Scars and Burns (No Light Without the Dark #1)

35. Dinalia

35

Dinalia

W e are waiting outside the ball room. Everyone else is already inside. Everyone but the royal family from the celestial realm, King Elio, Saphrina, and myself.

They are to make a grand entrance. Prince Proteus will be escorted by his parents and Saphrina is to be escorted by her Father.

I walked Saphrina to the door for her grand entrance. I am about to head around the room to enter from the side but then I am stopped.

“Where do you think you are going, Lady Dinalia?” It’s King Elio.

I turn to him. Confusion clear on my face.

“May Lady Dinalia and I have a moment please?” He says over his shoulder.

Everyone looks at us but leaves nonetheless.

He looks down at me and I up at him. I never have nor will I ever cower in front of him. He is technically my King and he did take me and my Mother in. For that he has my respect but I will not bow to him and fall at my knees like all the rest.

“Something I can help you with, Your Grace?” I ask.

“Who are planning on pursuing this evening?”

“Pursuing? ”

“Yes, as is a requirement of staying in my kingdom, you must marry of noble birth. I want to know who.”

“Who is to say I wish to stay in your kingdom. Middle Kingdom noblemen are not the only ones here. There are plenty of Celestial Realm nobles here as well. But marriage is not a requirement to reside in the Celestial Realm.”

He seems to laugh at himself, “You think since your sister is to marry into the royal family you will be welcomed into their realm? Without someone of substance by your side no realm will welcome you. Nor would they allow you to stay.”

“You act as if every ruler knows every single soul that resides in their realm but they don’t. You don’t. You only know the wealthiest nobles or anyone who might be of some use to you.”

“Fair point.” He steps closer to me. Leaning down so his lips are practically touching my ear. “But your features are so jarring, do not think word will not spread even from the most remote villages.”

Then he does the most obscure thing. He takes a deep breath. As if he is inhaling my scent. I can hear it.

“What are you doing?” I question.

He leans back up. “Oh, nothing. I was just imagining what kind of life you might have in one of the three realms.”

“And what if I don’t?” He gives me a curious look. “What if I don’t stay in the three realms? I leave and go make a new life across the seas.”

He laughs aloud at that. “With what means? You have no money, no name. Just your fighting abilities, magic, and… looks.”

I turn my head away. He is right but I will never admit it to him.

“Unless, you intend to seduce someone across the seas with your exotic appearance.”

“I am not a whore nor do I intend to seduce anyone. I have three months to figure it out. It is only the first night of the celebrations. ”

He places a hand on my shoulder. Why is he touching me? He’s never laid a hand on me other than when he almost choked me earlier today. Rubbing his thumb over it at first. Almost gentle. Soothing. But then it changes. He grips it, hard. Pulling me forward just an inch. Emphasizing what he’s about to say.

“See that you do figure it out. Regardless of where you go. Be sure you get out of my castle where I will never have to endure you again.”

I clench my jaw. Taking in slow breaths to remain calm. What have I ever done, for him to loathe me so much?

We are just staring at each other. His hand is still on my shoulder when King Charon returns. “Ready?”

King Elio removes his hand. His stature so much wider than my own the action would not have been seen by King Charon. “Yes, of course,” King Elio says flatly, turning away from me.

I turn away intent on distancing myself. Heading around the room to enter from the side again. “Lady Dinalia,” King Elio calls out.

I freeze, “Yes, Your Grace?”

“You shall make an entrance as well. Enter in after Princess Saphrina and myself.”

“Without an escort?” I gawk at him.

“Come now. You’ve always been so confident and sure of yourself.”

Have I now?

“This will be a perfect opportunity to showcase yourself.”

What is he playing at?

“Excellent!” says King Charon “Too long has the ward of King Elio hidden away in the shadows. I remember when you first came to us. Your Mother’s plea and love for you always stuck with me. I am sorry we could not have offered more. But King Elio, love at first sight, eh? Swept you and your Mother off to his kingdom, striking the strongest alliance the three realms have ever seen.”

I smile at him. “Yes, King Elio is so gracious.” I say through gritted teeth and a strained smile on my face.

Saphrina approaches, with Prince Proteus and Queen Freya. Seeing the strained look on my face. She gives me a worried look in return. I shake my head only enough for her to see. She nods slightly at me. Signaling we will talk later.

We all line up at the door. The Celestial Realm first, then King Elio and Saphrina, and finally me.

Alone.

I’ve never made a grand entrance. Never with honor at least. However, ignoring curious and wandering eyes on me is nothing new. I shall take this in stride. The same way I have overcome all the other whispers. With my head held high.

The doors open. My stomach is in knots. My chest is burning. And I feel like I am about to fall over.

I enter the ballroom. My eyes find Prince Aeron’s immediately. Why or how is amiss to me. He’s staring at me with such intensity. It makes me uneasy with everything that has passed between us. But also in some way a comfort. I remember the warmth that filled my body when he touched me. I’ve never felt another touch like it. Knowing that I cannot have him. The mystery and questions I long to have answered as to why he lied and vanished without a word. As if my desires have grown. His eyes pierce directly into my soul. Warming me still even without his touch.

What is it about him?

I revert mine quickly. Restraining the urge to meet his gaze. I look ahead. Straight to the head table. One foot in front of the other. Never faltering. Never wavering.

After we all filed in, we take our seats. King Elio stands and motions for everyone else to be seated.

It’s time for King Elio to give his welcome speech. I’m sure it will be as boisterous as he is. I tune him out as he begins .

