The Spellbinding Courtship: Calatini Tales Book 0.5

by Katherine Dotterer

  Lord Ravenstone offered his arm. "Shall we?"

  Selena handed her sparkling wine to Mel and accepted Lord Ravenstone's arm. As they began dancing, she leaned toward him. "Tell me, is Wildewall as full of magical glens, enchanted lakes, and vision summits as they say?"

  Lord Ravenstone chuckled. "Yes, it is. Many witches relish Wildewall's wild magic. Especially nature witches."

  She sighed. If only she could visit one day. "I'd love to sketch some of those magical places."

  Lord Ravenstone's amber eyes brightened. "You're an artist then?"

  Selena shrugged with a blush. "A passionate dabbler really, but I adore sketching scenes from nature." Particularly mountainous ones.

  "You'd find plenty of those in Wildewall." As their song ended, Lord Ravenstone bowed. "Do you enjoy riding?"

  Her chest warming, she straightened from her curtsy. "I do."

  Lord Ravenstone beamed at her. "Would you care to go riding one day soon?"

  Selena smiled back and nodded. He wasn't Aragon, but the count seemed nice enough. And he was actually interested. "I'd enjoy that."

  "Splendid." Lord Ravenstone turned and introduced her to the next gentleman.

  She danced with that gentleman and then several others, and although all were pleasant, none were memorable until Mr. Edouard Gernand drawled, "I believe you met my dear stepmother several days ago."

  Selena frowned as her stomach quivered. Before tonight's ball, she'd only met the Hawkes, the Keyes, the king—and Aragon's gossiping cousin. "Lady Blaine is your stepmother?"

  Mr. Gernand inclined a wry nod. "For the past four years."

  She cocked her head. Lady Blaine appeared around their age. How uncomfortable to have a stepmother that young. Poor Mr. Gernand.

  Mr. Gernand studied her, his pale-blue eyes sharp. "Stepmother told me and Elise all about your encounter. Along with the rest of court."

  Selena blushed and almost winced. No wonder the duchess had heard so quickly. "Elise?"

  "My twin." Mr. Gernand nodded across the ballroom. "She's dancing with her betrothed, Lord Farson."

  Her blush fading, Selena followed his nod. Elise was giggling with her bearded partner. Considering the twins' blond hair and Mr. Gernand's eyes, they must be related to the duchess.

  Mr. Gernand spun her in a deft turn. "Stepmother said you adore art." When she nodded, he said, "My father has a fine collection of masters from the previous century, if you'd care to see them."

  She grinned as her pulse quickened. Who wouldn't love to see artwork by masters in person? "I would!"

  Mr. Gernand chuckled. "We'll arrange a time next week then."

  The music drew to a stop, and Selena curtsied at Mr. Gernand's bow.

  She stiffened in her curtsy when an unwelcome voice drawled, "Selena, there you are, my dear."

  Selena rose, forcing a smile. "Good evening, Uncle Adan." The rumors about Aragon's art-loving country miss must have led her uncle here. But how had he gotten past Perkins and the usher? And what scheme was he plotting now? Her stomach knotted. She turned and beamed at Aragon's cousin. He shouldn't overhear her conversation with her disreputable uncle. "Thank you for the dance."

  After Mr. Gernand left and another song began, Uncle Adan offered his arm. "Shall we?"

  A chill skittered across her skin. "I'd rather not." She narrowed her eyes at him. "What are you doing here? The duchess didn't send you an invitation." And had instructed Perkins to refuse him.

  Her uncle smirked back and lowered his arm. "Shouldn't an uncle witness his niece's triumphant presentation at court?"

  Selena snorted, bitterness flooding her mouth. Not one who plotted his niece's destruction. "That depends on whether the uncle sold his niece to a black witch or not."

  Uncle Adan's eyes glinted. "How else could I rid myself of the burdensome dross my dear brother left me?" He sighed. "I'd have earned a fortune and influence at court if Lord Treyvan hadn't interfered. A pity."

  She shuddered. Thank the Goddess Aragon had. She jerked her head toward the door. "Please leave, Uncle Adan. I've powerful friends now; you can't touch me."

  "Can't I?" Color suffused Uncle Adan's face as he gripped her arm like a striking wyvern.

  Spots flashing before her eyes, Selena winced and struggled to free herself. "Release me!"

