“I simply find it interesting that the only time women are given the time of day in this realm is during these…” I waved my hands around at the situation. “Of course, that’s aside from their nightly duties as a wife.”
Not even the shocked gasps broke the stare down between Torin and myself. This was exactly the thing that burned my soul, and it was difficult for me to tamper down my anger once it got bubbling. I vaguely registered the servers clearing our table and the sound of Ero’s voice as he announced something about the first dance. It wasn’t until Torin stood and offered me his hand that the anger within me shifted to confusion.
“Lady Evie, may I have the first dance?” he asked.
May I have the first dance?Was I intoxicated? I’d only had a half glass of wine.
A rough shove from behind had me standing quickly, causing Torin to brace me, his hands on my waist. I whipped my head around and found Riv sitting there, trying to look innocent and failing.
Torin didn’t wait as he immediately tucked my arm into the crook of his elbow and began leading me through the tables to the dance floor. The number of unnecessary dirty looks I was receiving from the other women was more than I’d gotten in my entire life. I would need to watch my back after all the attention the prince was showing me. Which was confusing on its own. I’d been rude, ate like a heathen, insulted the monarchy’s view on women, and yet, here I was.
King Ero was in the middle of the floor, watching proudly as his son approached. His eyes settled on me, and a cold shiver raced down my spine. Ero Volos was renowned in the realm for being ruthless. He’d been best friends with King Sova, the lost King. However, the two were rumored to have often butted heads over the way things should be handled. Which shouldn’t have even been an issue because The Recurrence allowed each king to rule his lands how he saw fit.
The kingdom of Sova never recovered from the loss of its royal family. Most people relocated to other kingdoms, and it was decided between the remaining kings that each kingdom would send a small group of guards to watch over the palace. Any issues that may have arisen were to be dealt with by the kings of the other four kingdoms. I was always curious about what would happen if one of the kings decided they wanted more for themselves.
It wasn’t hard to see which of the four thought themself above all the others. Ero’s eyes twinkled in the candlelight as he took in the scene before him.
“Gentlemen, please escort your dance partners to the center of the floor. For our guests who aren’t familiar, the first dance is a treasured tradition. It was during my very own first dance that I knew I would marry Queen Corinna.”
Applause broke out for the Queen, who wasn’t here. None of them were, which I found very strange, especially considering their sons were choosing their wives.
King Ero continued speaking when the applause died down. “In fact, an average of three women chosen for the first dance end up betrothed by the end of our stay here at The Roaring Keep.” He turned and took in the group of us, partnered off and standing at attention. “Yes, I do believe I’m looking at some future royalty here,” he boasted with a grin.
My stomach churned as once again his gaze settled on me.Absolutely not.
“We’ll begin with a waltz. After the first round, you may switch with another dancer on the floor. At the conclusion of the first dance, I invite everyone to mingle and have a great time! Let us begin!”
Slow music began creeping into the air. I was overwhelmed. There were at least twenty couples on the floor if all the men had chosen partners. Where was I supposed to stand?
“Do you know how to waltz, my lady?” Torin asked, and I looked up at him, coming face to face with a boyish grin.
“I’m a teacher, Your Highness. Not only do I teach academics to all the children in my village, but I also teach them the basic ballroom dances,” I said, my tone biting.
His eyebrows lifted with interest, and I groaned internally. Why did I give him so much information about myself? Stupid.
“A teacher?” He began guiding us across the floor to our starting point. “That is actually the least surprising thing you’ve told me all evening.”
Curious, I placed my hand on his shoulder. “What is that supposed to mean?”
He shrugged. “Just that you have a bit of an… authoritativeness to you.” His large hand spanned across the lace and satin of my bodice, right where my waist dipped in.
“I’m direct. I suppose that’s not something you’re used to?”
The music picked up and we began gliding across the floor. “You do know who my father is, don’t you?” he teased, and I rolled my eyes.
“Everyone knows who your father is.”
“Ah, well then, I’m not sure where you got the idea that I’m not used to authority.” At that moment, we paused in time with the song as Torin dipped me backward with elegance and stared me right in the eyes. “I’m inclined to think that between the two of us, it may beyouwho has more issue with it.”
My mouth popped open. The audacity. He smiled and raised me back up, tugging my body closer to his than it was before.
“What? Nothing to say to that, Miss Evie?” he taunted as we spun, my dress swishing and twirling in time with the other women.
“You know nothing about me, Your Highness.”
We stepped away from each other and then circled. “And you think you know me because of things you’ve heard. How is that fair?”
I laughed. There were so many things that were unfair in life. Being born a prince and spoon-fed royal bullshit your entire life wasn’t one of them.
