Page 92 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 1

"Yes."

"Where do you even go?" she asks.

"Oh, normally I just spend more time with the Prince."

Emilia lets out a dreamy sigh. "Perhaps one day, I'll be as lucky as you."

"I hope so." I flash her a genuine smile and go to meet Linc, intending to make the most of our one dance before we have to separate so that his father can make the announcement he wants.

ELEVEN

Midnight approaches fast, and there are admittedly some nerves within me as I consider the eyes that are about to be on me. I assume that many people in the room are aware of the betrothal, even if they don't know that it's about to be announced, but there are still plenty for whom this is going to come as a surprise.

After tonight, everyone is going to know that I'm about to become a member of the royal family. For better or for worse.

I look over to the other side of the room to find Linc. His hands are moving quickly in front of him, and I realise that he's tying knots in the ribbon I gave him. My heart aches and I long to go over to him to help with some of the nerves. I know he doesn't want to be the centre of attention, and that's exactly what this situation is going to do to him.

But we're playing parts right now, and we both know that we have to do it perfectly. But maybe at some point we need to actually talk about what we're both trying to achieve beyond surviving.

The musicians come to a stop, but it's only when the King steps forward that people fall silent. "The time has come for the unmasking," he calls.

Around me, everyone pulls at the ties of their masks. Assuming I should do the same, I reach behind me and pull on my own, letting it slip away from my face. I tie it to the loop in my gown that I'm reasonably sure the seamstress put there for this purpose and look around me.

My gaze locks with Linc's and I smile at him, feeling better instantly. This can't be bad when the two of us are facing it together.

"And I'd like to take this opportunity to announce the betrothal of my son to the daughter of Lord Fallmartin of House Rothorne," he calls, gesturing around for both of us.

"Go," Lord Fallmartin instructs with a gentle push on my back.

I walk forward, trying to still the nerves racing within me as I approach the King. I sink into a deep curtsy, wondering if this would be easier or harder if I'd already met him. "Your Majesty."

"Lady Beatrice," he responds. "I believe you know my son." He gestures to the left.

I turn to where Linc is approaching. "I have that honour, Your Majesty."

The smile he gives me is surprisingly genuine. Though I suppose it makes sense. Lord Fallmartin said that he agreed to the match because he thinks I've been a good influence on Linc.

"Lady Beatrice," Linc says, holding out his hand.

"Your Highness." I place my hand in his, feeling much better now I have the comfort of the person I know is on my side.

There's a hint of a smile on his face and I assume it's because he's thinking about how strange it feels for us to address one another like this when we've never actually done it before.

Without saying a word, he turns us and leads me into the middle of the dance floor. I can feel everyone staring at us, but I keep telling myself that it's all right. They don't care about Bea and Linc, they just want to see the Prince dance with a Rothorne.

Linc lets go of my hand and I immediately miss his touch, even if I know it'll only be for a moment.

One of the musicians starts to play, the sound of a lone violin filling the ballroom.

I dip down into a deep curtsy while Linc bows to me.

We move into hold, Linc's hand on my waist banishing a lot of the nervousness. It's all going to be fine now that we're here.

He pulls me closer and we begin the steps of the dance.

"I hate dancing with this many people watching," I murmur.

"Me too. But it'll be over soon," he promises.