Page 23 of Unkindness of Crimson Ravens
“That someone must be a fool, then,” he replied with a smile on his face.
“Looks like it’s my turn.” Francis’ voice carried from behind me as he graciously stretched out his hand toward mine, his other slowly moved to my waist. He gently turned me away from Simon. “Come now, Princess, I am a better dancer than yourprevious partner.” He glanced at Simon, effortlessly spinning me around.
“I’ve danced plenty tonight.” I bestowed him with the most annoyed look I could possibly manage. “Besides, I don’t dance with amateurs.”
“I promise, I won’t outshine you, Your Highness.” Francis purred into my ear, sending dozens of needles down my skin. “Just one dance, and you won’t ever have to attend another ball if you don’t wish to.”
“Bargaining feels desperate even for you, don’t you think?” I raised my brows, but did not move from his embrace.
“Is that a yes?”
I needn’t his permission to not attend another ball, though something told me he took great pleasure carrying me through the halls. “One dance and no more balls?” My eyes narrowed.
A triumphant smile spread across his face, as he led us into the dance.
The back of my neck prickled when Francis’ cold hand caught my waist. As though his skin grew thorns, it pierced the fabric of my dress, burning my flesh.
It’s just a dance, Cordelia.I repeated in my head everytime his fingers moved so slightly.Just one dance.My knees shook with every step I took, my stomach turned in disgust.
I turned away from him, focusing on the musicians, praying they shorten their piece despite its beauty.
“You are doing the wrong steps, Your Highness,” Francis pulled me closer, whispering into my ear.
A shiver went down my spine when I met his gaze. His amber eyes bored into mine, the corner of his lips turned upwards. I swallowed the growing lump in my throat, adjusting my steps to his. “Perhaps I wouldn’t make mistakes were I given a competent partner,” I countered.
Francis chuckled, spinning me in beat with music. “Perhaps I am not used to dancing with masters like yourself.” He winked, ignoring my never-ending glare.
The music slowed, every other instrument quieted, leaving the violin and piano to lead the piece. I wished I could enjoy the harmony, yet Francis had ruined even that; he spun us right to the center of the ballroom, stopping every other pair in place. Dozens of eyes stung my skin, yet I refused them any acknowledgment.
“How are you enjoying my ball, Your Highness?” Francis’ voice cut through the violin.
“It’s all right,” I shrugged, painfully aware of all the strangers’ ears around us. “There is clearly room for improvement,” I added louder.
A grin spread across Francis’ face. “I don’t doubt that. I am open to suggestions, Your Highness.”
“This music bores me.” I almost heard a gasp from behind me. What in the Kingdom was I doing?
“And yet you agreed to a dance,” Francis raised one brow.
“I believe you left me no choice.” I cared not to hide the anger in my tone.
“I don’t see a chain around your neck.” Francis’ face was just a few inches away from mine. “It’s all right to enjoy my presence, Princess.” He lowered his voice to a whisper, “Your secret is safe with me.”
My skin flushed, though I didn’t pay it any attention when I said my next words. “You and your foolish ball disgust me,” I spat out. “Your arrogance blinds you, otherwise you could see how much I despise everything that involves you.” My words silenced the musicians. Several people chuckled at my outburst; my eyes closed in embarrassment.
Francis’ body pressed into mine, yet we did not move. The sweet burning feeling down in my stomach spread through my veins, spinning my head drunk.
A few moments of deathly silence passed before the musicians finally resumed their playing, making the strangers around us return to their dancing, forgetting about us altogether.
“Oh, I can see that, Princess, don’t doubt.” A small smile spread across Francis’ face. “Thank you for allowing me the pleasure of your company.” Francis slowly kissed both of my hands as he turned to leave without sparing me another glance.
“No more balls,” I shouted after him, raising my chin. I turned back toward my table, though I couldn’t help the feeling of foreign joy spreading through my chest despite my protests.
“Dear Gods, that was amazing,” Florence planted her hand on my shoulder.
“Pardon me?” I slightly moved away from her reach.
“You totally humiliated him in front of everyone—” Florence grinned at me. “Oh—you must give me a lesson.”
