The song ended. “Your Highness,” she said, stepping away from Odar, relief filling her. She turned and found Jarvik before her. Her heart sped up.
“May I please have this dance?” the squire asked, bowing.
Her mother’s warning came back to her—she was supposed to put all thoughts of Jarvik out of her mind so she could focus on Odar, her future husband. However, the squire was the prince’s best friend and he’d asked to dance with her. It would be rude to refuse him. Glancing at the prince for his reaction, she watched him pat Jarvik on the shoulder and stroll away.
Jarvik took a tentative step toward Allyssa and she smiled at him, letting him know she accepted his offer to dance. Blimey. She wanted to dance with him, to feel his hands holding her. He gently placed one hand on her lower back, the other taking her gloved hand and lifting it into the air. A new song began, and the two of them started moving together around the dance floor.
When she gazed into Jarvik’s eyes, the music and people faded away, and all she saw was the man standing before her. Suddenly nervous, she feared she’d step on her dress and fall. However, Jarvik expertly glided with her around the dance floor, putting all her fears to rest. Why did she care what Jarvik thought of her? He was her future husband’s squire. She’d be seeing a lot of him and couldn’t afford to feel anything but friendship for this man.
Needing to take the focus off her thoughts of running her hands through his hair or tracing the curve of his lips, she asked, “Why didn’t you tell the prince what’s going on?”
“No need.” He shrugged. “He’ll find out soon enough.”
“But doesn’t he give the orders?”
His eyes flickered. “Not when it comes to matters of security. He has confidence in my abilities and has placed me in charge.”
Jarvik hadn’t twirled her once. In fact, he hadn’t let go of her at all. His warm hand was still placed on her lower back. She wished she wasn’t wearing gloves so she could feel his calloused skin against hers.
Glancing around the room, she spotted Odar speaking with her parents and wondered what they were discussing. Since he wasn’t watching her dance with Jarvik, she felt relieved yet ridden with guilt, as if she was doing something wrong simply by enjoying his company.
“What’s the matter?” Jarvik asked, pulling her closer to him, their chests touching and their faces only inches apart. His lips were so close. Her heart beat erratically and she couldn’t breathe. How could the squire—a man she had originally loathed—have this effect on her? She was acting like a barmaid.
“Allyssa?” Jarvik asked. “Are you okay?”
Gaining her wits back, she forced all romantic thoughts of Jarvik away. “Yes, sorry. I’m just thinking about the events of the day.”
“I know,” he whispered. “Me too. But you seem … off. Are you sure nothing else is bothering you?” His fingers dug into her back.
Her face flushed. Bloody hell. It had been easier when she hated him. “I’m concerned about Grevik,” she murmured. “I’m supposed to meet you know who tomorrow evening, but apparently, that can’t happen now. Do you have any suggestions?”
He leaned down, his lips near her ear. “Only one,” he whispered. “But it’s risky.” He hesitated a moment before continuing, “You have the authority—once your parents are gone—to delay our departure by one day. Then I will help you save Grevik on the condition that we do it together. You will not go anywhere near that assassin on your own.”
If she didn’t meet the assassin, how would she find Grevik?
“You have to trust me,” he said.
She nodded.
“Promise me,” the squire insisted.
“I promise.”
His hand slowly slid up her back, holding her closer. What is he doing? She was certain they shouldn’t be dancing like this.
The music ended, and a couple of men came up behind the squire to request the next dance. Jarvik didn’t even hesitate—he held onto her, not giving anyone else a chance to request her hand. It was considered improper for her to dance with the same man twice in a row unless he was courting her. Yet, she couldn’t bring herself to say anything because she was right where she wanted to be.
The music started up again. It was a slower song, allowing the squire to hold her close to him. She swore she could feel his heart pounding against hers, just as frantic and erratic.
They danced in silence for several moments, her head resting against his shoulder. They turned slightly, giving her a clear view of her parents watching her. Although Rema and Darmik were both smiling, her father’s eyes were pinched with worry and her mother kept glancing sideways at Odar. The prince folded his arms as he stood with her parents, staring at her. She lifted her head off Jarvik’s shoulder, putting some space between them. She felt cold without his body against hers.