Page 79 of War Hour

Evander pulls me back in, and my breath lodges in my throat. Looking away, I scramble for something to ease the tension clouding the space between us.

“You dance well,” I say, mentally groaning at my lack of subtlety. “You’re making a complete beginner look competent. Visha and you looked like the perfect couple out there, obviously because you both know how to dance and are comfortable with each other—”

I notice the mirthful glint in Evander’s eyes. “What? I’m just curious. Do all the Heirs receive dance classes?” I try to smile, hoping my question will land as teasing.

He doesn’t need to know how closely I watched him dance with Visha.

Evander doesn’t take the bait.

A grin splits across his face, his hand tightening around my own. “Do I sense a bit of jealousy? I’m more honored than I can convey.”

I force a laugh. “Of course not. Why would I be... ?”

His smile only grows.

I pull back slightly, only to be pulled forward by Evander. “I’m not,” I say indignantly. “I was merely curious if Bash wasalso a good enough dancer to take me for a spin about the room and make it look like I can dance.”

Evander arches an eyebrow, a smirk replacing his smile. He lowers his head to speak in my ear, and his lips brush against my hair. “There’s a compliment in there somewhere, but I can’t get past you trying to use Bash to make me jealous.”

Nose turned upward I answer stiffly, “I don’t know what you are talking about. Bash and I had an interesting conversation earlier, and I merely wish to continue.”

Evander smiles, glancing over my shoulder. “Yeah, I saw you. But I wouldn’t get your hopes too high on that front.”

Narrowing my eyes and scrunching my nose, I pull away from him, but Evander only pulls me closer. “What is that supposed to mean? You don’t think anyone would be interested in me?”

Evander looks to the ceiling as he chuckles, shaking his head. “Oh, anyone could, and many will, just not Bash.”

“And why not?” I ask, trying to push down the hurt.

“Because regardless of how stunning you look right now, Bash is not interested in women.”

Oh.

My conversation with Bash rings in my ears, and I realize what he had been trying to say earlier. It had gone completely over my head. Now it makes sense why he isn’t an option for Visha.

“I was not aware,” I say, blushing.

“I assumed from how offended you were.”

I can’t meet his eyes. I laugh awkwardly, trying to blow off the uneven ground between us, but Evander doesn’t let me.

The music slows, signaling its coming end, and I’m ready to make a less than dignified exit.

But then Evander spins me, before dipping me low. Our faces are a whisper apart, and he stares deeply into my eyes.

“I can’t imagine a world where you would need to feel less than compared to someone else, because I am entirely and unequivocally entranced by you, Lysta.”

Chapter 30

Evander bows when the music ceases, taking my hand in his and brushing his lips against my knuckles. My cheeks flame and I look away, squirming under the gazes scrutinizing us. I open my mouth trying to find the words to respond to him, but I’m saved when someone steps in asking to borrow the Heir. Evander spares me an apologetic look and murmurs he’ll find me before following one of his father’s generals.

My heart races like I’m fighting for my life, and Evander is to blame. I had only set out to make allies in the capital, but with every moment spent in Evander’s company that boundary seems to fade.

Still in a daze, I barely make it off the dance floor when someone grabs my arm in an iron grip, nails biting into my skin. I gasp, trying to wrench myself from their hold, but they stay locked on.

“Don’t make a scene, dear,” a sickeningly sweet voice says in my ear.

She pulls me along, wrapping her arm around me so that, to others, it looks like we are enraptured in a friendly conversation. Glancing at her with wide eyes, I recognize the shorter woman.

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