Sapphire hardly had time to study the room, though, as their table was flooded by those with congratulations and well wishes for their impending betrothal. She smiled and expressed her gratitude to each person present until she heard the first note of the Canmore Waltz. She watched with admiration as her parents took to the dance floor, performing the steps that Sapphire knew well. And she counted down until she felt Kaian’s hand in her own as he escorted her on to the ballroom floor to join in.

One of his hands rested on her hip, and with the other he held one of hers. As they began to dance, Sapphire tried to refuse the thoughts that threatened to consume her. The thoughts about Ashes – about how she wished she could dance with the girl for the world to see. About how Kaian’s hand did not fit the curve of her hip like the witch’s did. How she’d give anything for Ashes to be here, to hold her, to kiss her in front of this room of people who didn’t know her at all.

‘Are you OK?’ Kaian asked as he spun her back in.

‘I’m fine.’

He pulled her closer to him as they neared the more difficult part of the dance.

‘It’s hard to miss the look of displeasure on your face, Sapphire. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has noticed.’

Sapphire bit her lip, cursing herself for not focusing during such an important moment.

‘I’m sorry,’ she whispered. ‘I’m just trying not to make a fool of myself.’

Kaian softened slightly.

‘Allow me to just … take the lead here. You may be the most powerful person in this room, but I can out-dance you in any situation.’

She looked at him and tried not to laugh.

‘You’ve got me?’

‘Always,’ he replied, spinning her outwards, and she nodded, relinquishing the final bit of control she had been trying to retain. The dance became less stilted in an instant. She smiled as her body relaxed.

‘Pretentious?’ she teased.

‘And damn proud.’

Following the dance, Sapphire returned to her table and Kaian went to speak to his parents, leaving her alone. But that solitude was swiftly broken as someone approached.

‘Who knew you could dance like that?’

Sapphire smiled as Evera stood before her.

‘I can’t. Kaian basically scolded me halfway through it.’

‘Well, I, for one, thought you looked beautiful. Do look beautiful.’

‘As do you. Red is most certainly your colour.’

Evera smiled as she ran her hands over the expensive fabric of the gown.

‘I just – well, my entire family wanted to say thank you.’ Sapphire followed Evera’s gaze to where Mr and Mrs Viotto were laughing loudly as they danced.