Lienna.
I stared at him, unsure what to make of his sudden request. But a part of me was desperate to escape the suffocating crowd, and Hermes’ offer seemed like a lifeline.
Without giving myself time to think about his offer, I stepped forward, taking his hand. “Of course, Your Majesty…” I muttered, gazing into his piercing green eyes as he pulled me close. His huge palms enveloped mine, warm and inviting, sending flutters through my stomach.
Hermes led me to the dance floor, and the crowd parted, making way for us. We reached the center, and his grip on me tightened as he settled a hand on my waist. I stiffened slightly, the intimacy of the gesture catching me off guard.
A slow, melodic tune began playing, and Hermes’ body swayed to the rhythm. I followed, trying to keep up, but it was clear that he was the most talented dancer on the floor. Yet, he guided me with such gentleness that I soon found myself moving in perfect harmony.
“You looked absolutely stunning tonight,” Hermes murmured, twirling me around. He pulled me closer, his breath whispering against my ear. “I couldn’t take my eyes off you the moment you walked in.”
A shudder went up my spine. My fingertips tingled, and I became breathless. “Thank you…” I muttered, my voice barely audible as I lost myself in his gaze.
Hermes’ small smile sent shivers down my spine. He lowered himself, pressing a kiss on my forehead, and the crowd around us gasped. My heart began to pound, racing with questions. Why was he doing this?
The music swirled around us, and Hermes’ eyes locked onto mine. The world narrowed to the space between us, the tension building with each passing moment. Hermes kept me close to him, ensuring that my gaze never left his for a moment. It was nothing short of a magical moment but still I couldn’t help but wonder if there was an ulterior motive somewhere. Except, this was just the beginning.
After dancing for a while, Hermes released me, and before I could catch my breath, Adonis stepped in, his eyes sparkling with amusement. I opened my mouth in shock, but Adonis’ expression remained stoic, his features chiseled and blank.
The tune changed, and we began to dance. I struggled to maintain my composure, trying to ignore the incessant gazes upon me as we moved on the dancefloor. Adonis’ grip on me was firm, his hand on my waist guiding me through the steps with a confident intimacy that left me breathless.
The music swirled around us, and I felt trapped in Adonis’ piercing gaze. His eyes seemed to see right through me, unraveling my carefully constructed facade.
The song finally slowed to a stop, and we ceased dancing. I performed a curtsy, hoping that would be the end of it. But Adonis didn’t release my hands, his fingers intertwined with mine.
His gaze still fixed on mine, he brought my fingers to his lips and pressed a gentle yet firm kiss upon them. My heart skidded to a halt, and the butterflies in my stomach went on a rampage.
With a tiny curl of his lips, Adonis let me go and walked away, leaving me dumbfounded.
“Do you still have room for one more dance?” Another voice asked, and to my horror, it was Caspian.
My eyes grew wide, and I instinctively took a step back, my mind reeling. What the hell is going on? First Hermes, then Adonis, and now Caspian?
I collected myself, stuttering slightly. “O-of course.” I muttered, trying to sound calm despite the turmoil brewing inside.
Caspian’s eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, moving closer to claim my hands. Once more, I was led to dance, surrounded by the opulent decorations and the watchful yet shocked eyes of the crowd surrounding us.
In the space of one night, I had danced with all the shifter kings. There definitely was something in the air, a tension that lingered like the sweet scent of blooming flowers.
With my hands clasped in Caspian’s, a new tune began, much more solemn than the previous ones. We began to move, our steps harmonious, but my nerves were on edge. I glanced around, noticing people staring at us, their faces a blur of curiosity and speculation.
A flush grew on my cheeks, and I turned my gaze to Caspian to find him assessing me already. His piercing eyes seemed to see right through me.
“Something on your mind?” he asked, twirling me around before settling me lightly on my feet. I bit back a yelp, surprised at the sudden movement. Dragging air to my lungs, I looked up at him.
“Y-yes… I would like to know why you’re doing this,” I muttered, my grip tightening on him.
Caspian shrugged, looking away for a moment, his profile chiseled in the soft light. “No reason I can think of. We just wanted to dance with the hero of our realm.”
His words struck a chord, and my heart skipped a beat. I swallowed the lump in my throat, feeling tears cloud my eyes as a wave of sadness crashed through me. I had been dancing with the shifter kings all this time. I should probably be the happiest person in the room. Why did I want to sob?
I suddenly couldn’t wait for the music to be over. If Caspian noticed the change in my demeanor, he didn’t press.
The dance continued, and I did my best to stay present, letting the music speak to me for a moment. Caspian’s piercing gaze held mine, and I pressed my lips together, determined not to show him anymore vulnerability.
After what seemed like forever, the song finally slowed to a stop. I performed my curtsy, feeling myself get overwhelmed with those tumultuous emotions once more.
“I-if you’ll excuse me…” I barely managed to whisper before turning around and exiting the ballroom as quickly as I could, desperate to escape the suffocating attention and the shifter kings’ mysterious actions.
