Page 26 of A Hunt So Wicked
"My son," my father's deep voice said. I turned to find him right behind me.
"Father," I replied with a small bow.
"And who is this fine lady?" He turned his attention to Belinda. "Forgive my son. His manners have escaped him."
"Forgive me. Father, this is Belinda. She's Andarian, and the two of us just shared a dance together."
I watched the way my father's calculating eyes took in my dance partner. He was never capable of just enjoying a moment—every person, situation, or conversation was an opportunity to him. The way he could quickly deduce the value of something, or someone, had always set me on edge.
"How lovely to meet a maiden from Andaros! I hope you're having a great evening, my lady."
Belinda curtsied once more. "Your Highness, it is a blessing from the Goddess herself that I get to meet you! My head is simply spinning at the moment."
Father chuckled. "I believe that's true for everyone in the room, royal or not. This is no ordinary evening, and with The Recurrence upon us, emotions are high." He looked across the room in the direction of a bar. "There should be some cool water to refresh you just over there, my lady."
Belinda took the dismissal for what it was. "That would be great. Thank you, my king. Prince Torin, I do hope we get the chance to speak again over the coming days."
I nodded, and she turned to head for the bar. Involuntarily, a deep sigh left my throat.
"Now that's a solid woman, son. Excellent manners and temperament."
"Indeed," I replied drolly.
"How are you feeling? We have only an hour to go..."
"Like I'm going to crawl out of my skin at any moment. Like my heart is beating at a speed that surely is unnatural," I confessed, immediately regretting it because what if my words had come off as admitting weakness? If there was one thing my father couldn't stand, it was a weak man. To my surprise, he grinned. He never grinned. I wasn't sure if his wrath was as terrifying as the smile he was giving me at that moment.
"Oh yes, I remember the feeling well. Everything is as it should be. You don't have long to go, son."
It was true, but every second felt like an hour, and each hour felt like a week. I spotted Dair's tall form across the room. I wonder how my best mate was fairing. He was always so composed and in control. Was he suffering as I was? The crowd parted, and I saw who he was talking to. Evie. Father took notice of my distraction and looked over his shoulder to see what had caught my attention.
"Ah, the spirited Miss Evie. I met her just a short time ago. She seems to captivate every male she speaks to. Alden was smitten within a few moments. She is a beauty, that can't be denied."
"You're right about the spirited part. I worry that the two of us would butt heads more than might be healthy."
Dair suddenly laughed, loudly. I thought my eyes were going to pop out of my skull. My father was grinning, and my best friend, who laughed as much as a wagon wheel, was losing his mind with laughter. In public. Everyone was going mad.
My father tsked. "There's nothing wrong with a spirited woman, son. Half the fun is breaking them. They're like the wild horses that roam the Final Fields. One of the best mares I ever had came from the Fields and was as crazy and stubborn as they come... but once she broke, she was the best horse in the realm. She might be perfect for Alasdair. I've never seen him interact like that before."
We looked on as Dair and Evie began to dance. Their interaction was puzzling. One moment it seemed they were in a heated argument about who knows what, and then she would say something that would cause him to break.
“Though don’t think I didn’t see the way you were with her, either.”
I turned to him. “What do you mean?”
“The fire between you. That isn’t something that can be faked, and the two of you were like a living flame as you danced.” He cocked his head and observed Dair and Evie. “But there are so many great choices, and it seems Alasdair may already be settled on his.”
He was right about the heat I’d felt sparking between us when we’d danced. Hell, even at the dinner table, I could feel the burning of her stare. But Father was right about Dair—she would be an excellent match for my friend. One he truly deserved.
I shook my head. There were mere days left before The Choosing Ceremony. I’d continue exploring other options until then. Dair was smiling down at Evie now, spinning her and causing her gown to flare out in a beautiful circle.I wonder what she’d look like in red?My beast practically began salivating at the passing thought. One thing was becoming clear, he was greedy. It’s a good thing I was in charge and knew something about loyalty to friends.
"Oi! Ciaran! Put your Goddess damned clothes back on, you feral animal!"
"Right on schedule," Father announced, looking pleased instead of embarrassed or irritated.
Ciaran Faolan could be seen clearly in the middle of the room, atop a table, swinging his suit jacket over his head. His once mostly acceptable hair—was now wild. Women were gathered around the table, cheering him on and clapping. The orchestra began playing an upbeat, fast melody, and Ciar played into every note. We boys always joked with Ciar because he could never make it through an evening without stripping. I just hoped he kept his damned pants on.
"As we get closer to midnight, the energy in the room will become practically riotous. The royals’ energy, fueled by The Recurrence, will become infectious. A breathable aphrodisiac. Every person will feel the purest form of ecstasy—all of their worries will melt away."
