Twenty Five
*Freya*
The ball was about to begin. I sighed as my maids hurried back and forth around me. Anxiety rose up within me as they pushed me to the front of my large mirror. I stared at my reflection. The whalebone corset clinched tighter around my ribcage as Grace laced up the back. I sipped in a shallow breath, steadying myself against the bedpost. The silk of my ballgown flowed like liquid moonlight, cascading in shimmering waves to the floor. Silver thread glimmered in beautiful floral patterns across the bodice.
“You look like a vision, my lady,” My other maid, Clara said as she pinned my dark curls into an elegant bun.
I gazed at my reflection in the full length mirror, marveling at the mesmerizing beauty of the dress. And yet, as exquisite as it was, each shallow breath reminded me of how impossibly tight it was. And I was supposed to be in this cage all night? Beauty is pain, Grace would say.
Flo packed up my gowns so I could fit my feet into the pretty pink heels she had picked out for me. It was a glass heel and It wasn’t too high, which made me smile in excitement. But the gown was still suffocating me.
“I can hardly breathe in this gown, Grace, Can you loosen it a bit please?” I complained, my hand pressed to my stomach.
Grace chuckled. “It’s meant to accentuate your tiny waist, Lady Freya. There’s no doubt that the Alpha king will be captivated. Trust me, Freya”
I raised an eyebrow at her in the mirror. “And who told you I want the Alpha to be captivated by me? will the Alpha be wearing corsets as well? I think not.”
Flo and Clara giggled and Grace shot them a sharp look. I smiled at them. I loved how they always silently bickered each other.
“There now, all finished,” Grace said, giving a final tug on the laces. “You’re ready to enchant the ballroom.”
I took an unsteady step, feeling light-headed already. Let them be captivated. I only prayed I didn’t faint before the first dance. With a steadying breath, I smoothed my skirts, lifted my chin, and glided from the room towards the muffled sounds of music and chatter. No doubt the other girls were already out there.
As soon as I stepped out of my room, a guard appeared before me. I was taken aback and stared at him with confusion.
“The king requested that I escort you safely, ma’am,” he explained in a polite tone.
“Oh.. Well, that’s not necessary, but thank you,” I replied hesitantly.
“I’m afraid the king insisted, ma’am. Shall we go?” He extended his arm, waiting patiently for me to take it. I reluctantly placed my hand on his arm and we began walking.
As we entered the ballroom, the music swirled around me, filling the air with a sense of excitement and anticipation. My heart pounded in her chest as I scanned the room, searching for the king. And there he was, standing regally across the room, his eyes locked on mine.
Our gaze held as if no one else existed in the room, a silent conversation passing between us that sent shivers down my spine. I felt a rush of heat flood my cheeks as I tried to avert his gaze, suddenly feeling self-conscious under his intense stare.
Rafe made his way through the crowd towards me, every step deliberate and filled with purpose. My breath caught in my throat as he finally stood before me, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
“Lady Freya,” he greeted with a voice like silk, sending tingles down my spine. “I must say, you look absolutely enchanting tonight.”
I blushed at his words, feeling a rush of butterflies in my stomach. “Thank you, my king, I’m glad I could impress you.” I replied softly, unable to tear my gaze away from him. I took a moment to glance at where the girls were sitting and sucked in a deep breath. Jessica was giving me a dearth glare, Kelly was scowling at me, her face had a look said just-wait-let-me-get-you. Aurora was staring at us with a sad expression on her face. I almost felt sorry for her. It was only Addy that was smiling at me. I even thought I saw her wink at me. My face turned bright red at that.
Rafe offered his hand to me, a silent invitation for a dance. “May I?”
My heart raced as I placed her hand in his, allowing him to lead me onto dance floor. My heart raced even faster as we got to the middle dance floor, here the light was on us alone. This is so crazy. I could hardly breathe as his warm hand enveloped mine. I could feel the weight of a hundred stares boring into my back. My breath came faster. What were they thinking? Did I look ridiculous next to him, the most powerful Alpha in the region? Did I look out of place? A wolfless girl with the most powerful werewolf in the land. I swallowed hard.
Rafe turned to face me, his deep blue eyes finding mine. He placed a gentle hand on my waist and drew me close. “Freya,” he murmured, his deep voice like honey. “Don’t think about anyone else. Right now, it’s just you and me.”
I let out a shaky breath and nodded, focusing on his handsome face, the curves of his lips, the breadth of his shoulders under the fine black suit. The string quartet began a slow, romantic melody. Rafe led me in a graceful waltz, twirling me around the polished wood floor.
The warmth of his body so near seeped into me, melting away the anxiety. The other guests faded into a blur of colors and lights. All that existed was the music and the feel of Rafe’s arms around me, the spicy scent of his cologne, the intensity smoldering in his eyes as he gazed down at me. I was lost in him completely.
He spun me out and back in, pulling my body flush against the hard planes of his chest. My skin tingled where it met his. Time seemed to slow. His face dipped closer to mine, eyelids heavy, full of promise and yearning. Was he going to kiss me right here?! Even as ridiculous as I thought it was, My lips parted of their own accord. Just a breath separated us-
“I Think it should be my turn now,” a familiar voice called out.
I jerked back to awareness, stumbling out of Rafe’s embrace. I turned to see Connor who was striding towards us, a determined set to his jaw as he looked between me and Rafe. Whatever spell had been drawn in that dance shattered in an instant. Reality crashed back in – we weren’t alone in our own little world. I couldn’t believed we had just wanted to kiss in front of so many people.
And I even wanted him to do it.
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