Page 8 of The Robin on the Oak Throne

“We should—”

“Not yet,” Graves interrupted.

“But—”

“Dance with me.”

Her eyes widened as she watched couples join the dance floor. “I don’t know how to dance.”

“I’m good enough for the both of us.”

She shot him a look. “So modest.”

He smirked. “If you keep complimenting me, I’ll think that you like me.”

She clenched her jaw to keep from sputtering in indignation. He took her hand and twirled her in place. At the end of the turn, Graves drew her into him, positioning their arms properly—his against her waist, hers on his shoulder. Then their hands met and she swallowed, looking up into his eyes.

“Ready?”

And before she could even think to say “no,” he drew her out onto the dance floor. They merged with the crowd already moving in time to the classical music played by the musicians against one wall. Her back was stiff through the first few steps. She was thinking too much, and she knew she was thinking too much. She was a thief. Her footwork was impeccable, but this was completely out of her repertoire.

“Relax,” he said.

Easy for him to say. He clearlywasincredible at this. It shouldn’t have surprised her, considering he was several hundred years old and had grown up in a time when this wasstandard for the upper classes.

“Relinquish control,” he coaxed. “Let me lead.”

That was the problem. She didn’t do well giving up control. And doing that around Graves had only ended in disaster.

But as he guided her around the sparkling ballroom, she could feel herself melt into him. He made the steps feel effortless. One dance turned into a second, slower number. He drew her in closer until she could breathe in the scent of him. Practically taste him on her tongue. It was too close, too much all at once. Being like this with him addled her senses.

She needed to regain the upper hand or she’d never survive him.

“The plan?” She forced the words out through her teeth.

He gave her a knowing look. “I’ll make the introduction. You steal the bracelet.”

“That simple? What part of it am I going to hate?”

“Can’t ruin the fun,” he promised.

They stepped off the floor, and as soon as they were separated, she inhaled sharply. There was still an inferno raging in her body at the feel of her hand clasped in his. Her cheeks flushed as she followed him through the crowd. She was irritated with herself for letting Graves steal that reaction from her body. He was the liar. He’d betrayed her. He shouldn’t be able to elicit this response.

The queen sat on a gilded throne, watching the crowd with a smile on her round face. Guards stood on either side, and a group of simpering nymphs were seated around her, laughing and pointing out dancers.

When the queen’s eyes found Graves, she tilted her headback and laughed. “Well, if this isn’t a surprise.”

She came to her feet, and all the other nymphs jumped up as well. She fluttered her fingers, dismissing them, and then gestured for the pair to come forward. Graves tucked Kierse into his side, and together, they approached the queen.

Kierse hadn’t factored in that she was literally meeting a royal monster sitting on an actual throne. She wasn’t usually dazzled by pretty much anything, but the queen was gorgeous and regal and daunting. When Graves drew her to a stop, Kierse forced herself back into her body and dipped into some sort of curtsy. Graves grinned at her before inclining his head at Queen Aveline.

“It’s always a good day when I get to see you, Avie,” Graves said with a charming smile.

“‘Avie,’” the queen said with a laugh. “You haven’t changed in all your years, you devil.”

Graves took another step in. “I have, actually.”

Queen Aveline looked between Kierse and Graves with a question in her blue eyes. “And who is this?”

---