Page 137 of The Call of Crimson
“Relax, darling,” he chuckles. “We’ll figure it out together. This is new for me as well.”
“You mean to tell me your subjects don’t normally inquire about your sex life?”
“Not typically, no.” He grins. “I think they’re just excited to have a new princess.”
“They already have a princess,” I point out.
“Yes, and they love Rowina dearly, but she will never rule. If she has her way, she’ll never marry or bear children, either.You,Breyla, represent the future. They will adore you.”
By the time the dance concludes, I feel the nerves settling.
I wrap my arms around him in an appreciative hug. “Thank you.”
“It is always a pleasure to dance with you, Breyla.” Ayden squeezes me gently before patting my shoulder.
“May I steal your partner?” A sultry voice asks.
Charlie.
“Gladly,” I say, smiling as sweetly as I can manage.
Taking a step back, I let the shadows of the corner consume me as the next song begins.
Ayden sweeps Charlie through the room, and my eyes wander to the other dancing couples. I’m surprised to find Darian leading Rowina in a graceful dance, her head thrown back in pure joy at something he says.
They fit together seamlessly, their moves practiced and fluid. Her smile is blinding, and the look he gives her is something I recognize. Yearning. Dancing with her is the most relaxed I’ve ever seen him. His navy eyes track her every movement in a deeply meaningful way. This male wants her.
I break my gaze, the moment feeling far too intimate for observation.
“Are you hiding, Princess?” Aurelius asks, startling me out of my silent perusal.
“No, I was hoping someone would find me,” I say flatly. “That’s why I cloaked myself in shadows in the corner of the room, after all.”
Aurelius chuckles deeply, shaking his head. “I see that tongue is still sharp.”
“I keep a whetstone by my bed to ensure it stays that way.”
He laughs again, and I wonder if he may be drunk.
His eyes aren’t on me, but Ayden. I track their movement, seeing a look of pure discomfort and horror on Ayden’s face.
He’s holding himself at an awkward distance from Charlie as they spin through the ballroom.
My eyes flick back to Aurelius. “Two questions for you.”
“Hm?” Aurelius asks, his eyes finding mine.
“How did you find me in the shadows?”
“I’ve been watching your tricks for years. I know when something looks unnaturally dark,” Aurelius explains. “Whether you’re aware, or want to admit it or not, your shadows are quite fond of me.”
I chuff in annoyance, displeased that my own Gift would betray me like that. “Why are you so… jovial? You’ve been watching Ayden the entire time you’ve been talking to me.”
He grins, mischief sparkling in his eyes.
“You could say I’ve repaid Ayden’s kindness with the compliment he gave you before entering.”
I process his words, trying to recall what Ayden had said.
