by Jenna Moreci
Cosima winked. “We’ll make You a siren yet.”
Couples dispersed through the space, dancing to the music and blocking Tobias from view. As if lifted from a fog, the atrium became clear again—the staff in their colorful linens, the blazing candles, the roses decorating each marble column.
“Roses?” Leila lurched back in Her seat. Where were Her lilies?
Cosima chuckled. “No need to fret, dove. I had them brought in.”
“But the lilies—”
“The men believe roses are The Savior’s favorite flower. Lilies wouldn’t make sense. The façade, remember?”
Leila stared at Her sister, hurt in a way She couldn’t articulate. Her mother’s favorite flower…gone.
Cosima met Her blank gaze with a smile. “I told You I’d help in any way I can. Assisting You has brought me such joy. And doesn’t the atrium look beautiful?”
Leila turned away, festering in Her indignant thoughts. Before She could lose Herself to Her ire, Delphi hopped up from her throne, gesturing toward the throng of people. “Ask someone to dance.”
Leila let out a snort, sinking deeper into Her seat.
“They’re Your suitors,” Delphi maintained. “It’s expected.”
She wove through the crowd before Leila could rebut, heading straight for the line of men. Leila noticed it then—an unsettling gaze, reawakening Her anxieties. Muttering Her parting, She maneuvered past the dancing bodies until the man in question was right in front of Her.
“Raphael,” She said.
He scowled. “Leila.”
“Care to dance?”
It would be an honor. Those were the words he was supposed to speak, but he simply took Her hand, his hold light as if he couldn’t bear Her touch. They situated themselves among the dancers, taking in the melody of the harps and double flutes. The Amantos was underway, Leila’s favorite dance. He pressed his palm to Hers and led Her through the steps.
“An interesting thing happened the other day,” he said. “The Savior was to release a man from the tournament, and She chose Enzo. Isn’t that odd?”
She glanced between the nearby dancers. “Keep your voice down.”
“We had a deal.”
“We still do. Nothing’s changed.”
“You’re right about that—nothing’s changed. Because I’m still in this tournament.”
“My hands were tied,” She said. “It had to be Enzo, for reasons of life and death.”
“My reasons are life and death. I’d like to live and not die in this tournament.”
“I will have you released. On My crown, I swear it.” She met his glare with Her own. “But if you say anything to anyone, I will leave you to rot within these walls, do you understand?”
He sighed. “I’m trusting You.”
“Lovely. I don’t trust you in the slightest.”
Raphael shifted them into their second position, entwining his fingers with Hers. “So why Enzo?” he asked. “He wasn’t the most social fellow, but I somewhat liked him. At least more than the others.”
“I’m sorry, are you under the impression that we’re friends?”
“I don’t see why we can’t be.”
She snorted. “And here you’re supposed to be the smart one.”
“Is that why You placed me with Flynn?”
“Come again?”
“Our chambers. I’m rooming with Flynn. I’m told it was The Savior’s decision.” His lips flattened. “You could’ve placed me with Tobias.”
“Except I couldn’t, could I?”
“Why not?” His face dropped. “Oh, I see. You’re afraid I’ll expose You to him.”
“Isn’t that exactly what you’ve threatened to do? Expose Me?”
Raphael pulled Her into their third hold, bringing his stiff arm around Her waist. As he rambled on, Her gaze swept the room, searching for escape, maybe a kind soul to free Her from his company.
Tobias. He and Delphi had joined the line of dancers, talking and laughing like old friends. Up close, the smoothness of his skin was even more apparent, and the hard lines of his muscles begged to be touched. She had never thought much of royal drapes, but on Tobias the look shined, as if he alone deserved such a fine garb. I wonder what he’d look like in a diadem. A crown. A wave of heat rolled through Her.
I wonder what he’d look like naked.
“For God’s sake, have You heard a word I’m saying?”
Her eyes shot back to Raphael. “You mean your insufferable whining? Unfortunately.”
