The Gala

by Leigh Walker

  So I was going to stay. I would fight to win.

  Still, I was afraid of the depths of my feelings for Dallas. I could feel it—that swift under-current that threatened to pull me under. So I would stay, but I would guard my heart against the prince.

  No matter what it wanted, or how it ached.

  Chapter 5

  A Change Of Scenery

  “Good morning, miss. Here’s your tea.” Evangeline bustled about the room, setting down the tea tray and opening the curtains.

  I glowered at the sun streaming through the windows. “What time is it?”

  “Six a.m., miss. You have a long morning ahead of you, and the prince wants to get an early start. The twins and I will be back with your outfit. We’ve already packed a bag for you. The staff will have it downstairs. The camera crew was granted permission to come and film you getting ready, so you might want to get up before they barge in here.”

  “Ugh.” I sank back underneath the covers. “Who gave them permission?”

  “Tariq.”

  “Of course he did.” Tariq was probably gleefully looking forward to my date with the prince after he’d caught us glowering at each other yesterday. Drama was good for ratings.

  With everything else on my mind, I’d forgotten that they’d be filming our date—I needed to work on my fake smile—stat.

  “Do you have any idea what I’m doing today?”

  Evangeline grinned. “I’m not sure of the particulars, but I know it involves a riding suit.”

  I sat up straight. “We’re going riding?”

  Her eyes sparkled. “Your guess is as good as mine, and I think it’s a pretty good guess. I’ll be back in a moment with the twins.”

  She closed the door, and I hopped out of bed, suddenly energized. I hadn’t ridden in years. The idea of being outdoors with a horse beneath me and the wind in my hair—oh, it was magnificent. I gulped some tea and slathered extra butter on my toast. I peered out the window, watching the sunrise. A gorgeous day, a perfect day—even if His Duplicitous Dimple-ness was riding beside me, and the whole thing was being filmed for public consumption.

  The twins bustled in, excited smiles on their faces. I waited for their normal ribbing, but when the film crew squeezed in behind them, I understood. We had our game faces on. They sent me to the bathroom and put me into a steel-gray riding outfit, fitted and flattering. The cameras filmed us as they hauled me back out and plopped me into a chair. Bria braided my hair with extra care, and Bettina insisted on seven layers of makeup, even though I’d be outside all day.

  “Are you ready, miss?” Evangeline asked, when the final round of powder had been applied to my nose.

  “Yes. I am.”

  Nervous excitement thrilled through me as I descended the stairs in my riding boots. The camera crew stayed close behind, and I was relieved to be in the boots, not the high heels they usually made us parade around in.

  Dallas waited in the grand foyer. I sucked in a deep breath when I saw him. As tall as ever, his black riding boots were polished to a deep, lustrous sheen. His tight-fitting riding suit accentuated his broad, muscled form.

  I grabbed onto the railing, lest I fall and trip anyway, even in flats.

  He bowed deeply when I reached the bottom of the stairs. “My lady. Thank you for accepting my invitation.”

  I arched an eyebrow but then, remembering the cameras, curtsied appropriately. “Your Highness.”

  He held out his arm for me, and I took it. His scent wafted over me, making my mouth water, making me dizzy.

  He was like a contact high. Get a grip, Gwyn!

  But Dallas was the only thing to hold onto, so I did, grasping his forearm so I didn’t collapse into a puddle at his feet. Stupid, traitorous hormones. They didn’t seem to hold a grudge like the rest of me.

  “I thought we’d go riding,” Dallas said, as we went through the front doors. “I understand you used to ride at the Academy. I was hoping this was something we could enjoy doing together.”

  I nodded encouragingly. “I’m thrilled. I haven’t ridden in years.”

  “Then I hope you’ll like this.” We swept down the stairs and were greeted by the sight of two of the most beautiful white mares I’d ever seen.

  I stopped in my tracks. “Oh, Dallas. They’re gorgeous.”

  He leaned in closer so no one could hear us. “I’m working hard to earn your forgiveness.”