  Chapter 18

  As Aragon handed Mother a flute of sparkling wine, he refused to glance across the ballroom where Selena was no doubt still flirting with his cousin Edouard. His stomach twisted. Goddess, allowing Selena to meet other gentlemen was more miserable than he'd expected. But she deserved this chance, and he couldn't steal it from her. No matter how much he burned to monopolize her attention.

  Mother's eyes narrowed as she sipped her sparkling wine. "Who is that? I'm certain I didn't invite him."

  Aragon jerked around, his gaze flying to Selena. He stiffened. Edouard was no longer with her. Instead, a sneering gentleman with graying dark hair in shabby clothes gripped her upper arm. Her uncle, no doubt. Escorting Selena to The Arte of Spells the other day must have allowed Midor to find her. Damnation. Why hadn't the people watching Midor notified him the rumors had reached the docks?

  He set his jaw and strode through the dancing couples to rescue Selena. He'd not allow Midor to terrorize her or wreck her presentation ball. As he approached, Selena kept struggling to free herself. How dare Midor maul her? Fire flashing through him, he seized Midor's wrist. "Release Selena at once."

  Midor grunted but didn't move.

  Aragon strengthened his grip until Midor winced. But the obstinate cretin still didn't release Selena. He clenched harder. "Now!"

  With another wince, Midor dropped Selena's arm.

  His gaze locked on the older gentleman, Aragon drew Selena to his side then released her. His heart squeezed. If he pulled her into his arms like he wanted, he'd scandalize court and steal her chance to consider other suitors. "Adan Midor, I presume."

  Midor flashed an obsequious smile. "Yes, my lord, just so."

  Aragon almost glared. Did Midor think fawning would excuse his abhorrent treatment of Selena? "You weren't invited. Leave."

  Midor's smile faded to a frown. "Why should I?"

  Selena sighed and pursed her lips. "Your lack of invitation, perhaps?"

  Midor leaned toward Aragon with a smirk. "I'm sure 'twas inadvertent."

  Aragon kept his face blank despite the bile burning his throat. How could such a sycophant be related to Selena? "No, your exclusion was deliberate. We don't associate with patrons of black witches. In fact, I should have Lord Islaye, the Minister of Magic and fellow councilor, summon magic marshals to arrest you."

  Midor stiffened, his smirk vanishing. "'Twould cause a scene."

  Aragon shrugged and arched a brow. "Perhaps, but it'll make Mother's ball the most thrilling of the season. She'll be ecstatic." Or vexed at her upset plans.

  Midor's jaw twitched as he glared at Selena. "My arrest would ruin my dear niece. No gentleman would have her then."

  Aragon forced another shrug. "I would." A scandal wouldn't alter his interest in Selena, although it would steal her choice of husband. But at least then he'd never need feign indifference to her dancing with other gentlemen.

  Selena whirled to goggle at him.

  Midor snorted. "Fool." He glowered at Selena again. "I'll leave, but you and I aren't finished."

  His brow furrowed, Aragon kept watching Midor until the greedy cur left. Then he turned to Selena, and warmth flooded him. "Are you all right?"

  Selena's dark-gray eyes glowed. "Yes. Thank you for rescuing me again. Would you truly marry me if Uncle Adan ruined me?"

  His heart fluttered. Without hesitation. "Mother would never allow your uncle to ruin you." He coughed and turned to study the dancers. "This dance is almost over. We must find you an illustrious partner to distract court from your uncle."

  Selena dimpled at him and lowered her lashes. "You're illustrious."

  Aragon shook his head despite
the heat surging through him. He couldn't trust himself to dance with her. During their last one, he'd struggled to not yank her against him. He'd be the one to ruin her and steal her choice of husband if they danced again. "We danced earlier."

  Selena frowned at him. "Only once. We can dance again without concerning even the strictest chaperone."

  He swallowed. True, but his hunger would concern them. A decent chaperone would keep Selena far away from him. "Another gentleman would be better."

  Selena paled but lifted her chin. "I see."

  Aragon winced. He'd been churlish. He was about to soften his refusal when Mother sailed over with Winston in tow.

  Mother beamed at Selena. "Selena, this is Mr. Herrick Winston. He requested your next dance."

  Aragon's stomach hardened as Selena grinned and said, "I'd be delighted."

