Page 131 of Lady of Darkness

“Speaking of princely duties,” Scarlett said with a knowing look.

“This discussion is not over,” Callan said, pressing a kiss to her cheek and leading her back to the hall.

“I’m sure not, Prince.”

“Do not call me that,” he growled.

“One of us needs to remember what you are, and apparently it is not you,” she replied.

He said nothing in response, and when they reached the doors, he turned to Finn. “Keep her company, will you?” he said, and he went to find Queen Meredith.

“Well, then,” Scarlett said, turning to face Finn. Sloan had moved into the crowd to keep an eye on Callan. “Shall we dance?”

“What? Absolutely not,” Finn stammered, glaring at her.

“Why not?”

“Because it is not my job to dance,” Finn said.

“No, but it is your job to obey an order, and Callan said to keep me company. Come on,” she replied, tugging on the sentry’s arm. He sighed and allowed himself to be led to the dance floor. Scarlett was pleasantly surprised at how deft he was on his feet.

“You’re not wrong, you know,” he said, as they moved among the other dance partners.

“Hmm?” Scarlett asked, her eyes going to Callan, where he danced with his mother.

“About you and him. You’re not wrong,” Finn said, bringing her eyes snapping back to him.

“I know,” she said grimly, pressing her lips together.

“When you came to the Samhain ball, I told you not to hurt him,” Finn continued harshly.

“I know,” she repeated quieter.

“What were you thinking?”

“You do not get to scold me,” she snarled. “I did not expect him to fall in love with me. He has to know it could never work.”

“He was already falling for you that night and yet you returned, night after night,” Finn answered, his features severe.

“I know. I didn’t plan for this.”

“What are you going to do about it?” Finn demanded.

“I don’t know,” she admitted quietly.

“Do you love him?”

“I don’t know.” Finn’s mouth formed a thin line. “I care for him. I do. If that is love, then yes, I love him. But would it be unbearable to live without him? No. Would it hurt? Like hell, but I could do it. Would I risk everything to be with him? No.”

Finn studied her. His dark brown eyes were hard. “For what it’s worth, you could do it.”

“Do what?”

“Be his queen. You make him different. Better.”

She rolled her eyes. “Why does this keep coming up tonight?”

But before she could say more, they were interrupted.

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