Page 51

Indeed I do.

“Well, I thought, since there is clearly a great deal of tension between you and Lord Ralph over the princess, that I ought to tell you that you have no reason to dislike me with similar intensity. I am betrothed to a lady in my own lands, whom I have loved for several years, and our wedding will be only a few weeks after my return from Eleria. Princess Marin is lovely, but you will face no competition from me. I was sent here merely as a diplomat, not a suitor.”

Kaerius blinked and looked at him again, taking in the young man’s trim, elegant figure and his easygoing smile.You are by far the most compelling of the candidates, other than myself. Are you telling the truth or trying to sneak into her affections by deception?

“I’m sorry. I don’t understand.” The duke smiled in a self-deprecating way, revealing dimples that looked all too endearing. “Where are you from, Your Highness?”

Kaerius pointed in the direction of the open ocean. Half his attention was on the duke, but the other half was always onMarin. The duke said something conversational and pleasant, but Kaerius wasn’t really listening.

As the dance ended, Marin looked toward Kaerius and the duke beside him. Lovelock stepped forward, not deigning to notice Ralph’s cold annoyance.

“Will you honor me with the following dance?” Ralph asked before he let go of Marin’s hand.

“I ought to dance with one of my own countrymen,” Marin said, her smile sweet and innocent. “Perhaps later this evening.” Then she paused and looked around. “Has Galbraith not arrived yet? I wonder why.”

Ralph’s eyes flicked to her, cold and calculating, and then he said smoothly, “I imagine he is indisposed. Be not dismayed, Your Highness; the ball is much more enjoyable without him.”

Marin blinked at him, her eyes wide and guileless. “I am not concerned about my own enjoyment, but about my hospitality. I should hate to imagine some illness or injury has befallen him within the palace itself.”

Then she spun away with Lovelock.

The Mer prince studied Ralph’s face, noting the edge of tension and fury in his stiff shoulders.You wonder if she knows. You wonder whether it matters. Why strike at Galbraith? Was it purely pique, or did you actually think she would choose that greasy old lamprey? If you had actually bothered to woo her properly, instead of acting like a territorial goblin shark, you might have had a chance.

“What are you saying?” snapped Ralph, rounding on Kaerius suddenly. “Why can’t you speak properly?”

I made a bargain I intend to win. But even if I never get my voice back, I’d rather die than let Her Highness fall into your grasping hands.

Ralph’s nostrils flared. “You cocky, insulting little idiot. I’ve seen how she looks at you!” His voice lowered ominously. “Well, your pathetic little star-crossed love is doomed.”

Is it now?Kaerius raised one eyebrow mockingly.How, exactly, do you hope to win her heart with snide looks and bullying?

Ralph’s eyes glittered with malice, but he said only, “Time is running short, Your Highness.”

Then he turned to meet Marin with a smooth smile. “Your Highness. Shall we dance?”

Kaerius stepped between them and whisked Marin away, leaving the young duke startled and empty-handed beside Ralph.

“I can’t dance with you again so soon,” Marin whispered. “It would cause an international incident!”

Kaerius smiled his most charming smile, his eyes bright with mischief and affection.Not to worry. I wanted only to get you away from that disgusting payara. He’s all teeth, and I haven’t figured out the details of his threat yet.He kissed Marin’s hand impulsively. He looked up to see her eyes wide in surprise and her cheeks pink.

Then he found one of the young lords who had introduced himself to the Mer prince at the first ball, and he presented Marin to him with a bow and a questioning smile.

“Um, Your Highness,” the youth stammered. “Would you honor me with this dance?”

“Thank you, Lord Sarith,” Marin said sweetly, as if this had been her idea all along. Then she smiled at Kaerius. “Thank you, Your Highness. Perhaps, if you have not promised your next dance to anyone, you might ask me.”

Kaerius’s cheeks flushed, and he bowed deeply.I had intended to, but your invitation delights me.

The violins sang as she danced with the Elerian lord, who looked at her with admiration but no possessiveness. Was it a hopeful sign that she had invited Kaerius to ask her for the next dance, or was it merely a way to avoid Ralph again? Either way, her words felt like a gift, and when the song ended, he was there to whisk her away, smiling.

He turned her away from the crowd, noting that Ralph was scowling at them from the far side of the dance floor.

Would you prefer to dance or to rest a moment?

Her eyes were bright as she smiled up at him, and he imagined, hehoped, that she felt affection as well as gratitude. “I would be pleased to dance with you, Prince Kai,” she said.

He bent to kiss her hand again and then, for just an instant, pressed his forehead to the back of her fingers. It was a gesture of devotion more formal and less intimate than the brief taste that had so shocked her earlier.