Chapter 3 The Masquerade Ball

Varelia's grand ballroom gleamed like a thousand stars stolen from the sky. Crystal chandeliers flared above silken banners, and nobles in masks danced by on the marble floor to the rhythm of violins.

It was going to be a night of calm - the anniversary of a treaty nearly signed. For the rest, it was going to be a night of merriment and dancing.

For Princess Elara, it was a test of endurance.

The mask she wore, delicate silver lace, hid her face but not her heart. She could hear it pounding under her dress as she scoured the gathering for a man she could merely pretend to be unfazed by.

Prince Kael.

He was late, of course. And still she knew, somehow, that he would arrive when it suited him - that awful mix of arrogance and charm.

Her father had demanded that she attend, to show the people that harmony was possible between Varelia and Astren. That the princess might dance with the enemy and smile still.

How was she to smile when each breath in the great hall reminded her of what she was soon to relinquish?

Then music shifted and doors opened.

Kael entered.

The crowd parted automatically, as if before an approaching storm. He wore Astren black and silver - a mask of a wolf over his face - and yet, even beneath it, she could feel his eyes locate her in an instant.

He walked across the room in loose, controlled strides, ignoring the bows and curtsies on either side of him. When he reached her, he bowed low, a faintest smile playing at the edge of his mouth.

Your Highness," he whispered. "May I have the pleasure?"

Elara hesitated, every eye in the ballroom fixed on them. "You're late."

"Rather stylishly so," he replied, offering his hand. "Wouldn't want to upstage your entrance."

She would have denied him. Should have been wiser - safer. But some silly part of her wanted to see what he would do.

Her gloved hand slipped into his. "One dance," she said.

The orchestra blared.

When they began to dance, the room vanished. He was a good dancer - infuriatingly so - leading her with firm, confident steps.

"You're gawking," he breathed.

"You're insufferable."

"Ah, but you didn't say no."

She tried to glare at him, but her lips betrayed her with the hint of a smile. "You enjoy provoking me."

"Only because you're so very easy to provoke." His breath brushed her ear. "And beautiful when you're angry."

Her heart stumbled a beat. "You shouldn't say things like that."

"Why not? It's true."

"Because this isn't real."

His gaze softened. "Isn't it?"

She lost her footing. For a moment, the music was fading, lights dying, and all that was left was the warmth of his palm against her back, the pressure of his thumb along the edge of her glove, the scent of cedar and something deeper.

The dance ended in clapping around them, but they did not move.

"Elara," he whispered - her name, not her title. It flowed through her.

"Don't," she said, taking a step back. "This peace, this marriage - duty. Nothing more."

He smiled unhappily. "Then why do you sound like you're trying to persuade yourself?"

She had no time to reply before a voice cut through the moment.

"Your Highness!"

Lord Darnel for the second time, panting, grasping a folded parchment. "Apologies, but this cannot wait."

Elara's brow furrowed. "What is it?"

He faltered. "A letter from Astren's court. It appears your... fiancé has been industrious."

He held out the letter to her. The wax seal of Astren glimmered in the candlelight.

Elara ripped it open, devouring the calligraphed words. Her universe collapsed.

A scandal at the Astren capital. The prince seen with Lady Mirelle - a noblewoman already pledged to another man. The same prince now betrothed to the Princess of Varelia.

Whispers ran through the ballroom like flames.

Kael ground his jaw. "It's not what you think."

"Of course not," Elara snapped, her letter balling up in her hand. "Just another story of the playboy prince."

"Elara-"

"No," she cut him off. "You can charm your kingdom and deceive them with the best of them, but I won't be taken in."

She spun about and departed, her gown burning like fire, the crowd parting before her.

Kael did not comply - not immediately. He only stood there, mask held in his hand, the weight of his past hanging like shackles against his neck.

When he did move, he found her in the garden beyond the ballroom - standing beside the fountain, her silver mask discarded, her eyes blazing with anger and something else that he couldn't quite define.

"I didn't touch her," he whispered to her. "Not as they say."

Elara laughed harshly. "You don't need to tell me. It's who you are, isn't it? The charming rogue who ruins everything he touches."

He advanced on her, the air heavy with tension. "I ruin because people want me to. Because it's easier than going out of my way to be something I'm not."

She did not back down, though she shivered. "Then why go through the motions now?"

"Because I met you," he whispered. "And for the first time, I want to be more."

The words pierced her like an arrow - too real, too close. She took a step back, but his hand encircled hers.

"Let me prove it," he breathed.

For a wild heartbeat, she did not pull back. The world was taking a collective breath - the sound of the fountain, the whisper of the roses, air between them burning like flame.

And then she leaned forward and whispered, "If you want to prove yourself, start by getting my trust."

He smiled crookedly, even though there was anguish in his eyes. "Then I'll start tonight.".

As she started to leave, she failed to notice the way he looked up at the stars - or the shadow that crept across his face.

Because Kael understood that gaining her trust would cost him the possibility of losing everything else.