Page 95 of The Promised Prince
Renna clamped her mouth shut. She wasn’t about to give anything away to the irritable man; he already seemed to know too much.
“Don’t pretend like you don’t know what I’m talking about. I’m excellent at reading people,” he boasted.
Her mouth remained shut.
“We can help each other, you know.” He tilted his head so he could see her better. “We both want the same thing—for Ezra to suffer.”
Renna kept her face expressionless. Was that what she wanted? For Trev to suffer? She had hoped he’d notice her in the dress. Hoped he’d feel a small part of the hurt that had torn through her yesterday like a tornado. But to hear it come from Joniss’s mouth like that, like they were plotting some big scheme? It all sounded so callous. The truth was, despite her broken heart, she wanted Trev to be happy. She wanted happiness for Seran and her mother too. Fighting over a love that was never meant to be hers was the most foolish thing she had ever done.
Renna stiffened when Joniss’s hand slid farther down her back—lower than any other man had dared that night. The audacity of this guy was astonishing. She reached around her back and pulled his hand up until it was at a more respectable level.
“My hand placement was strictly strategic, I assure you.” Joniss gave her an innocent smirk. “I’m only trying to help you with Ezra.”
“How considerate of you.” She gave him a warning look, but it didn’t seem to faze him. “But I don’t need any help with Prince Ezra. I’m afraid you’re not as good at reading people as you think. Nothing is going on between Prince Ezra and me.”
The song ended, and Renna stepped back.
“I’m going to need proof that I’m wrong about you two. Proof that I’m not good at reading people,” Joniss said.
“What?”
“Prove it,” he challenged.
Before Renna could say anything else, Joniss grabbed her hand and led her through the crowd toward Trev.
Trev
“Ezra! I thoughtit was time you danced with your soon-to-be sister-in-law,” Joniss said, pulling Renna toward the royal table where he sat with Seran, the king, and a few high rulers.
Hate was a strong word, but after tonight, Trev could definitely say hehatedJoniss.
Renna shook her head in protest. “I...I...think he should dance with Seran.” Her pleading eyes looked back at Joniss.
“Yes, I agree. Ezra should dance with the princess.” His father weighed in on the matter a little too quickly.
Trev stood. “Sorry to disappoint you, Joniss, but I promised Seran we would dance again.” Trev stretched his hand out in front of Seran, willing her to take him up on it.
“I’m actually a little tired.” Seran’s expression was guarded.
Trev felt desperate. He couldn’t dance with Renna. Not tonight.
“Perfect! Renna can keep Ezra company while you rest. You don’t mind, Princess, do you?” Joniss raised one cunning eyebrow.
“Of course not. Why would I mind?” Seran flashed a calculated smile at Joniss.
Trev remembered Seran’s words. She’d said Renna was harmless, but he wasn’t sure Seran genuinely believed that. Was this a test?
“Actually, Ezra should be getting ready for the signing of the treaty.” His father stood abruptly. The desperation in his father’s voice added to Trev’s panic.
Maxwell Doman, still sitting at the table, began to laugh. “What are you going to do, Your Majesty, go fetch the pens? I’m sure Gaines has everything prepared already.”
“He’s right,” Levi Karda added. “Let the boy enjoy himself.”
“I apologize.” Renna looked to the king and the group of men around the table, pretty much anywhere but at Trev. “I’m a little thirsty. I think I’ll sit this next song out.”
“Renna, it’s just a dance.” Joniss gave her a pointed look before turning to Trev. “Unless, Ezra, you can think of some reason why you twoshouldn’tdance.”
Joniss was manipulating him, and there was nothing he could do about it.
