Page 73 of Scars and Burns

We all line up at the door. The Celestial Realm first, then King Elio and Saphrina, and finally me.

Alone.

I’ve never made a grand entrance. Never with honor at least. However, ignoring curious and wandering eyes on me is nothing new. I shall take this in stride. The same way I have overcome all the other whispers. With my head held high.

The doors open. My stomach is in knots. My chest is burning. And I feel like I am about to fall over.

I enter the ballroom. My eyes find Prince Aeron’s immediately. Why or how is amiss to me. He’s staring at me with such intensity. It makes me uneasy with everything that has passed between us. But also in some way a comfort. I remember the warmth that filled my body when he touched me. I’ve never felt another touch like it. Knowing that I cannot have him. The mystery and questions I long to have answered as to why he lied and vanished without a word. As if my desires have grown. His eyes pierce directly into my soul. Warming me still even without his touch.

What is it about him?

I revert mine quickly. Restraining the urge to meet his gaze. I look ahead. Straight to the head table. One foot in front of the other. Never faltering. Never wavering.

After we all filed in, we take our seats. King Elio stands and motions for everyone else to be seated.

It’s time for King Elio to give his welcome speech. I’m sure it will be as boisterous as he is. I tune him out as he begins.

Then I hear, “In other news. I would also like to take this opportunity to announce that Lady Dinalia, my ward, is seeking a husband.”

My own breath catches. Gasps and whispers break out among the crowd.

I whip my head toward him. He doesn’t even grant me the courtesy of looking at me. He seems to relish in the commotion he has fraught.

I look out to the crowd. Now, there is no denying the whispers and rumors that surround me. This attention is unwanted, unwarranted. I’m caught off guard. The last thing I would have expected would have been King Elio announcing I was seeking a husband. Though it was an option, not one I was truly considering. He said it with gusto. As if proud to claim me as his ward and present my hand in marriage.

My mind is frantic.

My eyes scan the crowd. Only to find Aeron’s.

He’s tense. Fist clenched on the table. I can see the muscles in his jaw working. Those same sapphire eyes seeping into my soul. As if he strips me bare with nothing left. Exposing every ounce of want for him regardless of how hard I try to hide it.

We shouldn’t be seen staring at each other.

But I can see it in his eyes. Hewantsme.

“Let the celebration begin!” King Elio bellows, pulling my gaze away from Aeron.

Dinner is served but I barely eat a thing. Shuffling the food around on my plate. At a loss of appetite.

The music begins. Signaling it is time to dance. Saphrina and Proteus take to the dance floor first. Then other nobles join in a group dance.

A dance where you switch partners. Perfect for mingling and intertwining the realms.

“Don’t feel like dancing, Lady Dinalia?” King Elio, leans over andwhispers to me.

I’m doing my best to avoid looking over at Aeron. “The announcement, Your Grace, was not what I was expecting.”

“No? The favor of your King will open doors for you. By my announcement, this gives the nobles the impression that I am supportive of any betrothal that may follow.”

“Leaving me with no choice but to entertain suitors. What if I did not want to marry? What if I want to leave and see what else is out there beyond the three realms.” I glare over at him.

His hand is placed on his chin. Elbow resting on the arm of his chair. Looking over at me with skepticism.

Our stare down is interrupted by a baritone voice. “May I have a dance?”

I turn my head to find a hand offered out to me. Tilting my head up to see Prince Aeron standing there.

My breath falters. I look over to King Elio who is seething with anger. Even though he is trying to hide it. His fist is clenched. I can see the whites of his knuckles. He wants to say no. Not just say no. He wants to kill Prince Aeron.

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