Entering into the hallway, I continued walking, trying my best to steady my ragged breathing. Hating how the tears threatened to spill down my cheeks, I bit back a sob. My fingers trembled like leaves, and it felt like an invisible hand was squeezing my chest, tightening its grip with every step.
I sought refuge by the window, gazing up at the full moon shining down. Its silvery light cast a calming glow, and I felt a wave of serenity wash over me. My trembling subsided, and I finally regained control.
Cleaning away the stray tears, I headed towards the balcony, hesitating for a moment before stepping forward. The cool night air enveloped me, carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers from the courtyard gardens below.
I walked until I reached the railings, resting my elbows on the cold stone. Gazing out into the darkness, I let the stillness of the night wrap around me.
Letting out a deep breath, I dragged the cool air into my lungs, allowing myself to get lost in my thoughts. The night air kept me company, its silence a balm to my frazzled emotions.
From finding out who my real mother was to dancing with all the shifter kings, today had definitely been overwhelming. And yet, amidst all the revelations and whirlwind events, my mind lingered on one thing them.
Now, if they would just give me a response to my confession. The uncertainty gnawed at me, refusing to let go. Even after all this time, I still didn’t know why I was still affected by it when I promised myself it wouldn’t.
Maybe that’s why I was so sad tonight. Maybe that’s why the shifter kings’ attentions, though flattering, felt hollow. I didn’t know. It hurt to think about, and I pushed the thoughts away, letting the night air fill the silence.
I was starting to regain a semblance of control when I heard footsteps behind me, echoing through the stillness of the night. Turning around, I was mildly stunned to see Adonis standing before me, his chiseled features etched with concern.
“Your Majesty…” I called out, quickly bowing my head, attempting to hide my tumultuous emotions.
Adonis’ gaze raked over me instead, his brow deepening in worry. “Are you alright?” he asked, taking a step forward, his voice laced with genuine concern.
I nodded, managing a small, tremulous smile. “Yes, I’m fine. Why do you ask?”
His eyes narrowed. “You… ran out of the ballroom, and your voice sounds hoarse.” Closing the distance between us, his gaze scoured me, as if searching for hidden wounds.
“What happened? Did someone say anything mean to you?” he asked, his voice low and menacing, an undercurrent of anger simmering beneath the surface.
I managed a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood. “No, not at all. Why would they? I’m just… I’m just overwhelmed with a lot of feelings and I needed some time alone,” I muttered, balling my fists into my dress.
Adonis’ expression softened, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Oh…” He trailed off, unsure of what to say for a moment. Then, his voice took on a gentle tone. “Talk to me about it.”
I stiffened, my eyes widening in shock. What?! The request caught me off guard, and I blurted out without thinking, “Why?”
Realizing my error, I bit my lip, trying to retract my words. “It’s not that important. You don’t have to worry about it.”
Adonis’ gaze never wavered. “Still, tell me all the same. Is it about the celebration? The war? What is it?”
My resolve crumbled, and the words spilled out, louder and harsher than I intended. “It’s about you… It’s about the three of you. It’s about the fact that I bared my feelings to all of you, and up till now, I’m yet to get a response.”
Adonis’ eyebrows shot up, surprise etched on his face. A tense silence settled, heavy as a physical weight, and I looked away, my chest feeling like someone was strangling it with an iron grip.
Eventually, I couldn’t take it anymore. “See? You’re doing it again,” I whispered, my voice laced with desperation. “I hate to admit it, but it’s hurting me so much.”
As I spoke, my voice cracked, and the tears I thought I had hidden came spilling out, betraying my fragile control. Before I could clean them away, Adonis’ thumb gently swept across my cheeks, flicking away those treacherous tears.
Turning my chin, he held my face between his palms, his touch warm and reassuring. I couldn’t stop my hands from wrapping around his wrists, holding on as if he were my anchor in a stormy sea.
“I know it feels wrong to say, but I’ll say it anyway,” Adonis began, his eyes locking onto mine. “Could you be patient with us, please? Till the end of the banquet. We should have an answer for you then.”
I furrowed my brows, frustration and longing warring within me. Why did I have to wait that long?
Adonis’ gaze pleaded with me, his eyes burning with an unspoken promise. “Please…” he begged again, his voice low and urgent.
I nodded, blinking my tears away, my voice barely above a whisper. “Okay…”
“Thank you,” Adonis muttered, pressing a kiss on my hair, his breath sending shivers down my spine. I sniffed, taking in a shuddering breath. In an attempt to dispel the odd tension, Adonis spoke again.
“Did I mention you looked stunning tonight?” he asked, a smile creeping onto his face.
I chuckled, shaking my head, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders.
“Well, you do,” he added, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Took my breath away the second you walked into the ballroom.”
I giggled, feeling much lighter. The banquet would be ending in thirteen nights. It’s not that long, I told myself. I can make it to the end to hear their response.
Can I?