Page 68 of Shadows of Ruin

An explosive chorus of cheers echoed throughout the ballroom.

“That is not, however, the only thing we have to celebrate,” he continued. His eyes met mine, and that cruel smirk ticked at his lips. “Our prince is home. We have waited many months for his return, some of us more than others.” He winked toward a gaggle of giggling women to his right. “Eligible maidens of Mysthaven, tonight is your time to shine, for Prince Kade is in search of a wife. Perhaps you will be our next queen, should you prove yourself worthy to our prince.”

The room buzzed as women chattered excitedly. The energy became palpable as the reason for celebrating became even more apparent.

I scoffed and earned a side-eye from Raya, who I hadn’t even realized had made her way to me again. She surprised me by pressing another glass into my hand. I tipped it back. Water. I glared at her.

“I have no interest in watching you make a fool of yourself,” she whispered. “At least take a glass of water in between your alcohol.”

I conceded, finishing the sobering substance like it might somehow calm the anger coursing through my veins.

I looked to find Kade, but he stood smiling with Jax. Looking totally content. Even with his father’s words.

He still hadn’t so much as glanced over at me. And for a man who was so insistent I not be left alone with the king, that I needed protecting, I had now been left in his clutches numerous times.

The king signaled to the quartet to begin playing once more as he returned to his throne. Immediately, a group of women surrounded his chair, offering him food and drink. One held a strawberry above his mouth, and I scowled, shuddering at the ostentatiousness. Everyone presented themselves as though they lived to serve him.Disgusting.

I grabbed a drink from a passing server, debating throwing it back just as I had the first.

“If you don’t slow down, you will be on the floor. And I, for one, will not be holding your hair back tonight should you become ill,” Raya scolded. “Watching over you only goes so far.”

“Oh, don’t you worry, Raya. No need to hold my hair back when it’s already up. Let’s just survive the night, all right?”

She sighed. “Fine. Let’s get this over with.”

Kade finished his next dance and immediately began dancing with another, sweeping her off her feet. Laughing with her, smiling at her in a way I thought was only meant for me.

Jealousy nipped at me. I didn’t know I could ever feel such a way before, at least not like this. Maybe the alcohol exacerbated it. Right, this had to be alcohol. Never mind I hadn’t nearly enough to drink yet. My jealousywasn’tthis strong.

I finished my glass of wine, relishing the minor numbing warmth tingling through my body.

As Kade began his fourth dance of the evening, still without a single acknowledgment of my presence, I conceded he could dance with whomever he wanted. I knew he had to put on a front for the king, but it hurt nonetheless. Despite allwe had been through, my body ached at our separation when we were so close. Others touching him, pawing at him, it gutted me in a way that made no sense. While I knew he had much to answer for—lies, deceit, a prophecy—my heart craved him and his shadows.

I wouldn’t let this bother me. Not now.

A man with a silver helmet on his head and a blood-red uniform came and stood before us. A Guardian. A cocky one, too, if the mischief in his eyes served as an indication.

“The king would like for you to dance with Prince Kade,” the guard said roughly.

I looked over at the king, and he waved his hand at me. A sickening smile graced his face as the scantily clad woman to his right fed him more berries.

“You may tell King Dargan I am fine where I am and have no intention of dancing with the prince since he made it so clear I am less than worthy of his attention.”

The guard stared at me, unwavering in his expression. “You will dance with Prince Kade as the king commands it, or I will be forced to take you over there myself. You won’t like how I handle you. The choice is yours, girl.”

“It’s Princess, actually, and?—”

Raya quickly stepped in front of me, glancing between me, the king, and the guard. “She will go. No need to threaten anyone, Braum.” Raya turned to me. “You. Go. Now.”

I wanted to argue, but her hateful stare shut me up. “Fine.”

Making my way through the slew of tables, I followed Braum. The entire room stood between us, and Fae lingered everywhere, making it difficult to pass through the masses. Fae stood eating, drinking, and some went so far as to be kissing and exploring each other already. All right here, out in the open. This wasnotthe kind of ball I was used to attending.

Kade finally noticed me making my way toward him,when the king, again, motioned in our direction, indicating his desire for us to dance together. A sinister smile graced his face.

He rose. “As some of you may have heard during today’s oath, we have the honor of hosting a visiting dignitary.”

I gritted my teeth.

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