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“I don’t give a shit about what Callan wants,” Sloan retorted. “Our job is to guard his ass, not kiss it.”

Finn sighed and extended his arm to Scarlett. She placed her hand on it and allowed him to lead her into the bustle of the ballroom. She looked over her shoulder to find Sloan watching her with a scowl, and she smirked.

“Don’t goad him,” Finn muttered, his eyes scanning the crowd, looking for the prince.

“Shouldn’t you two know where Callan is at all times? You really are pitiful guards, you know,” she said, taking in the elegantly dressed nobility, the music, and the smell of cider and nutmeg and other fall spices.

“We have felt that well these past few weeks, thanks to you,” Finn replied coldly.

Scarlett felt a twinge of guilt. “I will not hurt him,” she whispered. “I only need his help.”

“Then ask for it like a proper person in the proper way,” Finn argued, his words short.

Scarlett tsked. “I would not get within one hundred yards of this castle if it were known where I come from or who I really am, let alone an audience with the Crowned Prince.”

They had come to a stop on the edge of the dance floor, and Scarlett watched as the couples twirled and whirled their way around it. Then she noticed the gaggle of young women on the opposite side of the room and followed their stares. Callan was dancing with a young woman in a rust orange gown. Her mask was one of gold and her long brown hair was curled elegantly down her back. Her skin was golden, and she didn’t have the air of one enamored by the prince. She danced with him confidently, her chin high. No flirty smile, but a look of pure possessiveness, as if she dared anyone to try and interrupt her dance with him.

“That is Lady Veda Lairwood,” Finn said, noting her stare.

“Lairwood? Daughter of Lord Lairwood? Hand to the King?” Scarlett asked curiously as Callan and Veda conversed while they danced.

“One and the same,” Finn answered.

“Are they involved?”

“That is the desire of Lady Veda,” Finn said with a shrug. “She is likely the closest one to that goal of all the nobility in attendance this evening.”

“And Callan? Does he return such an intention?”

“PrinceCallan,” Finn said with reproach, “will avoid taking anyone as his bride until his father forces him, I’m guessing. He finds the women of the court far too…predictable.”

“Why?” Scarlett asked.

“Because none of the women here would slip him notes in a secluded clearing or sneak books into his bedroom. Not without trying to get into his bed with him.” At his words, Scarlett slid her eyes to him, but his eyes were on the prince now. She returned her own eyes to the prince just in time to see his eyes settle on her.

Callan’s features went still, and even from a distance, she could see his eyes widen in shock. Lady Veda was telling him something, but his attention was now fully on Scarlett. She felt Finn tense beside her.

“Sloan is watching from the other side of the ballroom. I shall monitor this side,” Finn said quietly. “The castle guards are everywhere, and the Captain of the Guard has been warned of an anonymous threat against Callan. Do not do anything stupid.”

“Why would you think I would?” Scarlett asked. She had meant it to sound arrogant, but it came out quieter than intended.

“Because you sneak into not only the castle, but the Crown Prince’s private chambers. That is incredibly stupid.”

“It’s only stupid if I get caught, which I have yet to do, so I would call it brilliance,” Scarlett replied, masking her nerves as the song came to an end. Callan barely glanced at Lady Veda as he said something to her and left her standing on the dance floor. She swallowed hard as he made his way towards her, his eyes locked on her own.

“Do not hurt him,” Finn said quietly into her ear. And Scarlett knew he did not mean with a blade.

“That’s not what this is,” Scarlett started to argue, but then Callan was before them.

“You came,” he said, his eyes darting to where she still held Finn’s arm.

“It would be foolish to refuse an invitation from a prince, would it not?” Scarlett replied with a tilt of her head.

“Do I get to ask you to dance, or do I need to write it on a piece of paper and leave it for you to find somewhere?” Callan said, leaning in to whisper in her ear.

His breath was hot against her cheek, and she felt herself flush slightly,but she smiled like a cat and said, “I believe this evening, Prince, you need to ask my escort.”

“Be careful,” was all Finn said as he allowed the prince to take her hand from his arm and lead her to the dance floor.