The moment Wynn vacates the bench, I sink into her spot and ease forward to rub my aching feet. I wouldn’t be surprised if I had a bruise or two come morning thanks to Senan’s “dancing.” If one could even call it that. Thankfully, he appears to be taking it slower with Wynn.
I point my toes toward the crackling fire, wishing I’d packed an extra pair of dry socks. Not that it matters, I suppose, since we all left our packs hidden in the forest near the portal.
The guard watches me with his lips flat.
Even though I don’t say the words aloud, calling him “the guard” feels terribly rude. “What is your name?” I ask.
He blinks at me, seeming startled that I spoke to him. “My name is Eason.”
Eason. That is a nice name. “I hope you don’t mind me saying this, Eason, but you look entirely miserable.”
The corners of his light eyes crinkle ever so slightly. “Not entirely.”
“Oh, please. You haven’t had one drink.”
“Drink numbs the mind, and I must be alert at all times.”
Fair enough. Although with everyone so merry, I can’t see trouble arising any time soon. Later, perhaps, when folks are deeper in their cups. But we’ll be back in Kumulus by then. Thethought leaves my stomach sinking. “What about dancing?” I ask. “You haven’t done that either. Does it numb the mind too?”
His frown deepens. “Dancing is a distraction.”
Isn’t that part of the fun? To revel in a glorious distraction from duties and responsibilities. A brief escape from the doldrums and disappointments of life. I nudge his knee with mine. “What about smiling? Is that forbidden as well?”
His lips twitch into an almost-smile. “No. It’s not.”
Now that we’re sitting so close, he looks a good deal younger than I first thought. Then again, it could be that silly mask. “How old are you, Eason?”
“Twenty-four.”
That is awfully young for a royal guard considering they must train for at least five years and be at the top of their class in the academy to even be considered for a position at the castle. Meaning Eason is either very good or very lucky.
Considering the way the silver leathers cling to his toned form, the fact that his hand rarely moves from the pommel of his sword, and how his gaze always seems to be scanning for trouble, I assume it’s the former.
Senan and Wynn clasp hands and spin in circles with the rest of the dancers. Wynn’s head falls back as she laughs, her eyes closed and cheeks flushed. If only every night could be like this.
“You do realize he is engaged, right?” Eason says, bringing my attention back to him. “I’m not trying to be an ass, but you must know there is no future for the two of you.”
“I do.” And yet, here I am, clinging to these fraying threads of hope as if they can keep me from falling. Am I a fool for wanting a man promised to another? Undoubtedly. Would I be better off trying to open my heart to someone else? Probably.
But the thought of saying goodbye to Senan makes it feel as if the very fabric of my being has been shredded in two.
If I’m destined to break either way, I may as well have some good memories to cling to.
Someone sits down next to me. Expecting to see Senan, I turn and smile. But it isn’t Senan at all.
Lord Windell’s bear mask slips down his thin nose when he gives me a toothy grin. “Allette Rittey. Didn’t think I’d meet you down here.”
If I ever come back to this realm, I’ll need to purchase a mask that covers my entire face so I can hide from unwanted suitors.
The way he runs his tongue along his lips makes me think of a fox eyeing up a bunny. And I know well what Lord Windell does to helpless bunnies. “Might I say, you are looking particularly ravishing in that mask.”
By some miracle, I manage to keep my smile from slipping. “How kind of you to say, Lord Windell.”
“Perhaps you’ll wear it for me after we are wed.”
It’s impossible not to miss the insinuation in his tone. Philip Windell is the last man in the world I would want to tie myself to. Not that I’ll have a choice if he makes an offer of marriage and my aunt decides to accept.
His shoulder presses into mine as he scoots so close, the sour wine on his breath assaults my poor nose. “I’m looking forward to our dinner together tomorrow night. I have another surprise for you.”