Page 17 of Kingdom of Briars and Roses

“Please me,” I said.

“Not yet. But we’re just getting started.” He made the words sound threatening.

Still, my breaths shortened. I found myself studying his mouth. That full, sensuous mouth looked like it might do a fantastic job of pleasing me.

“Maybe you just need some time to think about it,” he murmured, leaning closer.

I froze, horrified he was going to kiss me in front of all these people. In front of my parents. And Callan.

Seven Hels, Callan.

I blinked and took a step back, forcing the heat inside me to turn to ice. “My time is already spoken for. As is my pleasure.”

He frowned, but I looked away, dismissing him—this time for good.

“Enjoy the party,” he murmured, and then he was gone, and I was alone.

I refused to let my shoulders sag under the relief I felt. Orthe disappointment that registered—as ridiculous as it was—now that he was gone.

He was no one.

A soldier favored for one night.

A rake, from the way he spoke to me.

I was positive I’d never see him again.

And yet… that last thought bothered me.

Before I could do something stupid like search the crowd for him, Callan’s voice, smooth as silk, pulled me from my thoughts.

“There you are.”

He stood before me, looking as effortlessly handsome as ever. His auburn hair was perfectly tousled, his golden eyes gleaming beneath the lantern light. He wore a deep green jacket embroidered with a stag head, its antlers wrapped in a strand of goldleaf, the official crest of his court. Every inch of him screamed “royalty.” The sight of him made my pulse quicken—though not in the way Rydian had.

“Are you all right?” he asked, scrutinizing me more closely than I liked.

“Of course,” I said with a tight smile. “The party is lovely.”

“As it should be,” he said, his voice a rich hum. “This is a celebration of the future, after all.Ourfuture.” He tilted his head, a charming smile curving his lips. “And yet, I sense you’re not entirely enjoying yourself. Is it me?”

I fluttered my lashes. “How could it be you when I’ve barely spent a moment with you all night?”

Rather than act offended, he winked. “An error I intend to rectify immediately. Shall we dance?” He offered his hand.

I had no choice but to take it.

Setting aside my wine, I let him lead me to the dance floor. A hush swept through the crowd, and I felt more than saw my parents’ eyes on me from their place on the dais. I didn’t dare look over at them. Not while Callan’s eyes werefastened firmly on mine and the rest of the guests drank it in.

In this moment, we weren’t two people dancing. We were a symbol. A hope for our future. A promise that the realm would endure.

Even I felt the buzz in the air like a change on the wind.

Then the music began. Callan was a good dancer, though I’d expected nothing less, and I found myself relaxing in his arms bit by bit as we twirled around the lamplit dance floor. The scent of blue vervain wafted faintly as we spun, and my mouth quirked. It was a party after all. I couldn’t blame anyone for wanting to partake in the “party herb.”

When the third song ended, Callan gestured to a quiet corner. “Shall we take a break for refreshment?”

“Please,” I said, grateful for the invitation to catch my breath.

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