  Once Selena and Winston swept off, Aragon frowned at Mother. "Why did you encourage Selena to dance with Winston? He's a cad." And a fortune hunter. Despite being a future baron, not even the most desperate mothers wanted their daughters to marry him.

  Mother shrugged. "True, but he was the closest available gentleman."

  Aragon tensed, allowing his gaze to follow Selena as the next dance began. "Surely you could have found someone else." Anyone else.

  Mother arched a brow. "You could have said Selena's next dance was yours if you were so concerned."

  He shifted, a blush burning his neck. Except he couldn't trust himself with her. Her allure tempted him too much.

  Mother shook her head. "Stop fretting about Selena and Mr. Winston. He'll not attempt anything in public. And once he learns she has no dowry, he shan't pester her again."

  Aragon grunted. But until then, she was vulnerable. "I suppose."

  Mother threaded her arm through his and drew him across the ballroom. "Speaking of Mr. Winston reminds me, his sister hasn't danced the last several songs. Go find her and request a dance."

  He nodded without hesitation. Although she wasn't spellbinding like Selena, Miss Winston was pleasant and nothing like her brother.

  Mother tsked. "Poor Miss Winston. 'Tis a shame about her deplorable brother and lack of funds. Not that you must regard such impediments."

  Aragon tensed, his skin prickling. Why was Mother so insistent? "Miss Winston doesn't seem fond of court, so she'd be ill-suited for a councilor."

  Mother slanted him a flat glance. "Aragon, find the lady and dance."

  He sagged with a sigh. When Mother used that tone, arguing was futile. "Of course, Mother."

  He found Miss Winston sipping sparkling wine in a chair near the chaperones and dowagers. When he asked her to dance, her eyes widened, but she accepted, and they talked while he escorted her toward the dancers.

  Yet Aragon kept glancing at Selena and Winston. So far, the cad had remained entirely proper, but how long would that last?

  As the current song ended, Miss Winston glanced between him and her brother. "Tell me, Lord Treyvan, does Miss Midor possess a fortune?"

  He winced and turned back to Miss Winston. He'd been rude, and Miss Winston didn't deserve it. "No."

  Miss Winston quirked a wry smile. "Then she'll be safe with Herrick."

  Aragon almost blushed as he led Miss Winston onto the floor. "I apologize for neglecting you." She was remarkably calm about his inconsideration. Most ladies wouldn't be.

  Miss Winston shrugged. "I'm accustomed to it."

  He stiffened. That made it worse. He'd keep his attention on her during their dance—no matter how much he hungered to watch Selena. So he asked Miss Winston about her favorite country pursuits.

  While they danced, Aragon and Miss Winston discussed living in the country then methods of agriculture. She brightened as she compared several new substances for increasing harvest yields. He was about to quiz her on her unexpected knowledge when he glanced across the ballroom. Selena was beaming as she danced with Lord Ravenstone for the second time.

  His chest burning, Aragon twirled Miss Winston closer. Lord Ravenstone had always seemed a decent sort despite his family's absurd feud with the Greysnowes, but was the rugged count as genial as he seemed? His smile was practically a leer, and he held Selena too close. Aragon forced his gaze back to his partner. "Would you care to meet Selena? You two have a great deal in common."

  Miss Winston cocked her head. "Do we?"

  His gaze returning to Selena, he inclined a nod. "You're both from Linwick. And—" He almost winced as he faced Miss Winston again. Mentioning their nonexistent dowries would be insensitive.

  Miss Winston narrowly eyed him but agreed. Once he led her to Selena and made the introductions, Miss Winston drawled, "I'm told we have a great deal in common, Miss Midor."

  Aragon suppressed another wince. From her tone, Miss Winston knew what he'd almost said. He was a boor.

  Still beside Lord Ravenstone, Selena glanced at Aragon. "Oh?"

  Miss Winston nodded. "We're both country ladies from Linwick."

  Selena returned her nod. "Your brother mentioned your father is Lord Winston. I'm from Upper Ashville, a village two days northeast of your father's estate."

  Miss Winston pursed her lips. "Upper Ashville has a rich underground deposit of yellow copper ore."

  Aragon frowned at her. Miss Winston knowing that was just as unusual as her knowing about increasing harvest yields.