  Before I could respond, he released me. “Now, I picked Maeve for you.” He indicated the slightly smaller horse. “She’s amazing and gentle but has real power. Are you comfortable going out now, or do you want to re-acquaint yourself with a saddle a bit first?”

  I stroked the mare’s mane, basking in her beauty. “No, I’m ready,” I said, a bit breathlessly.

  Dallas smiled widely. “Excellent. I thought I’d show you around the grounds and take you to one of my favorite spots. Have you had breakfast?”

  “Yes.” I couldn’t tear my eyes from Maeve.

  “I took the liberty of having a generous amount of food packed, anyway. We’ll ride for a bit and then stop to eat.” He motioned behind the horses, where numerous guards waited, each with a horse of their own. “We won’t be alone, of course. My guard and the cameras are following, but I expect we can have a bit of a head start.” He climbed up and settled onto his saddle, and I was momentarily blindsided by the sight of him, so handsome and regal on his horse.

  He beamed down at me. “Gwyneth? Are you ready?”

  “Yes, of course.” I climbed up on Maeve and relished every sensation, the stirrups around my feet, the reins in my hands, and the feel of the horse’s powerful body beneath mine.

  Dallas clicked his reins and cantered off. Maeve and I followed close behind. We went slowly at first, getting acquainted with each other. I thrilled as the castle grew smaller behind us and acres of open, rolling lawn stretched out in front me. I itched to let the horse take off, to run free at top speed.

  Dallas looked back over his shoulder. “Are you good?”

  “Yes!”

  He grinned, and his horse shot forward.

  I urged Maeve into a gallop, and we went after him. The rest of the world fell away as the wind rushed past me, whipping my braid.

  I came even with Dallas, and he grinned again, the sun sparkling on his white, white skin.

  And then I saw it for the first time—he looked happy. Truly happy. His smile reached all the way to his eyes.

  We rode off, leaving the castle and everything else behind.

  I didn’t know how much time had passed, but we rode for miles, finally meeting the trees. Dallas slowed his horse, coming to a stop before a dirt road that cut through the woods. “There’s something up ahead I want to show you. The others are close behind—I’ll have them bring some food and drink when they finally catch up.”

  “That’s very kind.” We cantered next to each other, and I inhaled a deep breath of fresh air. It was late winter, but it was milder here than back at home. The sun warmed my face.

  I looked around the wood filled with white pine trees. “It’s so beautiful.”

  “I agree.” Dallas kept his gaze firmly on me. “Riding becomes you.”

  “Thank you. It was my favorite thing to do before the… Before.” Before the war, I’d ridden every day. Once the Blacks had taken over, they’d confiscated all the horses.

  “My family took the horses so the rebels couldn’t utilize them,” Dallas said, as if he’d read my thoughts. “We brought them here. Many of our horses had been killed in battle or died of disease up north.”

  “Oh.” I didn’t know what to say.

  “Did you own your own horse?”

  “No. I had a favorite at our stable, though. Ginger. She was a sorrel, just as sweet and beautiful as can be. She had a lovely red coat.” I smiled, remembering my old friend. “I brought her sugar cubes and carrots. She was basically my BFF.”

  He cocked an eyebrow. “I’m sorry? What’s a ‘BFF?’” />
  “A Best Friend Forever. Do you have one?”

  Dallas considered that. “Hmm. Well, my friend Lucas is pretty close. I think I’ve mentioned him before. And of course, there’s Austin, my younger brother, although I have half a mind to throttle him at the moment.”

  I almost choked. “You have a younger brother? You only mentioned your sister…”

  His sister was dead. That’s all I knew.

  “Ah yes, I have a younger brother. He’s up north, still. Refuses to leave our old home and come down here and assume his responsibilities.”

  “Why?”

  Dallas’s face grew stormy. “If you ask him, he’s got plenty of reasons. But I know he just likes having the old castle to himself, even if the rest of the land’s filthy with werewolves and all other manner of rot.”

  When my face contorted with confusion, Dallas remembered himself. “Ah, here we are.”

