another hand clamped down on my shoulder that his grip suddenly loosened, and he jumped back.
“May I cut in here?” A familiar deep voice spoke from behind me.
“Prince Lukas,” the stranger acknowledged him with a forced smile. He then bowed respectfully. “Forgive me, I did not realise this one was yours.”
“I belong to no one but myself,” I spat at him. The fear clawing at my heart was replaced by an intense rage.
Lukas drew me back into his chest, wrapping his arms around mine in an annoyingly comforting way. “I suggest you make yourself scarce, Prince Colyn. While the King isn’t here, the guards answer only to me, and I’ve dealt with enough Hallshires tonight for at least the rest of the season.”
Prince Colyn’s cheeks flushed an angry shade of rouge. Really, I should’ve known he was royalty. His clothes were so regal, and he looked almost exactly like King Thorian, albeit much leaner and at least twenty years younger.
“Have it your way, Your Highness.” He then tilted his chin down to face me. “If you change your mind, darling, do come and find me.”
With a filthy wink, he sauntered off into the sea of waltzing dancers, leaving Lukas and I alone once again. I let myself remain pressed against him, perhaps longer than I should have. The violet fabric of my gown was so thin, and his chest was so warm. Around us, the dancers relentlessly twirled along to the music. Everything was still far too loud, but for some reason, with the wine settling in my bones and Lukas’s arms wrapped around me, I didn’t feel so overwhelmed anymore.
“Are you alright, Naria?”
Was that my heart pounding against my spine, or his? It didn’t matter. Suddenly feeling too hot, I spun to face him.
“I’m fine,” I said, lifting my chin and steadying my voice. “Thank you for stepping in. It wasn’t necessary, though, I had the situation under control.”
The prince lowered his brow. “Certainly looked like it.”
I was lying, and he knew it, but I persisted. The way he made me feel just then was dangerous – maybe even more dangerous than Colyn’s unwanted advances. I had an entire kingdom resting on my shoulders, and so far, the fae were the only ones who could help. Though I certainly wasn’t thinking of any ruined kingdoms or amber-eyed faery princes a few moments ago. Only how the curve of my back fit so perfectly against Lukas’s toned chest. I couldn’t let myself fall for him. I wouldn’t. Not when the entire population of my home village depended on me marrying the right prince.
And Lukas wasn’t the right prince.
“I don’t need you to protect me,” I seethed.
A muscle tensed in Lukas’s jaw. Then, from the corner of the ballroom, the same musicians that once played the gaudy Hallshire waltz transitioned their song into a much slower, more inviting tune. Music weaved through the thick air until all I could focus on were Lukas’s darkened eyes, and how they were fixed on me.
Without uttering a word, he extended a hand out in front of him. I shouldn’t have accepted it, but instinct took over. As soon as my fingers were intertwined with his, he drew me into his chest, and before I knew it, I was dancing again.
Except he wasn’t rough like the way Prince Colyn had been. The fabric of my skirt flowed as he led me in a circle, gently pressing his hand to the small of my back. Around us, I could feel the stares of other couples judging every movement. I didn’t know this dance. We’d never thrown parties like this in the village, but somehow, this all felt so natural. With him guiding me, it was as though I’d danced this waltz a thousand times before.
“I told you I’m a good teacher,” he said in a voice low enough that only I could hear.
I couldn’t deny that. We spun together, and then his hands clamped around my waist, lifting me with such ease. I felt like I was flying as he twirled me around, my feet suspended in the air beneath me. Suddenly, it was like the rest of the ball had faded away. There was only myself, the smooth music, and Lukas’s hands feeling entirely too warm against the thin fabric of my gown. When he finally lowered me, our faces now dangerously close, my gaze met his. There was something so hungry storming across his features.
And deep inside me, I could feel something equally ravenous.
The music grew faint as his mouth moved towards mine. Heart racing, my eyes fluttered shut. It was only when I felt his breath on my already parted lips that I realised just what was happening.
Cursing internally, I stumbled back. Instantly, I was stone-cold sober.
“I’m sorry,” I stammered, bringing a hand up to conceal the heat on my cheeks. “I can’t do this with you.”
Something like hurt flashed across the prince’s face, but before he could open his mouth to speak, I spun on my heels and shoved through the dancing crowds.
“Naria!” I heard him calling after me. Part of me wanted so desperately to run back, to return to his warm embrace and melt into that kiss. But I couldn’t let myself. I couldn’t, because I knew if I did, I’d never be able to return to the fae and marry another – ruined kingdom or not.