Page 252 of The Sins of Silas

I hated myself when I saw my wife’s face crumple, and as she went to turn away, I grasped her arm. “I’m sorry, Erabella…”

She refused to meet my stare for a few moments before she shot me a glare over her shoulder, a single tear trailing down her face.

I released her arm and watched as she hurried out of the ballroom.

I should go after her—convince her that it’s her that I love. My feelings for Lena aside, she was my wife, and I would choose her.

But I couldn’t…because I wouldn't.

I angled my body in the opposite direction, wishing to drown my sorrow in liquor once I saw Lena in Valter’s arms, smiling as they danced to the more upbeat tune that was now playing.

This Prince seemed kind—just. He seemed like the type who would never be led astray, whose morals would remain despite anything life threw at him.

Lena fit in with the people here. They treated her with the respect she deserved, unlike Otacia, who viewed her as a mere peasant. As a monster.

She deserved better than me. Better than my kingdom. I knew that. But I didn’t know if it was possible for another to love her as much as I did.

I trekked to the punch bowl, filling up another glass.

Viola had her arms crossed beside it, staring off at those on the dance floor. Her purple braids were freshly styled—tight to her scalp. But unlike before, where all her braids reached the ends of her hair, this time, the intricate design remained on her scalp, the rest of her long hair loose and curly. Well, aside from the few braids scattered throughout, adorning the silver rings I had gifted her. A few of her curls were pulled loose, framing her face.

She looked fantastic. In her pointed ears dangled a pair of diamond earrings, and the sparkling grey gown she wore seemed even brighter against her smooth, dark skin.

“Don’t dance much?” I asked lightly.

Her purple eyes slid to mine, her lip curving upward. “Not as much fun without a date.”

My brows drew together. “I thought you and Merrick—”

“He dumped me just before this.”

My eyes widened. “O-oh. My apologies.” I turned my head, noticing that the Empath was nowhere to be seen.

She shrugged, sipping her drink. “It's not like we were actually dating. I will always love Merrick. But he was right. He and I aren’t a match in that way.”

“Still hurts, I imagine,” I mumbled, sipping the sweet drink. The alcohol burned in my throat, a warmth blooming in my chest. Just what I needed.

She shrugged again, and I gave her a half-smile. “You’re a beautiful woman, Viola. Surely there is someone here who’d wish to have a dance with you.”

She quirked a brow at me, and I downed my drink before holding my hand out to her.

She analyzed my offer for a moment, then cursed, throwing her drink back. When she grasped my hand, I led her to the dance floor.

Viola was a confident woman, but as my arm went around her waist, her almond eyes darted up to mine in uncertainty.

“I like the new look," I said, motioning to her new hair.

She grinned as we began to sway. “Thank you. I've been dying to have it done—I'm thankful there are people here who know how to workwith my hair type.” She hesitated. “And I'm really grateful for the hair rings, Silas.”

I laughed through my nose. “I know you are. I'm glad you like them…unless you're wearing them out of pity.”

She laughed loudly, her body loosening as we continued to move to the music. “I love them,” she assured me.

“Who would’ve guessed that in the span of a few months, you would go from wishing to decapitate me to being my dancing partner,” I teased.

She laughed at that. “I still may wish to decapitate you.”

I snorted, then twirled her around. When she was back in my arms, she asked, “What was that with Lena?”

---