  “Did you just mention werewolves again?”

  He smiled tightly. “The cameras are coming. Let’s save that for later, shall we?”

  I nodded stupidly. But I wasn’t sure there was later enough for the topic of werewolves.

  Dallas stopped his horse and jumped off, motioning for me to do the same.

  I came beside him then noticed a small path that cut through the woods.

  He reached for me. “Come with me, Gwyn. I’ve something much more exciting to show you than a filthy werewolf.”

  Chapter 6

  I Need Every Waking Hour With You

  I hadn’t realized I’d been holding my breath until we walked down the path and come to a clearing, bordered by a large, stone ledge.

  I peered around. “This is it?”

  “Nothing’s going to jump out at you, I promise.”

  “You really aren’t going to show me a werewolf?” I asked, half joking. “Or a troll, or…maybe a gnome?”

  He chuckled. “Trolls are only from bedtime stories.”

  “So what about the—”

  “Come. I just want to show you.” He took my hand. “There’s a beautiful view from up here.” Dallas started up the path, pulling me gently behind him. “It gets a little tricky, so watch your step.” We hiked around the corner, and I gasped when we got to the top. Acres of green grass stretched before us, followed by the blue waters of an enormous lake.

  “This is beautiful.”

  Dallas sat down on the edge and patted the spot next to him.

  I sat down, and he surprised me with a friendly hug. He put his big arm around me, squeezing gently before releasing me. “I’m so glad we got to do this today.”

  “I am as well.”

  Dallas looked out at the lake. “I wasn’t sure how it was going to go, after your little fit yesterday.”

  “I beg your pardon.” I bristled, feeling my face turn red. “It was not a fit.”

  “Was so.” He laughed at me.

  I clenched my fists, about to launch into a tirade, but then I remembered myself. I had to learn to play the game.

  Must. Calm. Down. Must. Not. Yell.

  “You’re right, Your Highness. I guess I did have a bit of a…fit.” I struggled to get the word out.

  He stopped laughing and frowned. “Why are you agreeing with me? That’s not like you.”

  I cleared my throat. “I’m trying to be more open-minded.”

  “No,” he said, no longer laughing. “You’re trying to let me win my point. Why?”

  I looked at him and quickly looked away. “I don’t want to be difficult.”

  “That’s not like you.”

  “I’m not that bad, you know. I can be easy to get along with, too.” The words, the ones he’d used to describe Shaye, burned my tongue.

  “You’re right—I don’t think you’re bad at all. But you aren’t easy to get along with. And I don’t want you to be.”

  I looked at him sharply.

  “The reason I enjoy your company is because you’re usually honest with me. That’s refreshing. I don’t have a lot of people in my life who are truthful about what they think and feel.” He ran a hand through his hair, making it stand up in unruly spikes.

  I didn’t say anything. I couldn’t.

  Dallas’s eyes darkened. “But if you’re just playing a game and telling me what I want to hear—I’m sorry, but I don’t have time for that. I’m already up to my eyeballs in that sort of nonsense.”

  “That’s not what I’m doing.” I sighed. “Well, all right, that’s what I was doing.”

  “My dearest Gwyneth, I do believe you’re lying to me by agreeing with me again.”

  “I am not, Your Lordship,” I huffed. “Not right now. I was for a bit. For a second.”

  I looked at him, but he stared straight ahead. “I’m sorry. I’m trying to…protect myself. By agreeing with you, which I’m sure makes absolutely no sense.”

  “No, I understand. I’ve been on the receiving end of that sort of thinking my whole life. People tell me what I want to hear, so they can get what they want.”

  “It’s not like that…”

  Ugh. I sat there, not knowing what to say next. He knew me better than I’d guessed—even my brief attempt at playing the game had caught his sharp notice.

  He didn’t say anything for another minute. Finally, he tapped my chin, bringing my face closer to his. “Don’t do that to me again. Please. Don’t tell me what it is you think I want to hear. It makes me feel as if you’re another stranger to be tolerated.”

