Chapters (24)
I’m already the rebel Prince of thine enemy. I can’t do much more to tarnish my image.”
“You can certainly tarnish mine,” I pointed out.
“Never,” Loki said, and it was his turn to look appaled. “I’m merely showing them how to dance.”
He began spinning me around the dance floor in grand arcs, my gown swirling around me. He was a briliant dancer. We moved with grace and speed, and everyone had stopped to watch us, but I didn’t care. This was the way a Princess was supposed to dance on her wedding day.
The song ended, switching to something by Mozart, and he slowed, almost to a stop, but he kept me in his arms.
“Thank you,” I smiled. My skin felt flushed from dancing, and I was a little out of breath. “That was a wonderful dance.”
“You’re welcome,” he said, staring intently at me. “You are so beautiful.”
“Stop,” I said, looking away from his compliment as my cheeks reddened.
“How can you blush?” Loki asked, laughing gently. “People must tel you how beautiful you are a thousand times a day.”
“It’s not the same,” I said.
“It’s not the same?” Loki echoed. “Why? Because you know they don’t mean it like I do?”
We did stop dancing then, and neither of us said anything.
Garrett came up to us. He smiled, but his eyes didn’t appear happy.
“Can I cut in?” Garrett asked.
“Yes,” Loki said, shaking off the intensity he’d had a moment ago, and grinned broadly at Garrett. “She’s al yours, good sir. Take care of her.”
He patted Garrett on the arm once for good measure and gave me a quick smile before heading back over to the refreshment table.
“Was he bothering you?” Garrett asked me as we began to dance.
“Um, no,” I shook my head. “He’s just…” I trailed off because I didn’t know what he was.
I watched Loki as he drained another glass of champagne, and then he left the balroom just as abruptly as he’d entered.
“Are you sure?” Garrett asked.
“Yes, everything is fine,” I smiled reassuringly at him. “Why?
Am I in trouble for dancing with him?”
“I don’t think so,” he said. “It’s your wedding. You’re supposed to have a little fun. It would’ve been nice if it was with the groom, but…” He shrugged.
“Elora’s not mad, is she?” I asked.
“Elora doesn’t have the strength to be mad anymore,” Garrett said, almost sadly. “Don’t worry about her. You’ve got enough to deal with.”
“Thank you,” I said.
I looked around the dance floor. Wila was dancing with Tove again, and when she caught my eyes, she gave me a what the hell look. I’m assuming that was referring to my dance with Loki, but Tove didn’t seem upset. That was something at least.