Page 8 of Beast and Remedy
Vinzent peers over his shoulder at the crowd. “Indeed. However, I am surprised no other kingdoms are present to honor your daughters.”
“Yes, you know most have their own dealings to manage. But did you not hear the news?” Papa asks with enthusiasm. “Queen Tove is with child. We are planning to visit them for the Celebration of Spirits.”
Remembering my own interactions with the King and Queen of Palaena, my thoughts drift to the last time I sawhimat a masquerade ball almost five years ago…
Sweet Makers.
“I was unaware of the news. I should offer my congrats in my next correspondence.” The King of Northtry’s voice drags my attention back. “Children are true blessings. My son and daughter are my pride and joy.”
“I feel the same.” My father tilts his head toward Marian and me.
My twin clears her throat. “Prince Stefan, a pleasure to see you this evening.” She smiles and gulps.
Is she nervous?
I glance to the man beside King Vinzent, realization dawning.
The Prince of Northtry, tall and broad, wears a onyx crown like his father’s over slicked-back brown hair. The only warmth from him is his deep golden complexion, the rest of his appearance is cold, dark, and calculating. From his russet irises to his solid black ensemble and sharp bone structure, the man is intimidating. He is devastating to behold.
It’s beenagessince I’ve seen him last.
Or it’s been a while since you’ve paid anyone good looking notice, Vi.
Prince Stefan’s hooded eyes fixate on my sister and me as he smirks and bows. “The true pleasure is beholding your beauty, Princesses. May I have the honor of the next dance with you, Princess Vivienne?”
Marian stiffens, and I blurt, “Actually, I—”
Pierre cuts me off with a cough, a clear and subtle reminder of myduties.
I groan internally as I alter my statement. “It would be my honor, Your Highness.” I offer my twin my plate and hersaddened features have me adding, “With the promise you will offer a dance to my sister.”
“I wouldn’t want it any other way.” The prince winks, and Marian inhales sharply.
“Th-Thank you, Your Highness,” Marian says through her reddening cheeks.
The song reaches its end, applause echoing through the ballroom as Prince Stefan offers me his upturned palm.
I twist to the King of Northtry. “Thank you for visiting Belmur, Your Majesty. We are grateful you and your son could attend and hope to continue our peaceful alliance with you.”
“Happy name day, Princess Vivienne,” the king replies as I accept his son’s hand, letting him guide me to the dance floor.
Prince Stefan wears the same smug expression as his father when we face each other and position for a waltz.
My height is close to his, and I appreciate how I won’t have to kink my neck for socializing with him. But the instant his touch meets my waist, unease and discomfort return as it did with my other dance partners tonight.
The wine and cake churn in my gut, and the pang of longing clamps around my heart.
My melancholy soul shudders. Withers.
None of them are him and none of them will ever behim.
I suppress my heartache as I attempt to socialize. “How were your travels to Belmur?”
“They were well, thank you,” Prince Stefan says as the music beckons us to drift apart. He spins me back with grace and ease. “Have you traveled beyond your home recently?”
“I have not had an occasion to as of late,” I lie.
I have traveled outside of Belmur, but it’s not something I care to discuss.Especiallywith neighboring kingdoms.