  Intensity crackled between us as I held his stare. “I won’t. I sort of sucked at it, in case you couldn’t tell.”

  He chuckled but then turned serious again. “Promise me, Gwyneth.”

  “I promise. I’ll always tell you what I think, even if you don’t want to hear it. And I bet you won’t want to hear most of it.”

  The camera crew and soldiers came around the corner, and he released me. I wished we were still alone. The fresh air and the riding had revived me, and the conversation with Dallas had been…real. Honest.

  I’d been kidding myself that I could shield myself from my feelings for him. All my ugly thoughts of the prince with Shaye were slipping away, already almost forgotten.

  The guards brought up a basket, set it gingerly behind us, then bowed at Dallas. He opened it, taking out a tin, some butter, and a knife. He put everything between us. He pulled the lid off and I moaned. “Oh, you got biscuits.”

  “I know you like them.” His eyes sparkled as he took one out, buttered it, and handed it to me. Then he pulled out a bottle of rosé and a wine opener.

  “Wine with breakfast?”

  “Don’t judge me.” He smirked. “The producers told me I have to do something while my dates eat, so it doesn’t look awkward.”

  “Ah. So you look…occupied.”

  The people in the settlements didn’t know that the royal family were vampires. There were rumors, of course. The royals’ oddly pale skin and foreign manner had people questioning. And when they’d come down from the North to conquer the settlements, the Black Guard only attacked at night.

  Now that I’d gotten to know about vampires, I understood that some of them, like Dallas, Eve, and Mira Kinney, were perfectly capable of coming out during the day. Others, like the queen, avoided the sun at all costs.

  None of them ate, though. They only ate…drank…blood. And wine.

  So the prince’s wine was a prop, something for him to hold onto in order to avoid looking awkward while his human dates ate or drank. They hadn’t addressed the prince’s vampirism in the show, yet. Dallas had mentioned that he wanted to, but I didn’t know what his father had to say about that. I wondered when and if they would. I couldn’t imagine what my mother would say. Probably something akin to deal with it or another one of her all-time favorites, suck it up.

  Oh, the irony.

  Dallas poured himself some rosé and motioned at the crew. “You should get a shot of the lake. It’ll be nice for the viewers to see how pretty it is, here. And th
en you may film us for ten more minutes. But when we continue our ride, Miss West and I would like some privacy.”

  “Of course, Your Majesty.” The camera crew bowed, immediately setting up to take a shot of the view.

  “Must be nice to have people follow your orders.”

  He shrugged. “It has its benefits, but it also has drawbacks, which is why I expect my brother’s still hiding up north. He doesn’t want to deal with the drawbacks.”

  “Do you mean—”

  “Let’s talk of it later.” Dallas poured me a glass of water. “Now, tell me about when you were younger and all about your BFF, the lovely Ginger.”

  After our break, we continued our ride across the grounds. The guards and the camera crew kept a respectful distance. We slowed our pace, able to finally talk in peace.

  “While I have you, I need to get something off my chest.”

  My heart thudded in my own chest. “Yes?”

  “I’m sorry about yesterday,” Dallas said. “I wanted to come to you last night, but Eve warned me not to.”

  “Eve? What on earth did she say?”

  He gave me a quick look. “That you’d been to see her. She made it sound very human—something like you needed ‘space’ and ‘time to process.’”

  I shook my head. “Eve is very wise, all of a sudden.”

  “The transformation can do that to you. It pushes a lot of things that can clutter a human’s mind to the side.”

  I bristled. “Oh, like what?”

  “Like worrying about whether people like you or not.”

  I lifted my chin. “You don’t worry about that?” With his title, that broad chest and all that hair, he probably never had to.

  “No, I do. Sometimes.” He gave me a pointed look. “But enough about that—I was apologizing to you. I think you missed it.”

  “I didn’t miss it.” I sighed. “And I’m sorry, too. I didn’t react well to watching the episode.”

  Dallas frowned.

  “But you don’t need to apologize,” I said quickly. “You didn’t do anything wrong. You have a job to do, a role to play, girls to romance.”