Page 11 of Great Falls Rogue
I try to smile, but the ache in River’s voice makes it nearly impossible.I wish I could say something. To tell him that—that his Diana has not died, that she’d never existed. Better yet, I wish I could say that I’m her. Except that isn’t true either. The Diana in River’s soul is a peer to him, while the real me standing before him is just a cadet, and a pretender noble at that.
The unfairness of it all makes tears burn in my throat.
In the Great Hall below, the violins play a fast prancing tune. It must look gorgeous with the couples swirling around the floor, the girls’ gowns opening like flower petals with each swing.But I don’t belong there.
“And what of you?” he asks. “What brings you up here this night?”
I turn back toward the mountain range splaying open before us, my immortal sight and the starlit sky giving me a good view. “I don’t enjoy dancing.”
“For someone who lies as much you do, I would think you’d be better at it.” He says it as a curious fact, his soft tone carrying no hint of malice, as if the night has declared some sort of temporary truce between us.
I shrug one shoulder and leave it at that. Down below, the instruments finish the ditty and change tune.This time, the music is a slow, three-beat piece that makes me think of flying. One, two, three, one, two, three, one, two, three. The notes hit their marks, my core rousing to their beautiful rhythm.
From the corner of my vision, I see River cocking his head, his eyes losing focus as he takes in the same melody that has my thoughts spinning. “The Ostera waltz,” he says. “It is bad fortune to sit it out.”
“In this place, I’m shocked there is no rule mandating the dance.”
He smiles lightly. “There might be.”Turning his hand palm up, he extends it toward me.
My breath catches, my stomach tightening with a mix of fear and desire. Despite the fresh spring air, my revealing blue gown is suddenly too hot. Taking a step away, I clutch the railing as if asking for its protection.
His voice softens. “Do I frighten you that much, Leralynn?”
I shake my head, though maybe I should have taken the lie River offers.
Instead of leaving well enough alone, he steps toward me. His nostrils flare gently as he takes in my scent with the same intensity with which he surveys my face, stripping me bare. Reaching forward, he touches my elbow, the contact sending a wave of warmth all through my chest and belly.
“If it’s not me you are frightened of, then who?” he asks. “And don’t tell me you don’twantto dance.”
“I…” I feel like a rabbit caught in a python’s hypnotic stare, my heart beating so quickly that I can’t think. Can’t see beyond the fleeting moment made of moonlight and violin music, where the rules are distant and time itself has come to a standstill.One, two, three. One, two, three.The music calls, my body longing to respond to the rhythm. To River. “I don’t know how. The Ostera waltz, I guess.”
River frowns. “It’s no different from any other waltz.”
“No. I mean…” The words fall in a rapid whisper that I can’t stop. “I don’t know how to dance. Any waltz. Anything at all.”
The utter bewilderment in his gaze is so strong that even the self-controlled male can’t hide it quickly enough to escape notice. I can’t blame him. A noble who doesn’t know basic dancing is about as common as one who can’t read or work out figures—and Great Falls Academy is a school for the elite.
I clear my throat. “You would have a better time dancing with anyone down in the hall.”
Instead of retreating, River steps closer still. “I can’t possibly allow a Great Falls cadet to not know a basic waltz.” His tone is an irresistible mix of caress and challenge, as if he knows the perfect combination with which to strike at my resolve. Reaching forward, he takes my left hand gently and, upon finding little resistance, lays it atop his bicep. “Plus, I’ve a secret too,” he adds, leaning down toward my ear. “I enjoy teaching.”
8
Lera
I’m suddenly shy as River draws me into the powerful frame of his arms. A clean soapy scent wafts from his clothes, weaving with his natural woodsy smell. Even as he grabs my waist firmly, he pushes against our clasped hands, engaging a gentle tension between us. His sculpted face is suddenly so close to mine, it’s an effort of will not to close the distance.One, two, three, one, two, three,the music calls, and River sways to it, shifting his weight from foot to foot.
One, two, three. One, two, three. One, two, three.
I start to move my feet, but River’s hold tightens gently. “Just listen to the beat. Let it fill your body until the tension is too much to bear.”
I’ve not seen this side of River before, not even in Lunos. For a heartbeat, I expect the moment to dissolve, but I find him opening to the music instead, his pulse matching the melody’s rhythm. I draw an uncertain breath, but the security of his hand on my waist holds me steady. Despite being so close that my lower right ribs press tight against River’s taut body, the position manages to feel powerful instead of lewd.
One, two, three. One, two, three. One, two, three.
River sways, each movement winding an invisible spring.
“Ready?” he asks.