  As Selena blinked at Miss Winston, Lord Ravenstone grinned and asked, "How did you know that?"

  Miss Winston shrugged. "The local alchemist mentioned it."

  "Ah..." Lord Ravenstone offered Miss Winston his arm as another song began. "Shall we?"

  While they glided away, Selena arched her brows at Aragon.

  He swallowed. He couldn't refuse her a second time. Yet his control was tenuous, so how could he avoid titillating court when he slipped? Perhaps if they were out of sight. "Except for when speaking with your uncle, you've danced every dance. Perhaps you'd care for a respite on the balcony?"

  A dimple quivered in Selena's left cheek. "A respite would be most welcome."

  As he escorted her to the balcony, heat suffused him at her touch on his arm. Not even the cool night air on the balcony assuaged it.

  Selena sighed as she stared out into the moonlit garden. "This view makes my fingers itch for a pencil."

  Aragon dropped her arm, his heart pounding. He must stop touching her, or he'd kiss her again. And she was trusting him to behave like a gentleman, not a rakehell. "Fortunately, you can return another evening to sketch it."

  Selena whirled to face him and leaned against the parapet. "If your mother permits me any free evenings, I shall."

  He winced, his stomach sinking. Free evenings would be few with the many events Mother had accepted. And all those events would be as miserable as tonight because he must feign indifference when other gentlemen courted Selena. But he'd restrain himself—he couldn't steal her chance to find love.

  Chapter 19

  Her heart squeezing, Selena eyed Aragon as she leaned against the parapet. Did he want her or not? Every time he appeared interested, he withdrew not long after. He rescued her from Uncle Adan like a griffin protecting his lifelong mate but pretended 'twas insignificant. He shoved her at other gentlemen but watched her the entire night. He refused to dance with her but brought her onto the balcony—the perfect place to sneak a kiss.

  She almost sighed. He surpassed every gentleman she'd ever met. He was dedicated and kind and brave, and although they'd not fallen in love within moments like her parents, they'd been instantly attracted. She'd not experienced that with anyone else.

  Her jaw tightened. She must find out if he truly wanted to court her. Surely she'd know if he kissed her again. But how could she tempt him into acting on their attraction? Perhaps if she drew him close. She shivered even though the spring night was pleasant after the sweltering ballroom.

  Aragon frowned. "Are you cold?"

  No, but Selena shivered again and rubbed her arms to feign a chill. "A little."


  Aragon yanked off his evening coat and wrapped it about her shoulders.

  Warmth filled her chest. He'd not surrender his coat so swiftly unless he was interested. She caressed his upper arm with a coy smile. "Thank you for your solicitude."

  Aragon swallowed, his gaze riveted on her mouth. "'Twas nothing."

  Selena lifted her chin. Why hadn't he kissed her yet? She must be bolder. Her heart pounding, she craned to brush a kiss against his lips then stepped back. "'Tis much more than nothing."

  Aragon rasped, "You're making it arduous to remain a gentleman."

  She licked her lips and eyed him through her lashes. "I never asked you to be a gentleman." Especially if that meant he'd never kiss her again.

  With a groan, Aragon lunged forward and kissed her.

  Selena clutched his shirt and parted her lips to return his kiss with equal fervor. Tingling heat swamped her as they devoured each other. Definitely as enthralling as last time—she never wanted to stop.

  But then the duchess called, "Selena, are you and Aragon hiding from your guests?"

  Aragon and Selena leapt apart like startled naiads when a traveler approached their lake. As the duchess glided onto the balcony, crimson scorched Selena's face. Goddess, 'twas mortifying for his mother to discover them kissing.

  Yet the duchess beamed at her. "Edouard wants another dance."

  Selena blinked, her head swirling. Wasn't the duchess going to scold them? Maybe she hadn't seen them kissing. And who was Edouard? "Edouard?"

  Aragon pursed a tight smile. "My cousin, Mr. Gernand. You danced with him right before your uncle intruded."

  Selena licked her lips. "I remember." Her stomach fluttered as she scrutinized his stiff face. Was he jealous? When he said nothing further, she deflated and nodded at the duchess. "Very well." Although she'd rather dance with Aragon.

  The duchess beckoned her. "Return Aragon's coat and come along."

  Aragon muttered as he accepted his evening coat, "I apologize for mauling you. I'll show better restraint henceforth."