Page 27 of A Dagger in the Ivy

“Don’t tell Indira.”

She bites her bottom lip, holding back a laugh. “You devil.”

I don’t mention my encounter with Dante. To be honest, I’d like to forget it completely. I’m really hoping he’s not attending the ball because I won’t be able to concentrate on anything else if he’s there. And I don’t want to cause a scene in front of the king and queen.

The guards open the large, intricately carved, wooden doorsto the ballroom and step aside to allow Nadya and me to enter. To my relief, they remain just inside the doors of the ballroom and do not follow us farther. The weight is lifted from my shoulders knowing Sir Holden will not be following me around at the ball. That’s one less thing I need to worry about.

As I take in my surroundings, I am immediately struck by its opulence—a dazzling display of wealth and extravagance that stands in stark contrast to the simplicity of my upbringing. The room is bathed in the warm glow of countless candles, their flickering flames casting dancing shadows across the polished marble floors.

Elaborate tapestries adorn the walls, depicting scenes of heroic battles and noble deeds—a testament to the storied history of this grand castle. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling like glittering jewels, their crystal prisms catching the light and scattering it in a dazzling array of colors.

Despite the fact that my family was royalty, I experienced a more subdued lifestyle than the royals of Hedera. The contrast is shocking proof of how destitute Delasurvia is and has been. I suppose I never noticed it, because it was what I was used to.

The air in the ballroom is alive with the sound of laughter and music, the lively strains of the orchestra filling the room with a sense of merriment and joy. Couples twirl gracefully across the dance floor, their elegant movements a testament to their skill and refinement. I wonder at their grace, convinced I could never replicate it. The queen said this is a ball, and that means dancing. The thought of me trying to manage swirling about in this gown fills me with a sense of dread. A crackling fire is aflame in a fireplace so big, one could fit four large barrels in it.

Tables laden with delicacies line the perimeter of the room, their offerings a feast for the senses—succulent meats, decadent desserts, and fine wines from distant lands. The scent of exotic spices hangs in the air, tantalizing my senses and making my mouth water with anticipation.

As I take in the splendor of the ballroom, I can’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder wash over me. Despite my years raised as a princess before training as a soldier, I am unaccustomed to such luxury andrefinement. I’m used to Mylo slaughtering a wild boar and roasting it for us, Aila gathering berries, and Isaac complaining while he and Giorgi set up tents in a cold forest for us to sleep in. And yet as I stand amidst the glittering throng of nobles and dignitaries, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride in my heritage—a reminder that, no matter where life may take me, I will always be a daughter of Delasurvia.

I spot my uncle, and he waves me over to a long table set up near the floor-to-ceiling windows. I nod, but before I can move, a sudden sense of someone looming nearby washes over me, and I feel eyes on me. My senses tingle, and I catch Prince Torbin out of the corner of my eye, his presence as commanding as ever, materializing behind me with the grace of a predator stalking its prey.

A shiver runs down my spine as he leans in close, his warm breath tickling my ear. “You’ve brought a touch of enchantment to this ballroom, Celeste,” he whispers, his smooth, velvety voice a soft caress against my skin. “I swear, the candles burn a little brighter in your presence, and the stars themselves envy the sparkle in your eyes.” I can feel the heat of his body radiating against my back, sending a flush of warmth rushing to my cheeks.

I turn to face him, my heart pounding in my chest as I take in his appearance. He is dressed in finery befitting a prince, his attire impeccable and tailored to perfection. A fine silk shirt hugs his muscular frame, the fabric shimmering in the soft candlelight. His trousers are crisp and tailored, accentuating the powerful lines of his legs. And atop his head sits a crown of golden waves, his unruly hair tamed into submission for the evening.

Despite the man’s regal appearance, there is still a ruggedness to him—a hint of the hunter he is at heart. His hands are calloused and strong, evidence of years spent honing his skills with bow and sword. And of course, I can’t forget the dick-measuring contest disguised as target practice with his brother. And yet there is a certain elegance to his movements, a grace that belies his warrior’s spirit.

As he gazes at me with hypnotic, blue eyes, my body is flooded with warmth. There is an intensity to his gaze, a hunger that sends a thrill ofexcitement coursing through my veins.

“It’s a shame we have to join our families at the table.” His voice is low and husky with admiration. “If I had my way, I’d keep you all to myself.”

Heat spreads through my cheeks. Despite my best efforts to maintain my composure, I find myself unable to tear my gaze away from his, drawn to him like a moth to a flame. “Don’t you usually get your way?”

“In most cases, yes.” His smile widens, and his gaze momentarily drops to my mouth. “But I believe tonight is about appeasing the masses, and more importantly, my parents.”

“Well, we wouldn’t want to disappoint them.” I can’t help but grin, but I have to avert my eyes when his stare becomes too intense. Beside me, Nadya is barely holding herself together. I just know she’s going to tell me later how much this moment made her swoon.

“Lady Nadya.” Torbin dips his head to her. “You look lovely.”

She bends into a curtsey. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Torbin offers his arm to me, and I hook mine through it as he leads me to the head table. I can’t be sure that I’ll be happy being wed to this charming prince, but so far, I’m optimistic about the situation. I mean, as long as King Silas adheres to his side of the bargain.

The chandelier overhead casts a warm, golden glow, illuminating the long table where the king, queen, and my uncle are already seated. The table is adorned with a lavish feast and glitters with silverware and fine crystal goblets. I don’t even recognize half of the food displayed on the elegant platters.

The queen stands, smoothing out the skirt of her stunning, deep-purple gown. It is intricately embroidered with silver thread, creating delicate patterns of ivy leaves that climb up from the hem to her waist, symbolizing the Land of Ivy. Her blonde hair is swept up into an elaborate chignon, interwoven with strands of silver and tiny purple flowers. On top of the high collar of her gown, she wears a gold necklace that appears heavy enough to prop open a door. Her white, satin gloves reach past her elbows. “Torbin, Celeste, please, join us here.” Smiling, sheindicates the two empty seats to her left.

Thankfully, there is a chair beside my uncle for Nadya.

I curtsey for the king and queen before rounding the table.

The stares from the nobles and courtiers seem to weigh me down as I make my way to my seat. As I settle into the chair, I feel Torbin’s eyes on me. I turn to find a smug smile playing on his lips.

He leans close to my ear. “Remember when we were children and I would sneak pastries from the kitchen for us to devour?”

My mouth twitches into a grin, grateful for his attempt to mollify me.

The king suddenly stands, his imposing figure towering over the table. Silence falls over the hall, every gaze now fixed on him. I find myself holding my breath, unsure of what’s about to happen.

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