Page 50 of A Court Bright and Broken

Shewas beautiful. All Elven women were. But this one… there was something about her.

Every detail pleased me, as if she’d been formed by the Grand Star specifically for my eyes.

Apparently she appealed to my brother’s eyes as well.

He was staring at us.

But Pharis looked atlotsof women. He’d probably dally with half a dozen by the time the sun rose tomorrow. He could do without this one.

I wasn’t sure I could.

When Mareth had said we’d probably each meet the perfect woman for us at tonight’s ball, I’d scoffed, believing it impossible.

The perfect woman didn’t exist—or so I’d thought.

“What is your name?” I asked, gazing down at my dance partner.

“It’s… Wyn.”

Her eyes flew up to meet mine. They were wide, expectant.

How do I know her?Even her voice sounded familiar.“I’m very pleased to make your acquaintance, Lady Wyn.”

She looked away, seeming disappointed.

“Thank you.”

Her body had tensed again.Shaded stars.It was the Crown Prince thing.

It made women nervous, as if the fact I stood to inherit the throne someday made me something other than just a man with all the same faults and fears and needs and desires as other men.

“Thankyoufor the dance. These events can be so awkward, can’t they?” I said to set her at ease. “Meeting strangers all night…”

Of course I met strangers every day. It was part of my job. But I sensed Lady Wyn was a bit on the shy side. Perhaps she was from a very reclusive community and didn’t get out much.

There were Elves, like those in some parts of Sundaris, Avrandar’s deep southern region, who lived in forests or caverns, far from others of our race and very far from other Fae. Their representatives only ventured out for this gathering once every ten years and avoided human contact entirely.

I wanted to ask about Wyn’s home and people. I wanted to ask abouteverything. But I also didn’t want to come on too strong.

She was like one of the skittish horses I’d trained. You had to let them get used to you in increments before making a move, or they’d bolt.

She nodded in agreement. “It can be awkward, Your Highness.”

The musicians began playing a new song, indicating it was time to change partners. As the Crown Prince, who was supposed to be seeking a bride, I in particular was expected to spread my attention around this evening, meet as many candidates as possible.

But I kept my arm firmly around Wyn’s back, moving us smoothly into the next dance.

This moment with her felt fragile, like a glistening orb of soap foam. I worried that if I let her go, it might burst, and she would vanish.

“Sometimes, meeting new people is a good thing, though. Wouldn’t you agree?” I asked in a gentle tone.

“Itcanbe,” she said again, and then she really looked at me, studying my eyes.

The eyes. That was what it was. Hers were a unique shade of brown I’d seen only once, maybe twice in my life. The warm golden brown color reminded me of wildflower honey.

I was about to ask her for some information about herself when Pharis butted in. He still stood at the edge of the dance floor, watching us, but his voice was loud and clear in my mind.

You’re supposed to be dancing withallthe unbonded women here.

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