Page 60 of Royal Deception
I glance at my watch and let out a breath. It’s almost time to head back to the house, get changed, and prep for the night. But for now, we wait.
After a quick shower and getting dressed, I stand downstairs, waiting for Clary to join me. I take a moment to adjust my tie, making sure it’s just right. Just as I’m about to grab my phone and check in with the team again, I hear the soft click of heels.
I turn, my breath catching in my throat as Clary appears at the top of the staircase.
She looks… ethereal. Like something out of a dream.
The soft pink of the ballgown hugs her curves in all the right places, flowing around her legs like petals. The fabric catches the dim light in just the right way, almost glowing, and the layers of tulle add to the effect, making her seem like she’s floating.
But what stops me in my tracks isn’t just the gown—it’s the way the silver chain of her Eternity Collar gleams at her neck, nestled perfectly among the soft curves of her skin. My chest swells with pride at the knowledge that everyone will know who she belongs to tonight.
Her eyes lock onto mine, and her lips curve into a soft smile, her eyes full of something… affectionate.
“Do I look okay?” Her voice is light, but I can hear the nerves underneath, as if she’s wondering whether I think she’s too much, too extravagant.
“You look perfect,” I reply, my voice thick, unable to keep the admiration out of it.
She blushes, the faintest tinge coloring her cheeks. I watch as she descends the stairs, the gown trailing behind her, and for a brief moment, I wonder how the hell I managed to get so lucky.
I hold out my arm to her, and she takes it, the lightness in her steps matching the softness in her gaze.
We head for the hotel, and the atmosphere shifts the moment we walk through the door. It’s like stepping into another world.
Lights twinkle above us, casting soft shadows and lending an almost magical glow to everything around us. The entire venue has been transformed into something straight out of a fairytale—tall floral arrangements, draped fabric, and candles that flicker and add to the warmth of the place. It’s intimate, luxurious, and every detail has been carefully selected to give the place an ethereal, fantasy feel.
Clary and I join the other guests milling about, making small talk with people here and there, Clary on my arm. It feels natural to have her there, strangely sort of… right.
I push the thought away and continue making small talk with a local radio DJ, glancing at Clary to give her a fond smile.
The night is in full swing when Callie arrives, a storm of poise and confidence. The sapphire blue evening gown she wearsglitters under the soft lighting, beads catching every flicker of the chandeliers above. The contrast between her deep, rich gown and Clary’s soft pastel dress couldn’t be more striking.
I take a moment to admire Callie as she moves through the room, the gown fitting her perfectly, the way it hugs her curves with a sophistication that demands attention. She exudes an undeniable elegance tonight—something that, for a split second, catches me off guard.
My eyes flick to Clary’s as she takes in the Guest of Honor, but there’s no tension in her expression, no hint of jealousy. She simply takes it in, looking at me with a small smile before greeting Callie with a small nod. I’m relieved. The last thing I want is any extra tension.
The party continues, and I find myself in a heated discussion with Senator Burns on the merits of American vs European football when the music swells and the dancing starts.
“Excuse me, Senator,” I say, looking around for Clary.
She’s standing near the corner talking to Miranda and Darcy when I approach, and I can’t stop the grin that spreads across my face. The moment she smiles back, everything else falls away. I offer her my hand.
“May I steal you for a dance?” I ask, my voice soft but filled with a confidence that’s almost new to me.
Clary’s eyes twinkle as she takes my hand, stepping into my arms with that grace that’s uniquely hers. The music shifts to a slower melody, and we begin to move across the floor, our steps in sync. I’m aware of every inch of her against me—her body, her warmth, the way she fits so perfectly in my arms.
I glance down at her, a playful glint in my eyes. “You’re stunning tonight, Pet. Every time I look at you, it feels like I’m seeing something new.”
Clary laughs softly, tilting her head up to meet my gaze. “Thank you, sir. You look good too. Good enough to eat,” she says, dropping her voice on the last word.
The compliment makes me pause, but before I can respond, I feel a tap on my shoulder.
“Excuse me, Miss Woodcrest,” Callie’s voice calls out, smooth like velvet. “May I steal your partner for a dance?”
I look down at Clary, her expression unreadable for just a beat before she gives me a small nod, her smile warm. I feel the pull of Callie’s request and lean in to kiss Clary’s cheek, whispering in her ear, “I’ll be back shortly.”
Callie and I dance together, her hand on my shoulder and mine around her waist. She’s just thanking me again for the extensive security measures when Finn’s voice breaks through, urgent and sharp.
“Rory,” he calls, his tone carrying an edge I can’t ignore.
