Page 23 of Untamed

But there wasn’t time to ask for a repeat. A violin wailed, signaling the beginning of a song. I placed my gloved hand in the middle, touching the fingertips of the other ladies in my circle. About two dozen other groups of women did the same. Once thedanzastarted, I stumbled to copy the moves. Minerva chortled at my footwork and laughter filled the dance floor. Thedanzawasn’t meant to be pretty, and I liked it.

Once the couple’s dances started, Jaime kept his promise to be my partner. He placed a firm hand at the small of my back and lifted my hand high with the other. The melody and dance told a story about a couple teasing the other. Sweat drippedalong my hairline. My feet ached and my arms grew tired, but I didn’t want to quit.

Someone tapped Jaime’s shoulder. “May I?” Zichri’s stockier brother asked in his deep voice.

Jaime didn’t let go. He searched my expression. “Sorry, Prince Hugo, the lady is taken the next several dances.”

But the Prince Hugo fellow didn’t move from his spot next to us. “Señor Jaime, will you not introduce your rose?”

I swallowed a lump of apprehension that grew as Jaime clenched his jaw.

“Laude, meet Prince Hugo of Himzo.” Jaime limply gestured toward the prince. “He’s the second son of Himzo.”

“And the one with an eye for beauty.” He shook my hand with a firm grip. His dark brown gaze felt like it could see into my soul.

I dipped into a slow curtsy, unsure how the Himzo greeted a prince at such an event.

A chuckle emanated from deep in his throat with a musical quality. “I beg you to make me the happiest man at theceremonia. May I have this dance?”

How could he make such a claim? My thoughts ran away from me and spilled out my mouth. “That’s a mighty big claim especially since…” I tapped my fingers over my lips having forgotten how my accent gave me away.

Jaime only took an appropriate step back but kept his attention trained on us in a protective manner. He mouthed, “Are you all right?”

Nodding, I mouthed, “Stay close.”

Prince Hugo swept me into his arms, leading me into the next dance. I twisted and tripped, but Prince Hugo nearly lifted me into the appropriate position.

He drew me closer. “You’re from Giddel.”

The hairs on my arms rose, and my back stiffened at his confident declaration.

“Don’t fret. I know about Zichri’s princess and about you. It took me a moment to make the connection, but that flame on your finger left me in no doubt.”

I bit my bottom lip. Why was he telling me this?

“Laude, I want you to listen carefully.” His lyrical accent had a soothing effect. “I am not your enemy, and you are welcome in Himzo.” He spun me away and then back into one arm so that our bodies lined side to side, his grip tightened around my waist, and he held my hand high. “There’s change stirring, and my only goal is to free the peasants from the Agata Sea Treaty oppression.”

I snorted out of nerves. “Oppression?”

“You don’t know the restraints they’ve put on our powers. One day, your flame will be a furnace and not only the rich will have the most powerful abilities.” He spun me and shifted me to face him. The sincerity on his face made him seem welcoming, but then again, Beatriz had once believed her best friend was good and he turned out to be a power-hungry traitor.

“Prince Hugo, why tell me all this? I’m a mere maid who was elevated to a lady because of some stroke of favor.”

Prince Hugo shook his head. “I know your story better than you think.” The violins shrieked their final long notes, marking the end of the song. Prince Hugo leaned close to my ear. “You are no mere maid.”

“How would you know anything about me?” A giggle escaped. The absurdity of his statement tickled some curiosity deep inside me.

“Ahh…have you ever asked Queen Cottia about your parents?” Prince Hugo smirked as if he’d said something so clever.

I rolled my eyes. “Only every night for years. Prince Hugo, you can liberate the powers for people all you like, but please don’t stir waters that are already settled.” I pushed my palms against his chest to get distance from him, but he caught my wrists with a pleading expression. The song had already ended. New couples walked onto the dance floor.

Jaime craned his neck around a burly man, but the man stepped to the side like a giant hedge.

“What do you know of Queen Cottia’s past?” he asked.

“More than you.” I ripped my wrists from his grip and stretched my neck for a better view of Jaime, but Prince Hugo blocked my view.

“I highly doubt that.” A playful lilt touched his tone.

---