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He bowed deeply.I am grateful for your trust, Your Highness. I love you.

Her gaze flicked up and down him as if seeing him in a new light. “Did you say you loved me again?” she whispered.

Kaerius nodded, his eyes not leaving hers.I love you. I love you. A thousand times, I love you.

She wiped at her eyes furiously and turned away. “It’s not fair!” she whispered.

Galbraith left only a short time later, pleading a headache, but he managed to dance with Marin once before he departed.

Then, before Ralph could corner her, she said, “I am fatigued. I will retire for the evening.”

Shall I accompany you?

“I think it would be best if we didn’t leave together. Wait at least two or three more dances before you leave, if you don’t mind.” She smiled. “There are quite a number of young ladies who are eager to dance with you.”

Kaerius blinked.But I loveyou.You outshine them like the sun outshines the moon. They are beautiful, but my eyes are only for you.

Marin’s lips trembled. “I didn’t understand all of that, but it looked like a very sweet compliment. Thank you, Prince Kai.”

A moment later, Kaerius was left to look across the dance floor at her retreating figure. His heart felt like a starfish left on the sand by a receding wave. What purpose was there in remaining here when life and joy had departed to deeper waters? He swallowed and focused on the other guests. There were indeed several groups of young ladies who smiled charmingly at him. A few especially silly ladies smiled at Lord Ralph, apparently oblivious to the oiliness of his smile and veiled menace in his words.

Duke Lovelock was also quite popular, and he danced with the ladies and complimented them in the most proper ways without implying that he was seriously interested in pursuing any of them. Kaerius watched him, admiring the Frintandiplomat without even realizing he was doing so. The young man managed, apparently without even trying, to be agreeable to everyone.

Perhaps being pleasant took more effort than it appeared to. Kaerius sighed. Certainly it would be easier if he knew these customs.

He danced with three Elerian ladies in succession. “It appears you are besotted with Her Highness,” one of them said quietly. “She seems to be fond of you, too. But I think it rather likely that she will end up marrying Lord Ralph. For political reasons, you understand. I would be more than happy to comfort your broken heart.”

Kaerius blinked at her, and then forced a cool smile.That won’t be necessary.

At last he had waited long enough, and he departed the ball. There were guards still stationed around the room, but Marin’s personal guards had left with her. Only Lt. Sanders was familiar to Kaerius, and he said that he was to escort Kaerius back to his suite.

I would like to see Her Highness before I sleep.

“What?”

Kaerius indicated a crown on his own head and pointed toward the higher floors of the palace.

“I don’t know if she will see you, but you can ask.” He led Kaerius up to the royal chambers.

When Kaerius knocked, he was admitted by a servant, who said the princess was with Brighton.

The guard was sitting in a chair in the dark, wearing soft, casual clothes that were thoroughly rumpled. Marin sat across from him in another chair and had been speaking to him quietly, and she looked up at Kaerius’s entrance.

“Prince Kai is here.” She sighed. “I suppose I’ll take Whitaker to the meeting with Ralph tomorrow.”

I can accompany you.

“That wouldn’t make sense, but I appreciate the offer. I’ve put him off as long as I can. I must hear his formal proposal.” She studied him. “You have done far more than I asked, Prince Kai. In a few more days, I will have no more excuse to ask you to stay.”

Kaerius’s eyes leaped to hers.Does that mean you feel at least a little affection for me? That you need an excuse to ask me to stay?

“Your Highness,” Brighton said. “I would very much appreciate you keeping Kai at hand until I can protect you as is my duty.”

“Of course,” Marin murmured. She looked at Kai in apology.

I would be offended if you did not do so. Please feel no guilt about this, Your Highness.Then, because he wanted to see her smile, he added,I love you.

She ducked her head. The humans probably couldn’t see the flush that rose in her cheeks, but Kaerius saw it, and it made him smile.