There were tables set up with a variety of fresh fruits and desserts, and I resisted the urge to stuff my face. My eyes drifted to the thrones at the back of the room. Ulric was occupying one of them, and someone from his court was speaking in his ear while he was observing the crowd. He didn’t appear amused by the festivities.
I had never seen him this close. His skin was tanned just like his son’s, his long hair just as dark. However, his eyes were nearly black, a stark contrast to Silas’s golden ones. There were no soft lines on his face, and when our eyes met I quickly averted my gaze.
I continued glancing around the room until my eyes caught a familiar face.
Silas.
He was chatting with a girl and a man, presumably the girl’s father. A potential princess, I assume, as there were girls our ageeverywhere. No longer in armor, Silas wore an all-black, fine suit, silver thread like mine swirling in intricate detail.
“I’ll grab us a couple of drinks,” Mother commented, then strolled off.
Silas’s eyes went to look around, and when he saw me, he gave me the most radiant smile, causing the girl and her father to look back at me.
Try not to be so obvious!
I couldn’t help but smile back. The father frowned, and the girl just stared, her eyes trailing over me in awe at my gown.
Silas strutted over to me. This was the first time I had seen his crown up close. Sapphires were embedded in a lovely pattern, and the soft lighting in the room made them shimmer.
“Don’t you look absolutely gorgeous?”
“You could try and be less obvious,” I whispered, looking around at the people quietly talking and eyeballing us.
“I think they are enthralled with how beautiful you are.”
I gave a small smile. “Don’t be silly. I’m sure it’s obvious we are lower class.”
“Are you insulting the gown I picked for you?”
“Of course not. I just…” I glanced around the room and took count of all the attractive girls present. My dress was easily my favorite, and I did feel I looked pretty tonight, but still.
“You still cannot see how special you are.” He clicked his tongue. “Such a shame.”
I blushed. The musicians started playing their instruments—violins, cellos, flutes, and more—and a beautiful, slow song began. Silas grabbed my hand, and my eyes widened as he pulled me to the dance floor. Couples began dancing elegantly, and Silas put his left hand around my waist, pulling me close as we began to sway.
“What are you doing?” I hissed nervously.
“Dancing, as this is a ball, after all. What do you expect?” He smirked at me, and I rolled my eyes. He drew me closer. “Gods, how I wish I could kiss you right now,” he murmured.
“Silas,” I breathed, and he spun me around, causing me to giggle, and pulled me close again.
His golden eyes sparkled, and he looked so…content.
I watched as his eyes drifted, and I followed his gaze. The Queen and Mother must have been conversing but now both gave us wide eyes that screamed,“Cut it out!”
Silas coughed and put some distance between us as we resumed our dance.
My smile faded as reality set in once more. I could never have this life with him. No matter how badly we both wanted it. I met his eyes, and his expression mirrored mine.
“We will figure this out, Flower,” he said in a low voice.
I gave a tight-lipped smile, and he leaned into my ear. “You know what made me choose this dress?” He pulled away, and I shook my head. He grinned. “The color reminded me of those stunning eyes of yours.”
I bit my lip. “You’re making it quite difficult not to kiss you right now.”
To my displeasure, the song ended, and Silas released me. Bowing and pulling my hand to his mouth, he softly kissed it. I saw the ladies around me curtseying to their partners, so I awkwardly did the same.
“Thank you for this dance, Lena,” he whispered. There was undeniable energy between us as we studied each other. Love, longing, desire—but it was broken by another father intruding and asking Silas for a dance with his daughter.
