Page 35 of Blooms of Darkness

And on it went.

One by one, the contenders took their time, showering me with insincere compliments. Hale stammered a few times, telling me he’d never beheld such beauty. It was difficult to reconcile the grown Fae before me with the teenage boy, who kissed me behind the rose bushes in my parents’ garden.

Before the next contender approached, I scanned the room, hoping to spot Kade. He didn’t seem to be in the ballroom anymore, at least I couldn’t find him with my sweeping gaze each time I turned. Off with one of his admirers, no doubt. I shuddered.

Was I jealous?

No, simply disgusted at the nerve of him sneaking off somewhere instead of dancing as a contender should.

Ryland gracefully bowed, and as we moved across the floor, he tried to make me laugh during the quick pleasantries. He succeeded a few times, too, and made casual, but pleasant, conversation. He kissed my hand before flitting off after his turn, seeming perfectly content to give me time with the other contenders, as if it mattered little to him.

Edmund stepped in next, and the way he confidently took me in his arms, and with his hands in appropriate places, I almost thought it wouldn’t be so bad. But that’s where all hope ended. He answered questions with one word, not inquiring anything about me.

The mediocre dance with Edmund seemed longer than it should have. An average-looking man, with average dancing abilities, and average conversational skills, Edmund was the least likely person I assumed would care to be King. Let alone enter a competition for my hand. If he won, the most boring life known to Fae kind flashed before my eyes.

I scanned the crowd, looking for something to save me from the boredom when I noticed Kalliah no longer stood alone in the corner.

Leif propped his arm against the wall, leaning in to say something to her. How on earth did he get away from the kitchen already? I wanted Kalliah to look this way so I could try to get a better glimpse at the expression on her face as Leif smiled and laughed next to her.

She pressed a hand to his chest, and I gasped, Edmund stammering an apology, asking if he stepped on my toes.

“No, I’m so sorry,” I said. “Only overtaken with excitement from dancing.” He bowed and offered me a reprieve, the Fates finally in my favor.

By the time I turned to look back at Kalliah, she stood alone again. I grasped the hem of my dress, about to make my way toward her, when Lord Casimir West stopped me in my tracks.

Damn it all. This night wouldneverend.

Lord West remained quiet as he spun me around, leaving me to play courtier and lead the conversation. I'd take this over listening to another man droning on about his wealth and knowledge, or expertise of some kind, though.

“Have you been to Ellevail before, Lord West?” I asked.

His eyes raked over me, glancing low at my bodice. I wanted to throw a hand over my chest. It wasn’t the most modest dress. The corset backing made my chest full and put my assets on display. The short dip hadn’t seemed so bad before, but with this man’s gaze lingering, I suddenly felt extremely exposed.

“I haven’t. But I intend on exploring all it has to offer, my future wife.”

A chill crawled up my back as his hand slid lower. I could knee him in the balls right this instant and feign an accident. Perhaps it would teach him to keep his hands, and eyes, to himself. However, an accidental step on his toes would have to do.

“My apologies, my lord,” I attempted to say with a straight face.

Kalliah’s giggling in the corner indicated she witnessed my “supposed” mishap.

I quickly curtsied and turned to try and find something to drink. However, the large body of a man blocked my path.

I swallowed, tilting my head back to look at the face the muscular figure belonged to. Last time we were close, he had his sword against my neck. My heart betrayed me and skipped a beat. A small gasp escaped, as a delicious chill skittered across my arms. He smiled as if he expected women to be so affected in his presence.

The defiant part of me won, shifting out of the way, but Kade Blackthorn softly grasped my arm. “The next song is about to begin, Princess. I’m sure you weren’t leaving before giving all the contenders fair time with you,” he said. “Besides, you have saved the best for last.” A smirk splayed on his face.

He turned me back to the dance floor and led me toward my final waltz, bowing low as he offered me his hand.

I bowed my head and accepted his hand. “Lord…”

“As I said earlier, not lord. Kade. Just Kade.” His grey eyes swirled with mystery as he held my gaze.

I ran my tongue over my teeth, biting back sharp responses as best I could. “It’s nice to meet you,just Kade.I am Princess Illiana.”

His hand wrapped around my body as he held me in a relaxed, yet sturdy posture. He had clearly done this before, and his unwavering composure, even as the crowds of Fae watched his every move, unnerved me.

The king paid especially close attention to this dance. His gaze followed us around the dance floor.

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