Page 106 of In The Dark
“If this were a few years ago, you would’ve been delighted about me being your personal guard with all the chaos we caused.” He fights a grin, but I can’t help but throw him a glare as he offers me the inside of his elbow.
We silently walk through the courtyard and up the steps near the kitchens, as the ballroom sits right across from it. Music flows into the corridor as every door remains open. Extra guards are posted nearby, and I spot a few from the brotherhood disguised as more royal guards.
“How many weapons do you have?” I mutter.
The ballroom is nothing short of exquisite. Vaulted ceilings draw you in with the gilded chandeliers that drip with fine crystals, casting speckles of light across the polished white marble floor. Lively but soft music weaves through the conversations, laughter filling the air as couples spin gracefully across the room, the quiet rustle of gowns brushing against the floor.
“All of them,” he says quietly, then glances down, lifting his scarred brow. “How many do you have?”
A smirk plays on my lips. “All of them.”
He chuckles, leading us toward the edge of the room where guests mingle around clusters of chairs and tables. Spiced mead lingers with the scent of savory treats behind us, enticing more guests to filter in from outside.
I quickly scan the room. Only the finest dressed dukes and duchesses trail in with their family and close friends. Then I spot King Elion sitting on the raised dais toward the back with Xane, Luke, Ezra, Malrik, and Theron—all disguised as royal guards. All dressed similarly to Ren, flanking King Elion, behind and in front of his elegant table.
“It’s going to be quite interesting watching Rydian hear about this later,” Ren mumbles, and I glance up just as a smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth.
“Stop provoking him,” I grumble.
Ren huffs a quiet laugh. “It’s entertaining watching him unravel at the thought of you being unprotected or touched by someone else. He can’t seem to control himself.”
A frustrated sigh leaves me, wondering why Ren thinks that. Rydian seems to have plenty of control when I’m around him.
“He doesn’t unravel,” I say. “Technically, I’m not unprotected. You’re here, aren’t you?”
“You don’t need protection. I made sure of that. He just needs to be humbled a bit,” he says, and I catch the tightness of his jaw.
“And you don’t? All you males do is argue. The least you can do is get along for a few weeks until we find my mother, and then we’ll leave.”
His gaze swivels down to meet mine. “Trust me, I’ve been humbled for the last four years.” He scans the room again. “You’re going with him.”
“I don’t know yet,” I say, even though he said it like a statement. But I know that going with Rydian is the deal I made before we agreed to search for my mother. I’m just not sure howRen will take it now that I know we used to be friends. “Afraid you’ll miss me?” I ask.
He only sighs. “You won’t be a thorn in my side anymore, and I’ll finally be able to sleep without worrying about what you’ll do next.”
My eyes roll. I figured he felt that way. He’ll probably rejoice the day I leave, knowing I won’t be a problem anymore.
Guests twirl in and out in mesmerizing movements, my stomach fluttering—not from being hungry or my current mission, but from realizing that I might have to dance. I swallow, my face heating as my pulse climbs, suddenly unsure I’ll be able to complete my mission without making a fool of myself.
“What’s wrong?” Ren asks.
“I don’t even know how to dance.”
Ren lowers his gaze, clearly fighting a grin. I can tell he’s holding back what I’m sure would be an amused chuckle if we weren’t in such a highly trafficked area.
“Are you panicking?” he asks with a blink. “I’ve never seen you panic before.”
“This isn’t funny,” I snap quietly, grappling for composure. I pivot to face him, my gown brushing against the floor. “I’m sure Ekrin is going to want to dance with me, and I have no idea what I’m doing.”
“Yes, you do,” he mumbles, almost in annoyance, forcing my head to snap up in confusion. “You know how to dance. I’m sure that’s the one thing you didn’t forget because we’re all taught ballroom etiquette in the brotherhood. Just… follow your instinct.”
“I have no recollection of ever learning these dances—” My retort is cut short when Ren’s composed mask slides into place, nodding toward the center of the room. I realize then just how good he is at that.
My attention shifts to King Elion striding toward us with Ekrin Highcrest at his side, guests parting down the middle.The next thing I know, I’ve become Sensa Blackwyth, high-ranking niece to Kiev and Selphira Blackwyth of Eldryn.
He’s just as I remembered from my mission last week: tall and dark-haired with pale green eyes. Only this time he wears an elegant black-and-gold colored tunic that covers his dark pants. His outfit complements his light tanned complexion, complete with a matching high collar cape that clasps at his neck. Too bad his arrogance drips from him like a fine wine.
They finally meet us, coming to a stop just shy of our feet. Ren and I bow to King Elion.