Page 10 of Iris of the Crowned Flame

Spencer was grinning. Could he read my mind? Oh no, I’ve heard of folklore, where people used to read your thoughts. Surely, it couldn’t be possible? I felt my cheeks redden with embarrassment.

He laughed. “I suspect I shouldn’t ask that question among so many people. But I am dying to know. Was it about me?”

I looked away, mortified at the position I found myself in. I searched the crowd for Ivy. Amyra normally would have been a brilliant choice to save me too, but not after those thoughts. I wished it could be different, that I didn’t have to ignore what she and I had. I can’t let those feelings affect me anymore. A king, not a queen, is what I needed. Shit, I had been silent for too long. Now it’s awkward. I glanced over to him to gauge how upset he was with my silence and found him staring straight through to my soul. He must have thought I was thinking about him some more. Men always thought that way.

He caught my gaze, giving me a knowing smirk. “Princess, I know I promised you a dance, but would you do me the honor of joining me outside for some fresh air?”

He may have wanted to tease, but at least he was being kind about who was around when he did. I took a deep breath and accepted his arm, allowing him to guide me to the open doors. We stepped outside, where I took a deep breath. I could feel my skin returning to its normal pale tone, and after a few more breaths, I felt composed again.

He allowed me a couple of beats of peace before talking again. “Lyla, you have been stunning all night long. I watched as you smiled and laughed with all these men, making what looked to be a genuine connection with each. However, your body language never communicated desire, lust, or any need for the men romantically.”

Could he really read me that well already? Was I that obvious? I decided in that moment that I needed to hire someone to help me hide my intentions better.

Spencer continued, “Would you share with me what is your plan? Is one evening, ten minutes at most, with any man, enough to make a choice that will impact your personal life this deeply?”

I smile. He probably wanted to ask this last night, but Ivy didn’t give him that opportunity. I decided to offer him some of the truth. He deserved that much after all the years we spent playing as children.

“You are still so observant, just as you were when we were kids. Tonight could never be enough for me to feel comfortable choosing a king. It doesn’t feel fair to the kingdom to make a choice that carries decades of impact based on a few minutes with each person. It gave me the opportunity to meet and narrow down the choices. In the morning, I intend to inform the Council that I have selected three men to get to know more closely through a courtship. If I have luck on my side, they will not force me to choose only one.”

I knew he wanted to know if he was on that list. I didn’tintend to give him the satisfaction of knowing. My smile returned, knowing this was a bit of a tease I can return.

“Ah, so a list of three men? Do you know who those men will be?”

“I do.” I smirked at him. He probably knew he was one of them. We may not have seen each other in years, but that didn’t mean that we didn’t know each other. He was Ethan’s best friend, after all.

“And you’re keeping it a secret?”

“I am.” I turned away from him to lean on the railing, using my elbows to support myself. He copies my movement.

“Even from me?”

I glanced at him and saw him making an adorable pout face. I giggled, turning away. “Yes, even from you. I can’t play favorites just because you’ve had the luck of getting to know me when I was younger.”

“Such a fair and wise decision, my Queen.”

“It’s still Princess, and you know that.” I turned back, and my wrist brushed against his hand. I glanced down and felt a chill run through me. Why did he do this to me?

“You may be a princess to everyone else, but for as long as you allow me to court you, you’ll be my Queen.”

My eyes darted to his, and we held each other’s gazes for a moment too long. We were so close to each other. I became acutely aware that we were alone on this terrace, and I considered leaning closer, seeking a forbidden kiss. Catching us would create a major scandal. I considered it anyway. And just as I started to move, he broke eye contact and straightened himself, ruffling his hand through his hair.

He clears his throat and then holds his elbow out. “We should return before too many notice our absence.”

I nodded, inhaling deeply, as we returned inside. I may have been grateful that he didn’t allow that moment to happen but I couldn’t pretend that I wasn’t also incredibly disappointed. The disappointment was the most perplexing of emotions. I would have to deal with that later. I needed to return to the ball and complete my duties.

Once inside, he guided me to near the dance floor. Many more people had left during our time outside, and it has become clear that the evening was ending. I breathed a sigh of relief. Ivy approached us with a big grin on her face. As soon as she was close enough for no one else to hear, she asked, “Sneaking off, are we?”

I shushed her, and Spencer grinned. “Please don’t worry, I have protected our Princess’s innocence with all I am.”

My face turned red again. “I won’t be able to trust you two together, will I?”

Ivy laughed, “I wouldn’t!”

She shared a devious look with Spencer.

“OK, well, Princess, this night is ending, and it appears that your chaperone is here to escort you safely to your chambers. May I help you with anything before you retire for the night?”

I grinned at his sudden formality. It almost felt sarcastic from him, but I also understood that he was performing, showing me he was prepared for the role. “No, but I am thankful for the time you spent with me this evening. As we spoke before, there will be a formal announcement in the morning.”

---