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“Oh,” she said, surprise dancing across her features.

“And what’s a ball without wine?”

I placed a brief kiss on her hand, then released it and strode over to the buffet table against the wall where I’d set the champagne bottles and three glasses.

I tore the gold foil off one, then popped the cork, catching it in my palm as a flurry of foam gushed from the spout and spilled over my hand. I hastily poured the bubbly, rose gold liquid into the glasses, then wiped my hand on the tablecloth before bringing the glasses to Aliya as Tannin joined us.

I handed one to each of them, then raised my glass in the space between us. “To a bright new beginning and to our cherished princess.”

Tannin clinked his glass against mine, and Aliya timidly followed suit.

“I’ve never had champagne before,” she said, sniffing the glass. “Is it like wine?”

“It’s even better,” I said. “Try it. I think you’ll like it.”

She tentatively brought the glass to her lips and took a sip. Her eyes widened, and she took a bigger drink. “That’s delicious!”

I beamed in delight, then took a large gulp of my own glass before setting it back on the table.

I returned to her with a dramatic bow, holding out my right hand. “May I have the first dance, Princess?”

She blushed as she accepted my hand, and I led her out to the center of expansive floor, then scooped my hand behind her waist and began to twirl her around. In truth, I had no idea how to dance in any proper, royal way she might be accustomed to. Our dances were less formal, less structured, but I took her lead, easily anticipating the steps she expected until I had the basics mastered.

The song ended, and Tannin approached, tapping her shoulder.

“May I cut in?” he asked, flashing his most charming smile.

Aliya smiled at him, her whole face lighting up. I graciously handed her off to him, stepping back to watch them dance.

After the first several songs and more glasses of champagne, formality went out the window. Happily, Aliya seemed to be finally having fun. We took turns twirling her around and sharing with her our dances, which she picked up quickly, lending a delicate poise to the movements that the women of our pack never had.

Her jubilant laughter filled the ballroom, and I couldn’t get enough of watching her let loose and embrace her wild side. She was radiant, her honey hair whipping around her as she spun round and round.

I wanted to preserve this moment forever. Just the three of us, alone in the castle.

It might be the last time to ever experience such peace.