Page 117 of Heiress of Fire

Davina huffed in annoyance at Isaiah’s pet name for her and rolled her eyes as Amir swept in and began to waltz with her.

“Why so sour?” Amir asked with innocent curiosity. Yet, the strings of her patience were burning in flames.

“Why can’t a girl be upset without having anyone asking questions? Don’t people ever think about how that can make us even more mad?”

Amir went wide-eyed. “What did I just step into?”

“Honestly, I don’t even know myself,” she sighed.

“Whatever it is… don’t let it get to you. You’re already taking care of so much, don’t fret for the little things. Even the big things, actually, they’ll just suck away your youth.”

Davina sent him a smile of gratitude for his encouraging words. “Thank you.”

“Anytime,” he chirped.

“I didn’t know you were so wise,” Davina teased.

“We may be of the same age but being a Chief Leader is not easy.”

“I bet it’s not,” she said.

“But being the Captain of the Island Protectors and Castellum’s army isn’t a bed of roses either.” Finally, someone understood. Amir gave her a small smile before adding, “But I know you can do it. Just stop doubting yourself. You’re an Almenara by blood but you are Davina by heart. You are beloved, you are of violet and fire.”

She remained silent. Maybe it was time to finally rebuke the ghosts of her ancestors, the haunting specters that followed her since birth and weighed her down whenever she stood too high for their liking.

“Thank you,” she whispered. That was all she could say, but his words meant everything to her.

Davina huffed as she realized the number of gentlemen that were left to dance with. She wouldn’t be able to leave the dance floor until Isaiah was her partner once again.

Her eyes landed on a girl in a wonderful blue dress who was giggling loudly. Her long blonde hair ran in their usual waves. It was Ashira and she was laughing quite obnoxiously at something Ron whispered in her ear. Davina clenched her jaw.

“Exchange of partners!”

Amir bowed. “I’ll talk to you soon, Captain.” Then he moved on to the next girl.

Davina danced with a young man from Auris. But it seemed that he was just as confused as she.

Thankfully, Beacon called for an exchange soon after. She watched the young man step away from her and shyly approach the next young lady in a peach gown.

Then Ron, in all of his beauty, stood right in front of her with a pleased smirk. Davina immediately looked for Isaiah who, fortunately, had his back facing them.

“Not happy to see me?” he asked her with a smug face.

“No.”

“We both know that’s not true, love.”

“Don’t call me that.”

“Why not?”

“Because—” All her arguments disappeared as his hand wrapped around her waist. “You should be focused on the maiden you brought to this ball.”

Ron shrugged as his other hand found its way into Davina’s gloved fingers. His hand fit perfectly into her own.

“I see you decided to wear the dress I got you,” he said, his eyes traveling toward the gold flames that covered her scarred shoulder.

Her eyes widened. “What?”

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