with someone not prepared for battle. Was it fair? No. But venting my anger on him when he didn’t understand the reason would do little to end my pain.
When no more biting words came forth, he relaxed and we danced. It was beginning to become quite pleasant, and I was equally aware of every touch as his hand adjusted on my waist. The music faded to the background as the heat of his hand felt like it was burning right through to my skin. When he brushed a stray strand of hair out of my face, I flinched at the contact.
“I wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier,” he said as he studied my profile.
I stared at the crowd around us, not wanting to make eye contact. Every second I was in his embrace was unnerving and brought us closer to the truth of who I really was, and I wasn’t prepared for his reaction.
He shook his head. “I usually have more control over my temper. Thank you for helping my sister.”
“You’re welcome.”
“And serving my, uh… wife. Has it been taxing?”
“I believe I told you before, I am not a servant. Nor am I a lady,” I said, finally meeting his gaze.
“Then what, pray tell, are you, if not a lady nor a servant?”
I smiled in challenge. “An illusion. For I will vanish before your eyes, and even though I’m close to you, you’ll never see me. Never know me.”
“I could if you let me.” His voice lowered and his eyes flickered to my lips. I knew exactly what he was insinuating. “In fact, I would like to know you a little better.”
He had complete disregard for his marriage vows, and it infuriated me all the more.
“What of your wife?” I asked coldly.
“What of her?” he responded irritably. “I’m married in name only. There will never be love lost between us.”
“Everyone deserves a chance at love,” I remarked. “Especially your future princess.”
“Yasmin?” He glanced up and around as if searching for his ex-fiancée.
Missing the beat on purpose, I stepped on his toe. “No, your wife, Princess Rosalie.”
“I… is that her name?” He paused and his face went still, his expression unreadable.
I was aghast that he didn’t even know her—my name. Was it as rushed and confusing for him as me? It must have been.
“Yes,” I said softly, looking down at my feet.
He became quiet, then shot any further discussion down, saying, “Never mind. These are private matters.”
The song came to an end and I pulled away, more than ready to disappear into the crowd. He gripped my wrist and led me to the side of the room. Ladies had surged forward to try and claim the next dance, and his guards were forced to come up and encircle him, forming a ring of protection.
“For you.” Xander unclasped a gold rose pin from his cloak, wincing as it pricked his finger before handing it to me. “A gift for the dance.”
He held it out in front of me, and I studied the golden petals that were opened.
“Thank you.” I took the rose, pricking my finger on the clasp as well.
Prince Xander smiled. “Flowers have special meaning to the queen.”
“Really?” I said, surprised he would call her “the queen” and not “Mother.” I was even more surprised that he was content to stay by my side and not run off or see to his royal duties.
“The rose especially, because it is one of the most beautiful and also protects itself, hence the thorns. I can tell by the tongue lashing you gave me that you’re not afraid to fight, or protect yourself. Not to mention your personality is as prickly as the thorn,” he added. “Keep it to remember this night.”
Just when I was about to thank him again, Yasmin stepped between us. “If you are giving dances away, I believe you owe me the next one,” she purred. “Since ours was stolen on our wedding day.”
Xander’s eyes met mine, and I swore there might have been a look of displeasure at being interrupted. Or it may have been my imagination, for he bowed his head and took her hand, leading her back onto the floor for a dance.
I didn’t want to watch, but I was drawn to them as they moved perfectly together, like ceramic dancers in a music box. Xander stood tall, his shoulders back as he took her hands in his. Yasmin was petite and a flurry of lace and golden curls as they spun. Her feet were light,