He glanced sidelong at Tobias. “The two of you are about as discreet as a giant cock flopping about the room.”
“You think people have noticed?” Leila went rigid, shrinking beneath the stares that were apparently pointed Her way.
“The men are too busy scrambling for Cosima’s attention to notice where Your gaze lies. Your secret’s safe.”
“You’re just saying that.”
“I never just say anything.”
He pulled Her into their final hold, his frame stiff as a board, though perhaps a bit gentler. “The execution has been rather masterful,” he said. “For the switch, I mean. I feared the whole charade would be revealed tonight, but even in a room full of people who clearly know Your title, Your suitors remain fooled. I don’t know how You managed it—or why, for that matter—but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t impressed.”
Leila gave him an incredulous glance. “Did you just say something kind?”
“It’s not unlike me.”
“It most certainly is.”
A smile graced his lips—the first She’d ever seen on the man—and dimples dove into his cheeks. The look suited him far better than his usual scowl.
Their time together ended, the dance demanding a partner switch. Breaking their hold, Raphael bowed. “We’ll speak soon, yes?”
She nodded, then drifted down the line of dancers, stopping before Her new partner.
Tobias.
A ring of the brightest pink encircled him. Perhaps it had been there the entire time and She hadn’t noticed, too enchanted by his lips, his eyes—by him. She held out Her hand. “Dance with me?”
He bowed. “It would be an honor.”
He led their dance with strength and grace—or at least She assumed he did, as She was busy counting the curls along his forehead, relishing the heat of his palm against Hers. An eternity passed before She caught his gaze dancing over Her figure, drinking Her up, and the parched look on his face made Her stand taller.
Tobias took in Her knowing gaze and laughed. “What?”
“You’re very, very bad.”
“Have you found fault with me already? We’ve only just begun to dance.”
“Earlier, while we were seated,” She said. “If you stare at me instead of the dancing girls, you’ll draw attention to yourself.”
“What dancing girls?”
“Very funny.”
“You’re in no position to criticize. I caught you staring when you came in.”
Heat flooded Leila’s cheeks, and She fought back a grin.
“What?” Tobias’s laughter rose. “What’s that look for?”
“You look very handsome.”
A smile blossomed on his lips. “Is that so?”
“Like a king. An honorable one. The drape suits you.”
“Look at you, all red in the face.”
“Don’t tease me.”
“You look stunning, Leila. The only woman in the room as far as I’m concerned.” He waved Her away. “But that’s nothing new. In fact, I’m rather bored of you being so beautiful all the time. I wish you’d surprise me. Grow a hunchback, maybe spoil your teeth. Keep me on my toes.”
“You’re in awfully high spirits.”
“I’m clean, I’m fed, and I’m with you. I’m especially excited about one of those things in particular.”
Another grin threatened to streak Her face, and She bit Her lip to tame it. Seamlessly, he shifted them into their se
cond position, his calloused fingers threading between Hers. She cursed the placement of his hands, wishing they were tight around Her waist, crawling up Her back, or weaving through Her hair.
“Look at the lovebirds.” Tobias cocked his head toward Orion, who danced with a wide-eyed Pippa a few rows away.
“Isn’t that precious?” Leila watched them spin in circles, contented. “Orion’s so kind. I swear to you, this is probably the happiest moment of her life.”
“Does Pippa like him?”
“Pippa likes everyone. She sees the world in rainbows. She is good and pure and thus assumes everyone else is the same.” She turned to Tobias. “I envy that sometimes. I wish I thought the world was beautiful.”
“If everything looks good and pure, then nothing’s truly beautiful. The ugliness is what makes beauty so distinct.”
“How poetic.”
“I’m a master poet, didn’t you know?” He shrugged. “I wrote a poem for a girl once. There was a bit of confusion involved. I’d rather not talk about it.”
Leila chuckled. “Oh, stop it.”
Tobias’s smile lingered. “They’re Petros’s words. About the ugliness. He said life was ugly, and it was our job to find the beauty in it. Cast a light on it. Remind people that it’s there.”
