Page 110

“You two look good together.”

Turning at the voice, I see Lukene, his expression sullen but sincere. For some reason, that makes a heaviness settle upon my shoulders and a pain throb in my chest.

“Care to dance with the Dark Prince?” Lukene extends his hand. A faint smile lingers on his lips, but the look of defeat is prominent. I accept his hand, and he leads me toward the dance floor.

As if the musicians know the turmoil I’m feeling, they play a song that resonates with my emotions. The violins cry out as the piano notes thunder. Sad, solemn, yet strong emotional notes fill the air around us. Lukene gently slides his hand to my lower back while holding the other, and we move slowly in tune to the beat.

It’s as if a thousand words are spoken with our bodies, our eyes, yet our mouths never open. There is apology, forgiveness, possession, understanding, yearning. His grip tightens, pulling me flush with him as he stares deeply into my eyes and suddenly, I feel tears prick at the corners of my eyes

I want this man. I want a life with him. I had decided to give up my revenge for him, the only thing I thought I lived for. But I’m wrong. I don’t live for revenge anymore. I live for him. My heart beats for him. I’m breathless, overwhelmed by emotions. As if he can sense it, his thumb rubs lazily over my back as we continue to dance slowly to the melancholy tune—my last dance with the devil.

My heart yearns for the fiery lavender-haired beauty in my arms as I slowly dance with her around the floor. She feels right here, nestled against me. I don’t know how to let her go. I don’t want to. How does the night sky say goodbye to the moon?

Duty to my kingdom has always been my first priority—until Reign entered my life, with her vibrant purple hair, formidable personality, and stabby tendencies. I’m bewitched by her. I would rather burn my kingdom down than see her marry another man. Watching her happy in Prince Elliot’s arms fractures something deep within this thawed heart. Like rain during a drought, I need her.

She gazes deeply into my eyes as if trying to see my soul. I secure my mask, continuing to stare into hers, determined to hide the true feelings brewing inside. If she truly wants Prince Elliot, I’ll concede so she can be happy. But deep down, I know she doesn’t. She smiles genuinely at him, yet it’s not the smile she gives me. With him, she can’t be her true self, but with me, she is. She is mine and mine alone.

We continue to dance without a word. Silent dances have a way of making every touch and look speak volumes, and Reign’s eyes are saying so much. Her body sinking into mine feels like a song, and I’m dying to hear more.

“What’s going on in that lovely lavender head of yours?” I ask sarcastically, hating that Elliot calls her that.

She grunts in annoyance. “Can we just dance silently? I don’t want to talk.”

“Your body is doing a lot of talking, Reckless.”

A crease forms between her brows. “And what is my body saying, Prince?”

“That it belongs to me… that it wants only me.” I tighten my grip, pulling her closer. Her palm begins to feel slick in mine, and I sense her breathing hitch.

“You are so delusional. Even if my body is traitorous, my mind isn’t.”

“Your body and I seem to have an understanding. I think your mind is just playing hard to get.” I flash her a lopsided grin.

“My mind is protecting my heart from hurting any longer. It’s trying to sew the tear that you put in it.”

“Reign…”

Before I can say more, a royal guard halts our dance. “Prince Lukene, Prince Elliot is requesting your presence in the throne room.”

“Take Reign—take my cousin back to her room,” I demand, frustration bubbling inside me. Then I turn to Reign. “I will come speak with you after.”

As she meets my gaze, I can see the mix of hope and uncertainty in her eyes, a reflection of the turmoil churning within both of us.

Elliot paceswhen I step into the throne room. “You summoned me?”

“My father is gravely ill. I may be taking the throne sooner than I thought,” he says, his voice shaky. His emotions are clearly visible. He doesn’t hide them like I hide mine. He wears his heart on his sleeve, a vulnerability I find unfamiliar. Losing a parent at any age hurts. I know that all too well. “You and your cousin need to leave so my family and I can process what is going on and proceed accordingly.”

“So, you are refusing my cousin?” I ask, my heart hopeful.

“No. Not at all. She fascinates me. She’s hiding something… full of secrets. I feel it in my gut. Who wouldn’t love a secretive beauty?” He chuckles. “However, I have terms that need to be met.” He begins to pace again.

“Like?” I stand still, watching him closely, keeping my emotions in check while my shadows swirl just beneath my skin.

“I want half of Skalhar—the half that touches our border. Also, Maduri is not to be touched. In the Hollows, there is a prisoner I need—without question and it’s non-negotiable. Lastly, I want to know how you bonded with the wyvern.”

“First, we aren’t bonded with the wyvern. What does that even mean? We ride them. Second, what makes you think we plan to take Maduri? Third, the prisoner can be arranged. Fourth, my father, the King will never give up part of Skalhar. Is there truly a cure? Can you cure our lands?”

“Yes, there is a cure, and yes, we can cure it. Everything goes off the table if you try to take Maduri. We will declare war if you do.” His normally calm persona cracks and his tone is simply lethal. I give him a devilish grin. Good. I like a challenge.