Page 7 of The Shadows Between Us
“As an earl, I’m sure you understand that I had to give her the best title offered. As much as I appreciate our friendship, my dearest Chrysantha…”
I close my eyes tightly. Chrysantha is the last thing I want everyone to be discussing. This night is aboutme.
“Father, another dance is starting.” I set my empty glass on the table and tug at his arm.
Remembering the purpose for this excursion, Father excuses us and pulls me in line with the other dancers. I try to hide my ire. Even at a party where Chrysantha is absent and Father is bent on helping me catch the eye of the king, he can’t help but speak of his favorite. The daughter who looks like Mother and shares her gentle demeanor.
“The line is gone,” Father says as we perform the first steps, his focus now returning to the king.
“Just keep dancing. Do not look at the king any longer.”
“But he’s watching us.”
“Ignore him.”
In my periphery, I see the king shift in his seat, as though he caught himself in one position for too long because he was occupied.
Occupied with me.
My anger drifts away at the thought. This song is faster, requiring more dexterity and concentration. As Father’s face blurs in front of me, I’m able to forget all about the king. There is nothing but the tempo pounding in time to my heartbeat and the feel of my feet sweeping across the floor.
Before the song can come to a close, the music cuts off abruptly. The couples around us scatter, and Father brings our dance to a halt.
The king is approaching, his shadows sweeping behind him as he moves. I try to quiet my breathing from the exerting dance as Father takes my arm in his and turns to greet our sovereign.
“Your Majesty,” Father says, bowing.
I curtsy along with him.
“Lord Masis,” the king says with a nod. “I don’t believe I’m acquainted with your dance partner.”
I keep my eyes just to the right of the king. Though I don’t see it, I can feel the king’s eyes taking me in from head to toe. He’s been watching me for the last fifteen minutes at least, but now he takes his time with his close-up view.
“Forgive me, sire,” Father says. “May I introduce my second-born, Lady Alessandra Stathos.”
The king tilts his head at an angle. “You did not get in line with the other ladies, Lady Stathos. Is the dance floor more interesting than I am?” His voice is a deep baritone; not quite soothing, but powerful.
I fight a smile as I allow our eyes to meet for the first time. A delicious jolt shoots through my entire body at the connection.
His eyes are the green of the sea, of crashing waves and violent winds. There’s something dangerous in the depths of them, something exciting, and I realize right then that feigning disinterest will be difficult.
When I finally manage to pull my gaze away, I let it travel downward, taking in the king slowly while he watches. Assessing him properly from the tips of his black hair to the base of his shined boots.
“Yes,” I conclude.
The air leaves my father in a painful-sounding squeak.
But the Shadow King lets out one low laugh.
“I saw ladies leaving the ball in tears,” I continue. “It seemed speaking with Your Majesty was a sure way to get kicked out. I wasn’t about to let that happen before I joined in the dancing.”
“Is it the dancing you like? Or are you merely looking to show off your”—he darts a quick look down to my legs—“dress?”
“Are you mocking my outfit? I designed it myself.”
“Quite the opposite. I rather like it.” A pinch of humor lurks at the edges of his lips. I think it might be at my expense, and I don’t like that one bit.
I say, “Give me your measurements, and I can have one made for you.”