Leila’s breathing hitched as he brought his lips near Her ear. “I don’t think the world is beautiful,” he whispered. “But you are.”
Threading his arm around Her, he pulled Her into their third hold, his hard form against Her both a pleasure and a tease. Everything was wonderful, perfect even—until She recalled the people nearby, no doubt watching with eager gazes.
“What now?” Tobias said.
Leila eyed the fellow dancers, skeptical of everyone within Her line of sight. “I have to watch myself when I’m with you. You make me feel as though we’re alone.”
“If only.”
“I’m afraid we’re being conspicuous.”
“How so?”
“It’s all the smiling,” She said.
“Oh?” He scoffed. “We’re too happy? Are we supposed to be miserable? I can do that.”
His face fell into an unconvincing frown, sending Leila into a fit of laughter. “Tobias, you fool.”
“God, Leila, when will this night be over? I’m dying here. Absolutely loathing your company.”
Her giggles died. Brontes stood across the room staring at them. She’d forgotten him entirely, but now he was the eyesore of the atrium, circled by the remaining members of his dwindling Senate.
Tobias furrowed his brow. “Is something wrong?”
“Brontes is watching us.”
Tobias said something, but Leila had lost all focus. She knew that look in Her father’s eye—one of violence. Was it for Her, or Tobias?
“Leila.” Tobias dipped his head into Her line of sight. “It’s all right. He can’t hurt you.”
“Yes, he can.”
“He’ll have to hurt me first. Badly.”
He gave Her a spin before bringing Her into their final hold, and She eased against him, relishing the safety of his arms. Brontes was surely still watching, but in that moment, with Tobias close, She felt secure.
“Who are those men skulking around him?” Tobias said.
Leila shot a scowl at the horde of politicians. “The vultures.”
“Vultures?”
“His Senate.” Her eyes shrank into a glare. “Vile. All of them.”
“Well, they seem to have stolen his attention. Lucky for us. We’re alone in a room full of people yet again.”
The line shifted on either side of them; the dancers were changing partners. “Not for long.” Leila’s stomach sank. “Time to switch.”
Tobias met Her frown with his own, then stopped short, his gaze bright. Without warning, he lurched into Her, tromping over Her feet and sending them tottering out of line.
“Tobias!”
“Apologies.” He straightened his drape, failing to conceal a grin. “My God, how clumsy of me.”
She laughed into Her hands. “You’re bad.”
“Be kind, I only just learned these steps today.” He turned to the dancers waiting nearby. “Ignore us, we’re a mess. It’s her fault, really.”
“Tobias!”
“You tripped me!” He flashed an apologetic glance at the onlookers. “She tripped me. Please, carry on. Go around us. Hopefully she’ll get it right this time.”
Exchanging a few awkward stares, the dancers paired up and delved into their steps. Leila fought to uphold some semblance of sternness, but Her amusement crept through in giggles. “You’re an ass.”
“Dance with me.”
“That’s my line.”
“I couldn’t wait any longer.”
As She took his hand, he spun Her in a circle, falling into their steps with ease.
“You’re good at this.” Leila raised an eyebrow. “Aside from that utterly unconvincing stumble of yours.”
“Your stumble. Don’t try to pin it on me. That’s bad form.”
“Did you really just learn today?”
“I did. In the bathhouse. Ask Delphi, she was there.” He faltered. “On second thought, don’t ask her.”
“Do you like it?” She asked. “Dancing. It’s fun, yes?”
“It has its benefits.”
“Its benefits?”
“If the only way I can hold you tonight is by dancing with you, then I’ll do it.”
Another spin, and he pulled Her into their second hold, clasping Her hand tight.
“You never told me, you know,” She said.
“Told you what?”
“How your first day was, here in the palace.”
“Mostly uncomfortable. Very embarrassing.”
“Poor Tobias.”
