Chapter 2 #2
Aurelia’s mind went blank, her hand trembling as she placed it on his shoulder. He’s a charming flirt, she reminded herself. Don’t take him seriously.
But as he swept her into movement, her heart stuttered despite her best efforts.
The pose of the dance felt little less than an embrace, and she could feel the fire of his hand on her back, despite the material between them.
Her breath shuddered and jumped at the sight of his eyes laughing down into hers.
From a distance, she had assumed his eyes must be dark, like his hair. But up close, they were more gold than brown, reflecting the light of every candle glittering in the chandeliers above them.
Her thoughts, which had stalled under the bright intensity of his gaze, suddenly leaped back into motion, her mouth moving with them.
“How did you know my name?” she asked. “I’m quite sure I would remember if we’d been introduced.”
He smiled. “You’re right. It’s most remiss of me. I’m Danton, Earl of—”
She laughed, so taken by surprise that she cut him off. “Of course I know who you are. I didn’t mean that. I’m sure there isn’t a person in this ballroom who doesn’t know the Pegasus Tamer.”
To her surprise, he winced at the title.
“You don’t like being called that?” she asked, puzzled. She had never seen him shy away from attention or admiration. “You admitted yourself to having an interest in pegasi.”
“I’m proud to be linked with the mighty pegasus in however small a way,” he said swiftly. “They are truly incredible creatures.”
She turned that over in her mind, remembering Phoebe’s reaction when she had spoken about Fable being a pet or belonging to her.
“I suppose tamer doesn’t have quite the right connotation, does it?” she said. “As if you were calming a witless bull.”
Something flickered in his eyes. Was it surprise? She couldn’t imagine why he had asked her to dance if he was surprised at her showing the least understanding.
“Yes, that’s it precisely.” He fell silent for a moment as he maneuvered her through a press of dancers.
“Pegasi are as intelligent as you or I—more so, in some cases, I’m sure.
And they are proud and independent, besides.
I don’t tame them, I merely seek to understand them.
And to negotiate with them, where possible. ”
Aurelia gave a soft chuckle. “I suppose Pegasus Negotiator doesn’t have quite the same ring.”
He grinned. “No, I suppose it doesn’t. But I still wish I could have a word with whoever came up with such a ridiculous name. And you, at least, must call me Danton.”
Her brows shot up. “I think I would be safer to stick with Lord Windward if I don’t want to scandalize half the room.”
His face darkened, and for the first time he seemed to become aware of just how many people were observing their progress through the dance. It was a testament to the sheer force of his presence that Aurelia had forgotten it for even a moment.
“If you prefer it,” he said shortly, and she nearly regretted her words. It was the first piece of honesty that he seemed to have taken in poor part. Was it possible he really did dislike his constant admiring audience?
She cast around for a change of subject. “Do you have permission to ride a royal pegasus often? It must be a magnificent experience.”
His expression immediately softened. “There are no words to describe it. Please believe that I am most aware of my good fortune in being able to experience it.”
“But then you earned it, did you not?” She gave him a small smile, and he smiled back, but the expression had dimmed as though his heart was no longer in it.
The music of the song rushed to its climax and died away, and his hand immediately dropped from her waist. She swayed slightly, suddenly unmoored, and he gave a polite, shallow bow.
“Thank you for the dance, Miss Aurelia.”
She curtsied back. “And you, my lord.”
He strode away, and she hurried for the closest wall on shaky legs.
There could be no doubt she had just experienced the most memorable dance of her evening—possibly of her entire visit to Wynvale.
But whatever unexpected circumstance had brought her to the Earl’s attention, she didn’t think he would be repeating the offer.
Whatever small rapport they had built had been lost at the end, although she didn’t understand why.
“Aurelia!”
She turned blindly toward the call, collapsing gratefully into the chair beside Phoebe.
“Where have you been?” she demanded of her friend. “You’ll never guess what just happened!”
“I saw it for myself, actually.” Phoebe frowned. “Was he rude to you?”
“Rude?” Aurelia straightened, her shakiness receding as the effect of the Earl’s presence faded and the interested eyes looked away. “No, indeed.” One side of her mouth twisted down. “I’m afraid that might have been me.”
Phoebe laughed. “Really? Well, good for you.”
“I didn’t mean to be.” Aurelia sighed. “But then I never do.” She shook her head. “Thank goodness I’m not likely to be asked to dance again anytime soon. I don’t think my poor legs will be ready to support me for at least another half hour after that experience.”
“That’s unfortunate,” Phoebe said in a dry voice. “Because I predict you’ll be kept on your feet for the rest of the ball.”
“Oh no,” Aurelia assured her. “I’m only rarely asked to dance at any ball.”
Phoebe raised her brows, looking over Aurelia’s shoulder at something out of sight. Aurelia twisted to follow her friend’s gaze, only to find two gentlemen speeding in their direction, their eyes intent on her.
“Who are they?” she asked frantically, remembering at the last minute to whisper the words.
Phoebe shrugged. “No idea. But you’ll see I’m right. It’s the Earl Effect. You made him laugh before you even got on the dance floor, so now they all want to find out what’s so charming about you.”
“Oh, Phoebe, no!” Aurelia grasped her friend’s arm. “That’s horrifying!”
Phoebe, who had been looking glum, grinned. “At least Alanna won’t be bored by your recounting of this evening.”
“But perhaps you’re wrong.” Aurelia glanced again at the approaching gentlemen, only to find they had been joined by a third.
“I suppose we’ll see.” Phoebe was clearly fighting a laugh as the first of the gentlemen arrived. “But I think you’ll find I’m right.”
And she was. Entirely so.