Empire of Deceit

Chapter 13: Getting Acquainted

After the dinner, the tables were cleared and removed, opening up a dance floor. Empress Yana remained in her seat while King Osi and Queen Newt started off with a Tylean waltz. Prince Oba and Princess Neri soon joined. Prince Abeo, however, remained in his seat, his eyes glazing over as he presided over something that wasn't this room.

"Falling for him already?"

I turned to find Rex standing behind me, his mouth set in a mischievous smirk.

I chuckled and shook my head. "You know that's not how it works."

"Ah yes, the Siren Curse of only being able to love one person and one person only." Rex glanced around. "Let's go to the dance floor and continue this. I sense vultures getting ready to swoop in."

I allowed him to take my hand and lead me to the crowd of nobles who were twirling gracefully on the dance floor.

As Rex led me through the motions, he said, "You know, it doesn't make sense really, the Siren Curse. Why would Clen hold away your choice of who you fall in love with? And why would he forsaken you to the fate of not being able to love anyone else?"

I shrugged. "Clen has a grudge against Sirens. They were, after all, the ones who led to his death."

"No," Rex shook his head. "The prejudices of his kingdom led him to go on the boat with his lover. If anything, there should be a grudge against Bewi. She's the ruler of the oceans."

He twirled and dipped me, as my head fell back, I caught the eye of Prince Abeo. I would have to admit, his dark eyes were indeed captivating, but...

Rex lifted me back into a standing position. "You sure you're not falling for him?"

I smirked. "Rex, we just went over this."

"Just double checking," he said with a not so innocent grin.

Before we could shift into the next dance, an incubus approached us, as was evident by his alluring aura. A Contestant.

"Zuri Belanova," he introduced, extending a hand my way.

I shook it. "Arerias."

He quirked an eyebrow. "No last name?"

"It's unimportant."

"Very well." He turned to Rex, who was trying his best to ignore the incubus' pull. "May I steal her away for a dance?"

Rex glanced at me. It's fine, I mouthed.

"No problem at all," Rex said with a charming smile.

Zuri, still holding my hand, pulled me close—almost too close—to his person.

"May I say that you look positively radiant tonight, Arerias." Zuri's emerald eyes bore into my own, searching for... something.

"And you know I can't compliment you," I said with a small grin. "Everyone would think I was getting sweet on you."

"And what would be the problem with that?" He asked as he twirled me.

"We can't entertain potential suitors, remember?"

"Right, right. Stupid rule, in my opinion."

I frowned. "It's to maintain honor while competing for the Crown, and for Abeo."

Zuri stared at me for a moment. "Arerias, allow me to inform you on something: nothing at court is ever honorable. It's all a ruse."

"I beg to differ."

We stopped dancing on the outskirts of the dance floor.

"Well then I hope you maintain whatever innocence you have, Arerias." His tone was, surprisingly, not harsh, but one which told me he too had fallen victim to the ways of court. "But a warning from someone who used to grow up with all of this: people will turn on your for the smallest of advantages, especially when there are two crowns up for grabs."