“We received a considerable number of warnings regarding our time here,” he said. “No wandering eyes. No unsound intentions. The punishment for such behavior will be determined by our kind and merciful Sovereign.”
The light within Leila dulled. “I see.”
Silence wedged between them. Was he having second thoughts? Before the worry could overtake Her, Tobias leaned in close, lowering his voice to a whisper.
“When can I see you again?”
She wavered. “Pardon?”
“Can I see you?” He glanced from side to side, searching for prying eyes. “I imagine things will be different now that I’m here in the palace, but—”
“It’ll be different. But better.”
“Better?”
“Easier.”
His eyes brightened. “When can I see you? Just the two of us.”
“Soon.”
“Tonight?” Leila shook Her head, and he sighed. “Not soon enough, then.”
Leila held back Her laughter, more pleased with his eagerness than She cared to reveal. Again his arm slinked around Her waist, except this time his hold was tight and yearning, their bodies pressed together in a way that seemed intimate, even indecent. She wanted to stay in that position forever.
Red swept Her vision. Brontes was still lurking with his Senators, watching from afar.
“Leila?”
She flinched, stirred by Tobias’s voice. “Apologies.”
“Captivated by the Sovereign and his flock of birds?” he asked.
“I didn’t know they were coming. I assumed…” She clenched Her jaw, Her thoughts turning to violence. “Only they could ruin a night such as this.”
“But you’re safe for now, yes?”
“Safe? Of course, why?”
“Your blade is conspicuously missing.”
Leila started. “Eyeing my legs, are we?”
“How could I resist?”
She forced a laugh, though it was hardly convincing. She had forgotten about the ruse, had allowed it to slip away with the music. What else had Tobias noticed while She was being careless?
“Servants said the leather didn’t exactly complement my dress,” She said.
Tobias didn’t respond, his gaze traveling the walls as if he were deep in thought.
“Tobias…”
“You don’t have to tell me your secrets,” he said. “I’ve only known you a short while. I understand if you don’t trust me.”
“It’s not that I don’t trust you. It’s just…things are—”
“Dangerous?”
Immeasurably. I am to die. Her lips parted, but the words never came.
Tobias smiled. “Now’s not the time. We’re celebrating, and you look absolutely incredible. But one day, if you’d care to tell me your secrets, or at least what I’d have to do to be worthy of them, know that I’m here. And I’m very good at keeping my mouth shut.”
Her heartbeat calmed as He rested Her hand over his chest for their final hold. She dropped Her head against his neck, taking in his rhythmic pulse and savoring the scent of cinnamon and firewood along his flesh.
He sighed. “It’s nearly time to switch.”
“Yes. And this time, we have to.” Her heart sank. “Know that I don’t want to.”
His lips brushed against Her ear, his voice a warm whisper. “I wish I could kiss you right now.”
A deep, resounding heat filled Her to the brim, and when Tobias pulled away, his black drape was yet again encircled in pink.
“I’ll be seeing you,” he said.
She nodded. “Soon.”
She hurried away, praying he wouldn’t see Her silly grin. God, the way he made Her feel wasn’t fair.
She needed more of it.
“Your Holiness.”
A new partner waited before Her, dressed in a fine plum tunic with silver stitching, his long, black waves tied back and brown eyes beaming.
“Hylas…” Her gut churned. Had any of the competitors heard him?
“Did I startle You, Your Holiness?”
She cleared Her throat. “No, it’s just…I didn’t know you liked to dance.”
“Everyone likes to dance.”
Leila’s gaze flitted across the room, connecting with a pair of beady eyes. Romulus stood at the edge of the atrium, free of Brontes and his constituents, his hard stare a wordless command.
“Your Holiness?” Hylas said. “Apologies for my flippancy, I meant no offense.”
“Excuse Me. There’s somewhere I must be.”
She abandoned the dance floor, snatching up a chalice of wine and heading Romulus’s way with an air of forced casualness. He walked down a neighboring corridor, and Leila eyed the atrium one last time before following his lead.