Page 35 of The Midnight Blizzard

“Taking notes, just as always,” Jack said with a ghost of a smile. “I have to assess everyone’s poise and grace.”

“You could always dance with me and find out for yourself about my poise,” I suggested, “instead of just writingdown what someone else tells you. You said yourself that it is very similar to ice skating.”

He grinned. “I shall find a way to be the lucky one to dance with you, and will try to appear like I’m not enjoying it too much.”

Chapter 12

Most unfortunately, it was Prince Stephen who danced with me for the majority of that evening. He politely inquired about my interests and childhood but didn’t ask any questions about Kodiak, and I was unsure how to address his misunderstanding from before. When was the appropriate time to bring up that I wasn’t a widowed, single mother? I debated asking him about funding options for the school, but if the bill was passed, as it should be, I would be able to drop out and get my inheritance back. I wouldn’t need to trouble Stephen about finances when he was looking for a wife.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jack staring at us, not writing anything down on the papers he clutched with an overly tight grip. Stephen hadn’t been holding me any closer than was normal for two dance partners, but I found myself pulling away ever so slightly, trying to show Jack from afar and without words what my feelings were toward Stephen.

“I wish we could walk out to the balcony for more privacy,” Stephen said, casting an eye at the windowswhere drifts of snow swirled past. “I have a great deal I’d like to discuss with you.”

My insides clenched, well aware that Stephen was showing more attention to me than to any other woman here. Should I tell him I was planning to withdraw once my stepmother handed over the will? I should, but if Stephen had me leave before I had the will in hand, there would be no way for me to get the inheritance I needed to reopen the school. Valencia wouldn’t hand it over when she could keep it and have her daughters advance. Then there was the issue of the meeting with the king tomorrow. I couldn’t have him let me go yet.

“Perhaps a stroll down the hall, then?” I suggested. “I love the tapestries in the north wing.”

“An excellent suggestion,” Stephen said, guiding me toward the door. Vanessa glared daggers at me as Stephen and I left the ballroom, and Vallia stared at her shoes.

It was as though I could feel the relationship-heavy questions churning in Stephen’s mind as we walked toward the north wing. Eager to avoid that topic, I hurriedly told him, “My stepmother and I have a bill we’re presenting to your father tomorrow. It’s to grant equal rights to mages.”

He perked up. “I’ve been hoping for that,” he said warmly as he patted my fingers looped into his elbow. “That is something I care deeply about. I’m hopeful that the person I marry shares my same concern for the mage population.”

“I’m sure you’ll do a great service for mages in your time as king,” I said evasively before abruptly changing the topic. “This tapestry is beautiful.” Eager to redirect his attention, I pointed at the nearest tapestry without examining it first.

Stephen raised an eyebrow. “I wouldn’t describe it as beautiful, exactly.”

I looked at it. The tapestry depicted a battle scene of knights hunting a wild boar. Crimson blood was splattered at the base of a pear tree, a spear jutting out of it while a partridge flapped its wings in the branches above. “I…I just meant…the stitchery is well-done. The realism is admirable. Do you need to get back to the other women? I’m sure they’re all eager to dance with you.”

“I’m sure they are,” he sighed. “Several of them are rather aggressive in dropping hints about wanting a proposal.” Then he blanched. “I didn’t mean to sound unkind about any of them. I apologize. I know you have two stepsisters here as well.”

“Then you will know how much I understand their behavior. Nothing you’ve said surprises me, particularly if you meant Vanessa.”

Tension melted from Stephen’s shoulders. “I should think more before I speak.”

“If you did that, you might end up eternally silent.”

He chuckled quietly. The entrance back into the ballroom was visible at the end of the long corridor. Already, some of the women had poked their heads out, waiting for Stephen’s return. His arm stiffened under my fingers and his footsteps slowed until we were moving at glacial speed.

“I’d like to see you again tomorrow,” Stephen said.

“Assuming I’m allowed to stay.”

“I can tell you right now that you will be asked to stay. I enjoy your company.” Stephen said it in a matter-of-fact tone that wasn’t the least bit romantic, but still, guilt crept in. It felt like I was betraying Jack’s trust by receiving such comments from Stephen.

“And I enjoy your friendship as well, but…I must be honest.” I swallowed and braced myself. No inheritance was worth toying with someone’s affections. “You’re wonderful, but I…I’m not in love with you.”

“I know.” Wholly unfazed by my confession, Stephen smiled. “As a matter of fact, I struggle to believe that anyone can fall in love in the short period of time we’ve had together. It is concerning when women profess to love me when they know nothing about me.”

My muscles relaxed. “And how often are you receiving these confessions of love?”

“As of late, several times a day,” Stephen responded heavily.

“I’m sure many men would be elated to have so many declarations of love,” I teased.

Stephen wearily shook his head. “One woman is more than enough for a man to handle. Any man who wishes to entertain multiple women has either never done so or is a cad.”

“A very honorable outlook,” I told Stephen. We began walking at a normal pace again. Once we got back, he would be nabbed by one or more of the girls hovering around the threshold.

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