Then I hear, “In other news. I would also like to take this opportunity to announce that Lady Dinalia, my ward, is seeking a husband.”

My own breath catches. Gasps and whispers break out among the crowd.

I whip my head toward him. He doesn’t even grant me the courtesy of looking at me. He seems to relish in the commotion he has fraught.

I look out to the crowd. Now, there is no denying the whispers and rumors that surround me. This attention is unwanted, unwarranted. I’m caught off guard. The last thing I would have expected would have been King Elio announcing I was seeking a husband. Though it was an option, not one I was truly considering. He said it with gusto. As if proud to claim me as his ward and present my hand in marriage.

My mind is frantic.

My eyes scan the crowd. Only to find Aeron’s.

He’s tense. Fist clenched on the table. I can see the muscles in his jaw working. Those same sapphire eyes seeping into my soul. As if he strips me bare with nothing left. Exposing every ounce of want for him regardless of how hard I try to hide it.

We shouldn’t be seen staring at each other.

But I can see it in his eyes. He wants me.

“Let the celebration begin!” King Elio bellows, pulling my gaze away from Aeron.

Dinner is served but I barely eat a thing. Shuffling the food around on my plate. At a loss of appetite.

The music begins. Signaling it is time to dance. Saphrina and Proteus take to the dance floor first. Then other nobles join in a group dance.

A dance where you switch partners. Perfect for mingling and intertwining the realms.

“Don’t feel like dancing, Lady Dinalia?” King Elio, leans over and whispers to me.

I’m doing my best to avoid looking over at Aeron. “The announcement, Your Grace, was not what I was expecting.”

“No? The favor of your King will open doors for you. By my announcement, this gives the nobles the impression that I am supportive of any betrothal that may follow.”

“Leaving me with no choice but to entertain suitors. What if I did not want to marry? What if I want to leave and see what else is out there beyond the three realms.” I glare over at him.

His hand is placed on his chin. Elbow resting on the arm of his chair. Looking over at me with skepticism.

Our stare down is interrupted by a baritone voice. “May I have a dance?”

I turn my head to find a hand offered out to me. Tilting my head up to see Prince Aeron standing there.

My breath falters. I look over to King Elio who is seething with anger. Even though he is trying to hide it. His fist is clenched. I can see the whites of his knuckles. He wants to say no. Not just say no. He wants to kill Prince Aeron.

“Come on, King Elio, let them dance!” King Charon says from his side of the table. I lean forward slightly to see him holding hands with Queen Ayla. Both smiling at us.

King Charon seems to counter King Elio in every way. Wanting things to take place that are not ideal. Perhaps to see how peaceful this gathering truly is. How far the alliance will go now that the guests of honors are together.

“It is a time of peace and celebration.” Queen Ayla adds on.

King Elio smiles, “But of course. You two enjoy.”

I stand. Taking Aeron’s hand, allowing him to guide me to the dance floor. Not before I glance over to King Elio. Who has a warning look in his eye. I remember our deal. Remember his threat .

Before I can think on it any longer I am consumed by Aeron.

His hand is rough. Pulling me into him. Our bodies flushed together. I place a hand on his shoulder. He’s stronger than I remember. Even through his clothes I can feel every muscle.

My breathing is shallow. I have to crane my neck just to get a clear view of his chin. So instead I stare forward. Looking at his broad chest. Focusing on his tattoos. Far more elaborate than I remember from before. But there is something else there. Something that lies underneath.

“You look exquisite.” He says to me.

“Thank you. Aeron is it?” I spit out.

Doing my best to focus on our conversation. Not doing a very good job as I feel his hand on the small of my back. It’s huge. Covering the entire width of it. Strong and secure.

Yet gentle.

He clears his throat and stiffens. “Yes, I suppose I should apologize for our last interaction.”

I huff, “Which part? Lying to me or invading my space and taking liberties?”

We move around the dance floor. Dodging others. Him leading me gracefully. I easily follow. It’s not hard with his size and stature. We fall in step with one another seamlessly.

Naturally.

“Liberties? Hardly.”

“You don’t believe you took your own liberties with me.”

“You didn’t seem to object. Sure you moved but was it really against… or with me?”

My breath falters. As does his. I feel the tips of his fingers caress up my spine. I don’t know why but I lean into it.

“Why did you never return?” This time, I do crane my head up to meet his eyes .

“Did you miss me? Wait for me?”

“No, just curious. You pursued me. You offered to get to know one another and against my better judgment I considered it.”

He flattens his hand against my back. Pulling me even closer to him. His body is hard as stone. Built to decimate.

Looking into my eyes with what I can’t say. Sorrow? Want? Regret? Perhaps all of the above.

“It wasn’t easy for me to stay away. I wanted to come to you every single day. Wanted to get lost in your eyes, those black dahlia eyes of yours. While I wrap you in my arms. Never to let you go. But there is more afoot here than you realize. I cannot allow myself to be distracted or swayed by my own desires.”

I stare at him in confusion. What could be afoot?

A distraction? What desires?

The music ends. We freeze, not taking our eyes off of one another,

He pulls himself away. I’m instantly cold. The warmth is fading from my body once again. Not realizing how isolating my own cavern had become without him. He takes my hand into his. Bows and kisses the top of it. I stare at him all the way down. His eyes meet mine as he stands back up.

“Thank you for the dance, Lady Dinalia.” He says, walking away.

I take in a breath and swallow. Smoothing my hands down the front of my gown. Looking around the room to find King Elio staring at me.

Fire in his eyes. Has he been staring this whole time? I didn’t even notice. Too enraptured with Aeron.