Page 49 of Shadows of the Crown

“Unfortunately.” He chuckles.

“I know you don’t want to hear it, but I recognize how difficult this will be for you; so if you need saving, I’ll be there.” He’s right, I did notwish to hear that.

But I mutter a barely perceptible thank you just as Ally turns a corner, creases etched deeply throughout her face.

“There you are! I swear I’ve run this entire castle twice looking for you!” Isaiah stiffens, and his response is but a muted sound as my gaze finds the ballroom entrance.

It’s pathetic how tense I am.

I refocus on Ally when she squeals, covering her face with both hands. “By the Angel! Ariella, you look so beautiful! I cannot believe you wore a dress…” I nod.

The tulle of her gown sways with each movement, and she tosses her sleek, black hair over a shoulder as she reaches for Isaiah's other arm. He smiles brightly when she settles on his right, straightening his back dramatically.

“It seems I am the luckiest man in the castle tonight to have the two most beautiful women escorting me to a royal ball.” Ally giggles as my head shakes.

The click of my heels is deafening as we step up to the entrance, a royal guard stationed on each side. They do not address us as we approach, though Ifeeltheir eyes on me all the same. Their faces lurk behind the same crimson masks that made a feeble attempt at my life; strange as I’ve not seen them worn in the castle before.

Their uncanny features raise the hairs along my neck—a clear message. A warning.

My eyes widen as we step into the ballroom, my senses assaulted by the opulence of the scene before me. The walls are adornedwith luxurious red velvet drapes that cascade down to the polished tile floors. Every surface shimmers with golden accents—from intricate carvings on the ceiling to the embellished frames of mirrors that line the open wall—illuminated further by the crystal chandeliers that hang boldly over the guests.

The air is thick with vases of fresh flowers and overused perfumes. The room is so large that I can just barely make out the musicians at the back, next to the throne, but their symphony envelopes the space as if they were next to me. The violin's thoughtful melody overpowers the other instruments, as if they are just meant for support.

Hundreds of people mingle and dance throughout the space, laughing and drinking with no intensity to their gazes. As if the only thing in their life they must worry about is how drunk they can become. Foolish are the ignorant.

“Don’t look now,” Isaiah mutters in my ear; well above a whisper, lest I miss his every word. “But I believe the prince spotted you the moment you walked in. It appears he’s prematurely ended a conversation with the Lumarnian nobles to walk over here.”

My eyes threaten to find Caspian regardless of my friend's instruction. “Is that so?” He hums. “And how would you happen to know all of this?”

The only person in either realm who could live after grabbing my shoulders so freely is very fortunate I’m in a forgiving mood. “Must I spell it out for you, Ari?” I raise a brow at my best friend,and he groans as his hands squeeze. “Fuck, sometimes I just want to wring your neck.” He emphasizes his words with a light tug on my collar.

I lift a shoulder, smirking. “Try it, and see what happens.”

A toothy smile. “Listen—that man clearly adores you, and he is certainly not afraid to show it. Maybe…” His face scrunches as he drops his hands from me. “I don’t know, Ari, maybe give him a chance?”

“I do not give chances.”

“Yeah?” I nod before he gestures to the space between us. “Then what’s this? Why are you my best friend?”

A playful smile burns my cheeks as I force it down. “Charity.” He bellows a laugh, catching the attention of a few guests. They look us over before returning to their conversations.

“Angel, I can’t fucking stand you sometimes,” he remarks, attempting to sound serious, though it’s half-hearted at best.

Fingers tap against my blade, snugly resting against my thigh in a pliable, black sheath. My stomach flutters when lavender encases my senses, a heartbeat before the prince enters my peripheral.

“Prince Caspian,” Isaiah bows his head, snatching Ally’s hand. “A pleasure to see you again—Ally and I were just headed for a dance, so enjoy your night.”

“We were?” Fuck’s sake, I’d no idea it was possibleto be so dense.

The prince chuckles, nodding as his hands descend into his pockets. “You as well.” He faces me fully, not bothering to hide his meticulous perusal of my body. His jaw clenches.

“Something to say, prince?”

Nodding, he swipes a thumb over his lip. “You are breathtaking…but I’d make a liar of myself if I claimed I wasn’t infuriated that everyone here will see you like this.”

My eyes widen perceptibly—the audacity. “Excuse me? You’d have me change because I’m showing more skin than the court prefers?” He chews on his lips as he moves one step closer.

“No, I wouldn’t have you change. Because if I’d known this is what you were wearing, you would not have left your room with it in the first place.” He’s deadly serious.

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