Page 27 of The Fury She Holds
He eased himself down beside her. “I have to agree with you.”
“Do you attend these often?” she asked the stars.
“Only if I have to. I usually try to sneak away when no one is watching.” His silky voice drifted around her.
The night sky spun as she breathed in the unfamiliar smell of grass. Her companion’s quiet breaths drowned out the couples chatting on the balcony.
Fabric scraped along his arms when he propped himself to face her. “Did you fall asleep?” He chuckled.
“No.” She paused. “Simply enjoying the quiet.”
The melody from the string quartet filled the space between them. “This is quiet to you?”
She could feel him watching her. She wondered why he entertained her, but a warm wind blew, and the thought evaporated. Thanks to her numerous drinks that evening, she didn’t care much about anything. “It is,” she replied.
Daire called her name from the balcony.
She groaned. “It appears I’m missed.” She struggled to stand. Her companion sat transfixed as if he couldn’t curb his curiosity for the guest who clearly didn’t fit in. The man who invited her happened to be the lowest in status at the masquerade, and she didn’t deserve to be athisside, much less with the man sitting in front of her, whoever he may be. “Thank you for… catching me.” She attempted a slight bow, which earned her another chuckle, and she realized she should have curtsied instead.
“It’s been a pleasure.” He bowed his head, and Tal tore her eyes away with difficulty.
She reached the balcony and Daire turned in her direction. “Where have you been?” he hissed. “I’ve been looking all over for you.” He reached for her elbow, but she pulled away.
“I needed fresh air.”
“You’re drunk,” he snapped.
“What else is new?” She waved him away. Daire had spent enough nights with her and her friends to know she wasn’t one to hold back on ale. Why would wine be any different? She started toward the ballroom.
The quartet picked up its tempo. Daire sighed. “The dancing is starting. At least come inside and have one dance with me.”
“You know I don’t do these silly things. I don’t want to be paraded around, and, as you clearly pointed out, I’m not at my best.” She pushed through the doors into the ballroom, and the upbeat waltz carried on the stuffy air.
Servants bustled about cleaning tables, the clinking of dishes adding to the din. Groups of ladies stood on the edge of the dance floor eyeing groups of men opposite them. She caught sight of Rainier, who tilted his head and scrutinized her scowl. She shrugged, trying to convey that she was a lost cause for the night, and headed for their table. On the ballroom floor, couples danced in perfectly choreographed synchronization. Men dipped and lifted their partners whose dresses billowed out like puffed pastries.
She reached the table and plopped into her seat, noting the plate of cake, pastries, and a bowl of vanilla pudding at her setting. Daire sat down with finesse.
“I made sure they saved some for you.” He nodded stiffly at the desserts.
“How gentlemanly of you,” she replied. “Thank you.” However much he grated on her nerves, Daire knew how much Talwyn relished sweet treats. She ate in silence, savoring the taste. Two songs passed before she attempted conversation. “So, tell me.” She searched the faces at the table. “Have any of you heard anything about mages kidnapping women in the docks?”
Daire choked on a sip of water and had to dab at his jacket with a napkin. “Talwyn.” He chuckled nervously. His eyes darted from one appalled expression to the next. “That is not the proper topic for such a setting.”
“But certainly, it’s the perfect opportunity for it. It’s not every day I’m surrounded by such esteemed company. Perhaps some of our friends,” she gestured to a noblewoman who clutched her jeweled necklace, “have heard something.”
Daire leaned in close and whispered in her ear, “This is not the place. Drop it.”
Talwyn opened her mouth to respond when a newcomer cleared his throat. She felt Daire stiffen beside her.
“May I have the honor of a dance?” asked her savior from the balcony, standing to her left. His eyes remained on her, his right hand held outward.
Talwyn searched the faces all focused on her. “With me?” she asked, a bit confused.
In the new lighting, his mask served as a ridiculous distraction. It obscured the shape of his face, hanging just over his upper lip and revealing only a strong jaw and the lower half of a handsome smile. With a nod, he answered, “Absolutely.”
Talwyn shook her head slightly. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know the dances. And I still haven’t finished my dessert.” She gestured to the bowl of pudding in front of her.
“Don’t be silly, my lady,” Daire said loudly. “Of course you would like to dance.” When Tal glared at him, he whispered, “Go. You cannot refuse him.”
