I flee, longing to return to the dais. Teddy disappeared as soon as the old woman began speaking, which was no surprise. I would’ve done the same had our roles been reversed. The guests slam their mugs together and whistle to the music, and I can’t reach the platform fast enough. An arm reaches out and closes in on my abdomen. Before I can exhale, he’s holding me to his chest.

“What happened?” Braizen whispers.

I bury my face in his chest and whimper. “Nothing. Not really. I got spooked by a guest.”

“You’re safe now, Sparrow,” he assures me while stroking my hair. “There are plenty of strange people who roam our lands; we’re bound to meet a few of them tonight.”

I turn my cheek against his chest and laugh. I feel safe within his hold.

“Hey, Sparrow,” he breathes into my hair.

I look up, and he smiles. “Would you want to dance with me?”

I only nod because, for a moment, I forget how to speak. He leads me back to the middle of the floor. The old woman is gone, and I relax even more. The melody is soft, light, and slow.

He twirls me in a wide circle. I’ve practiced dancing with my mother many times, but she didn’t prepare me for the stomach flutters I feel now.

The Prince extends his arm and bows, then pulls me close. When he places my hand on his shoulder, I can almost hear his heartbeat. Or maybe it’s my own heart that’s unabashedly roaring. I didn’t expect to feel this way for him or anyone—ever. I’m elated because he seems to feel the same. The guests are now watching us dance, and I hear their rumbles of speculation. I don’t mind, as long as I keep looking at him.

He spins me twice and then dips me, and I feel like an adult. I feel like a woman.

I move my chin from side to side in low sweeps, just as I’ve been taught, and I see my parents raise their glasses to us.

King Vaskis and his Queen join them with full smiles. They toast each other and sip.

Braizen grabs me by the waist and briefly lifts me for a half-turn. The guests cheer, but all I see are his blue eyes piercing mine, his tan skin shining in the candlelight.