Page 75 of Scars and Burns

“Thank you for the dance, Lady Dinalia.” He says, walking away.

I take in a breath and swallow. Smoothing my hands down the front of my gown. Looking around the room to find King Elio staring at me.

Fire in his eyes. Has he been staring this whole time? I didn’t even notice. Too enraptured with Aeron.

36

Aeron

Iwatch Princess Saphrina and Prince Proteus twirl around the dance floor. Trying to focus on the interaction and chemistry between them. But I’m failing.

My eyes keep going back to Dinalia at the high table. She’s stunning. I glance around the room seeing other nobles of both the Middle Kingdom and Celestial realm eyeing her. They whisper to one another. Whether it’s scrutiny or curiosity I can’t be sure.

No one will have her. Even if that includes me.

I look back over to her and almost flip the entire table when I see King Elio.

His announcement of Lady Dinalia seeking a husband is not without cause for himself. He wouldn’t do anything for her without being able to reap benefits of his own.

He’s leaning towards her. Whispering. I see the look he gives her. His eyes taking her in from head to toe.

I stand. Ignoring Aemond asking me what I am doing. Walking up to the high table. I need to get her away from him. For all I know he could be planning on killing her just as he did Queen Freya.

Offering my hand, I ask, “May I have a dance?”

They both peer up at me.

Dinalia with reservations. King Elio with suspicion.

I hear King Charon say, “Come on, King Elio, let them dance!” Never taking my eyes away from Dinalia’s.

Then Queen Ayla chimes in, “It is a time of peace and celebration.”

Relenting King Elio says, “But of course. You two enjoy.” Hardly able to deny me, a fellow ruler, in front of the King and Queen of the Celestial Realm.

I’m holding my breath. Only releasing it once I feel her small hand in mine.

I guided her to the dance floor. Maneuvering the hand already in mine into position. Placing my other hand on the small of her back. Pulling her close to me so our chests are flush together. Her petite frame, engulfed by mine.

She’s looking at the tattoos on my neck. Most likely trying to avoid my eyes.

“You look exquisite.”

“Thank you. Aeron is it?” she spits out, tilting her head.

I knew this wasn’t going to be easy. She harbors venom toward me for obvious reasons. How do I explain myself? How do I control myself in her presence?

I clear my throat, “Yes, I suppose I should apologize for our last interaction.”

We move around the dance floor. Dodging others. We fall in step with one another seamlessly. I guide her effortlessly. Moving as a single unit.

As one.

She huffs, “Which part? Lying to me or invading my space and taking liberties?”

I do feel remorse for lying to her. I truly did want to try and get to know one another. Explore what could be but the rest of it is searedinto my mind. I recall those moments everyday. Perhaps the only moments in my life worth remembering.

“Liberties? Hardly.”

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