Page 58 of The Heir's Bargain

I laughed nervously. "No, Larpos, it's still very new."

"Oh, fine. Don't tell me. But if that's the truth, I'm surprised. You two have been friends for so long. It was only a matter of time before you got together."

I hummed as we let the music lead us after that.

Once the song slowed, I released Sylvia's hand and folded a hand behind my back, bowing. "It was a pleasure dancing with you, Sylvia."

"Oh, please. Call me Sylv," Sylvia said with a wink.

The group of patrons had dwindled, and the drinks had since slowed. Outside, the streets had cleared, and only a few wanderers strolled beneath the stars. The rest of the village was already in their houses, tucked under blankets as the midnight sky draped its shadow across the kingdom.

The water I had been nursing had diminished the drunken fervor, but I could still feel the buzz heating my veins. Despite the instruments still thrumming and the boisterous laughter from the drunken group at the bar, my mind was quiet.

Or at least almost quiet.

I cleared my throat and tapped the table. "I think I'm going to head out."

"Are you sure?" Sylvia asked, their words slurring slightly.

"Unfortunately, yes. I have an early meeting with the advisors tomorrow. If I'm late, my mother might have my head at long last."

"Esmeray would never do that," Dani said with a huff.

"Perhaps. I mean, I am her favorite," I joked.

Dani laughed, and the sound was so pure and light-hearted I couldn't help but smile. "Ha! Terin's her favorite, and we all know it."

I gasped, rubbing my chest with my palm as if her words struck me in the heart. "Ouch, Dani. That hurt."

"It's true," she said with an amused grin as she drained the last few droplets of water in her glass.

I wrapped my arm around Dani’s shoulder and tugged her toward me. "I'm your favorite, though, right?" I teased, nuzzling her hair with my chin, knowing it would get a kick out of the others and simultaneously annoy Dani to no end.

Dani scoffed and shoved me away. "Yeah, right. Terin's always been my favorite, too."

I arched a brow, tilting my head.

Dani rolled her eyes. "But you're a close second." Dani tapped her chin. "After Graeson, that is."

"So, third?"

"Mhm." Dani raised her mug to her lips, even though she had already emptied it of its contents.

"Will you two go somewhere else with those love-bird eyes already?"

I surveyed Dani. The nerves that had run through her leg, causing it to bounce earlier in the night, had since disappeared. She was relaxed, happy even. It was nice to see.

"Walk me out?" I asked after a moment passed. When Dani's brows knitted together at my question, I added, "Please?"

Dani chuckled. "If the little prince needs someone to hold his elbow, very well. It would be my honor."

She might have switched to water recently, but her cheeks were still rosy, the bottom of her ears red.

I stood and held out a hand. Dani, of course, ignored it and stumbled to her feet. She wobbled on her feet, the careful facade of the obedient soldier slipping as she leaned against me.

I wrapped an arm around Dani's waist, tugging her closer and stabilizing her. Dani's fingers dug into my arm, but I smiled harder and placed my chin on her head. The faint notes of cinnamon surrounded me, quickly becoming intoxicating.

"It was a pleasure getting to know you both," I said, tipping my head to Sylvia and Moris.

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