Page 47 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 1

"Meet me in the library in ten minutes," he says.

I nod, watching as he leaves the dance floor. I should do that myself in case someone else decides they want to ask me to dance and I miss my window to slip away.

I search the crowd as I make my way towards the refreshment stand, but don't see Lord Fallmartin or my brother anywhere, which is reassuring. I don't want either of them asking where I'm going, either tonight, or in the morning. And the best way to achieve that is to make sure they know nothing about my plans to meet Linc in the library.

It's hard to make my way through the crowd around the dance floor, but I eventually manage to leave them all behind. It's only as I'm about to leave the room that I spot Bella watching me. She lifts her goblet and gives me a smile that I think means she knows what I'm doing, but my secret is safe with her.

Either that, or I'm going to get another lecture from her about whether or not I should let my emotions get involved.

But I think the reality of that is it's already too late, and there's nothing I can do to hide from the way I'm feeling any more, even if I want to.

SEVEN

It's harder to climb the library stairs in a ballgown than in one of my day dresses, but I feel accomplished by the time I arrive at the top. I head towards our normal table, my heart skipping a beat when I see Linc already there. He's taken off his cravat and run a hand through his hair, making it stick up all over the place.

He hears me coming and jumps to his feet, smiling. "You found me all right, then?"

I laugh. "This is where we always meet," I point out. "Unless you're trying to tell me we're not supposed to be here."

"Only in that our fathers will be disappointed we're not at the ball still. And maybe any suitors."

"Mine or yours?"

"Both, I imagine," he responds.

I shrug, sitting down and trying to make myself comfortable, but as beautiful as my ball gown is, it isn't designed for lounging. "What does it matter? I'll be married off to whichever of them my father wants me to marry anyway, it doesn't matter if I'm there.”

"Maybe if you charm the right person, they'll ask?"

"Why? Do you get a say in who your father marries you off to?" I ask.

"Point taken. If anything, I have less of a choice than you do."

"I find that unlikely."

"You're not being held responsible for your sister eloping with a bodyguard," he mutters.

I raise an eyebrow. "She had a bodyguard?"

"Everyone in my family does," he responds.

"Even you?"

He nods. "Eric. He's good at being unobtrusive and knows when to give me my space."

"Has he been watching when we meet here?" I ask.

"Not really, he's been a lot more relaxed since you arrived at the castle. And he mostly keeps his distance," Linc responds. "Part of his job is to make sure I don't do anything stupid."

"Like drink yourself into an early grave?"

Linc grimaces. "Something like that. But maybe I have a reason to stop."

"Is it that easy to?"

"No. I've thought about drinking wine a dozen times tonight already." He leans back in his seat.

Without meaning to, I shift in my seat, trying to get comfortable. "Why haven't you?"