Page 19 of Kingdom of Briars and Roses

“Is that what you intend to use me for?” His eyesglimmered—the teasing was back. “Not a dance or a smile or anything else we could enjoy on a night like this one?”

I decided to ignore the anything else part. But his flirting was shameless enough that I said, “I wasn’t aware you were willing to allow yourself to be used at all.”

He gave a dramatic sigh. “Such is the life of a royal, I’m afraid. We’re all being used. The only thing we can control is how.”

His tone was light, but his words hit close to home. I found myself empathizing and then softening. “You’re not as bad as I expected,” I admitted.

His eyes lit. “Is that your version of a compliment?”

“I’m just being honest. Besides, you can’t tell me you didn’t have expectations of me in return.”

“Expectation seems like a strong word. I will say I’d hoped you and I could be friends.”

“Friends,” I repeated.

He lifted a brow. “Is that too far-fetched for an engaged couple?”

I shook my head, not buying into his charm for a single second. “Friends seems like a strong word,” I said, tossing his words back at him.

His smile widened, a gleam of mischief entering his eyes. “Is it? I’m told most find my company rather… delightful.” He leaned forward, and I caught a minty scent on his breath. Not altogether unpleasant.

Still, I eyed him coolly. “Most probably do.”

Callan’s laugh was deep and warm, and for a moment, it disarmed me. “So, you’re immune to my charms.”

“Not immune. Just… aware.” I took a sip of my pink wine, watching him over the rim of my glass. “You’re a flirt, Callan. You say what people want to hear. It’s impressive, really.”

He chuckled again, clearly notoffended. In fact, he looked even more amused. “Ah, now we’re getting somewhere. So, you think I’m all smooth talk?”

“I think you’re very good at playing your role.”

“And what role is that?” he asked, stepping closer, his voice lowering to a near-whisper. “Future husband? Charming prince? Something else?”

“All of the above,” I said.

He tilted his head, his smile shifting into something softer, almost thoughtful. “Is that so terrible? That I’m good at courtly games? We both know how much rests on this alliance. And now you know why the Midnight Court and the river people will likely never fight together. Surely, you can understand the need to be… persuasive.”

My body buzzed where he hovered close. It was the wine, I told myself. Especially since it was nothing like what I’d felt when standing beside Rydian.

Before I could respond, he held out his hand.

“One more dance before we get down to business?”

I knew what business he meant. Announcing our engagement to the people of my court. And he was right. That was exactly what this was: business. A transaction. A trade. For some reason, knowing he saw it that way too helped me regain my balance.

With a smile that no longer felt quite so forced, I placed my hand in his.

He led me to the center of the rooftop where the other couples danced, his grip firm but not forceful. With a smooth motion, he pulled me against him, our hands clasped as he guided me in time with the rhythm of the music.

I found myself searching as I spun, trying to find Rydian in the crowd. But he was gone. And I was stupid for even thinking of him again. Instead, I focused on Callan—on my future.

“You’re good at this too,” I said after a moment. He spunme around gently, and I couldn’t help but feel like I was being led in more ways than one.

“Dancing?” His breath was warm against my cheek. “I’ve had plenty of practice.”

“Of course you have.”

He laughed softly, a low rumble. “You make me sound like some sort of scoundrel.”

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