Fireblood (Fireblood 1)

Her lips twitch, and she covers her mouth with a gloved hand. I scrunch my eyebrows and look at Sebastian, but his face is stoic. I realize my blunder. Madity coached me not to bow or curtsy to others of a lower station now that I’m considered royalty. Heat splashes my cheeks.

Cecily doesn’t acknowledge my ignorance for long. She quickly moves her gaze to Sebastian. “You’re not going to sit out the Branle, are you, Prince Sebastian?” She twirls a perfectly coiled blonde curl around her finger.

Standing awkwardly by his side, I look up to Sebastian as he clears his throat. “Actually, my princess needs a respite.” His eyes glance at me. “She’s weary from today’s events.”

I open my mouth to agree, but Cecily cuts in. “It would be an honor to dance in her stead.” She moves closer to Sebastian. “I would hate for you to miss out on your favorite dance.” She puckers her mouth into a pout.

Oh, for heaven’s sake. “Please, Miss Cecily,” I say. “I’d appreciate you keeping the prince entertained while I rest.” I give Sebastian a curt nod, then quit their company before my supper makes an unwanted appearance on the dance floor.

As I weave my way toward the table, I force my jaw to unclench. If dancing with Sebastian and laughing at my lack of etiquette gives this noble girl satisfaction, so be it. It only vexes me a small amount that she believes she’s… well, vexed me.

I settle down in my chair and release a heavy breath. Lugging my gown around is tiring work, though at least Madity removed the train after the ceremony. I find myself missing her company as

I watch the nobles dance and laugh. She’s the closest thing I have to a friend here.

Sebastian and Cecily hold hands and dance around the room, skipping and clapping and laughing with the other courtiers. I’ll admit, Sebastian is a fine dancer. Cecily equals his grace, making them stand out amid the others. They look good together, evenly matched in both beauty and elegance. Why didn’t he choose her? She obviously wouldn’t be despondent over marrying the prince of Karm.

Sebastian cuts out of the dance early and joins me at the table. He’s quiet, and I choose to say nothing about Cecily. I’ve met many of the court ladies tonight, and all have been flirtatious toward Sebastian and standoffish with me. I’m sure this will become the norm for my relationships with them.

I sigh, missing Hadley with a deep ache. After seeing her drawn face tonight, I realize it will never be the same. I don’t know whether she assumes I’ll ignore her because of my new station, or if she’s upset because this was her dream. She’ll never know that I’ve been removed to this place, and wouldn’t disregard her on purpose, though that doesn’t matter now. I must sever ties. I don’t want to endanger anyone when I run. She’ll honestly have no knowledge of my whereabouts.

I push the heavy thoughts from my mind and scan the room. Devlan’s attention is still taken. I try to spot the couple on the floor, but they’re no longer dancing. The girl in the cream dress is just slipping through the arched doorway. Larkin stands at a table for a moment, then sets down his wine and follows after her. Scandalous, indeed.

Devlan takes a step forward as if he’s going to pursue them, but halts. His eyes shoot in our direction—to me. His features are strained, his brow furrowed, but he chooses to come to us instead of chasing down the couple.

I grab a dinner roll and tear small pieces onto my plate, giving my hands something to do. What is the story behind the gray-eyed knight and the girl in the cream dress? If I asked Devlan, would he tell me? I shake my head. I have too many worries of my own to make it my business.

Sebastian stands to meet Devlan as he approaches. “Devlan,” he says. “All is well?”

“Yes, Your Highness. Everyone is enjoying themselves.” His eyes dart to me, then back to Sebastian.

“Then I suggest you do the same,” Sebastian says. “There’s a room full of waiting maidens and you’re hovering over us. Go.” He flicks his wrist, waving his hand toward the dance floor. “Find one to entertain you for the night.”

Devlan bows his head. “Yes, my lord,” he says, but his eyes seek mine through his dark fringe of lashes. As if he’s waiting for my dismissal. He’s now my personal guard, but does that mean watching over me even while I’m in Sebastian’s presence?

I meet his eyes and nod lightly, assuring him that I’m all right.

He bows his head farther. “Princess Zara.” Turning on his heel, he departs. He heads toward the opposite end of the room, and I watch him go, oddly concerned if I did the right thing.

“That was unnecessary,” I say, keeping my eyes on Devlan as he maneuvers through the dancing crowd. “I don’t need a personal guard, Sebastian.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Sebastian drinks his wine, taking two long pulls. “Devlan is my best knight. I trust him above all to keep you safe.”

I cock an eyebrow and look at him. “Safe from what?”

“Zara…” He breathes my name. “Not now.” His voice is stern, and I can hear the warning. “I’ll happily discuss this with you another time and bicker till your bickering heart is content, but right now,” he takes my hand, “indulge me. Pretend you are a new, happily betrothed princess enamored with her prince.” A smile spreads across his face and he laces his fingers through mine.

For now, I give in to his wishes. It won’t do me any good to start a fight here, demanding to know things. Soon I’ll need him to believe that I am happy, or at least content, if I’m going to escape. If he continues to question me, placing guards to monitor my every move, I’ll never get away.

I grit my teeth and force a smile. It seems to satisfy him, and he swallows down the last of his wine.

“Here.” I push his empty glass aside. “Let me get you another.” He’s stunned silent by my offer, but I leave before he can question me. Maybe if he gets drunk enough he’ll pass out. Then I can return to my chamber and be rid of this night.

As I’m taking a newly filled goblet from the wine table, I spy Devlan talking into his communicator, his eyes hard and intense.

I glance around at all the other knights laughing and dancing, then back to Devlan’s wary expression. His eyes snap to me, and the worry within their blue depths stirs renewed fear in my chest.

I suspect I’m missing something tonight, and it’s much bigger than the prince’s betrothal.