Before She Ruled (Before Series, Book 1)

Chapter Thirty-Three

"Theo, wait!" Emilia grabbed his arm, holding him back. More than a few people spun to watch them, curious at his sister's outburst. Emilia lowered her voice. "You cannot go over there. Not yet."

"Why not?"

"You will make a scene. The first dance is about to begin."

"So I will ask her to dance, then," Theo said. His brain's only function at that moment was to find a way to get to her. He took another step in Addie's direction before Emilia caught him again, this time more discreet.

"You are not thinking clearly, Theo," she hissed. "Please at least attempt to be subtle. The first dance will be with the prince and Lady Baxley."

Theo sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. His sister was asking the impossible of him. Love is not subtle. Love demands a presence that is hard to deny or hide.

"And then Addie is likely to dance with His Highness next. It would be uncomfortable for everyone if she had to turn you away."

"Alright, Emilia," he said, perhaps a little too forceful. "You've made your point. I will wait."

He watched as their hosts approached the royal couple before the first notes of music began to ring throughout the room. Just as Emilia had said, Prince George offered his hand to Addie and swept her into the middle of the room. All eyes were on them as they began to dance.

Emilia tugged on his arm. "Shall we acquire some refreshments, Theo?"

Theo made himself ignore the dance floor and followed Emilia through the crush of people to where the lemonade was being offered. He quickly poured his sister a glass before turning again to find Addie. Before he could, however, his attention was drawn by another familiar face. Lord Trotten entered the ballroom and snuck into the chaos. Theo glanced at Emilia and was surprised to see another gentleman attempting to engage her attention.

Theo recognized Lord Trevor from his days at the club. He was a friendly enough man but perhaps spent too many nights at the tables, pilfering away the money that his father, the Earl of Sommers, unwisely continued to supply.

But Theo knew Trotten was likely watching from across the room, so he extended his greeting to the other lord in a hearty welcome.

"Lord Trevor, may I present to you my sister, Lady Emilia."

Lord Trevor bowed over Emilia's offered hand.

"Thank you, Your Grace. Lady Emilia, how lovely it is to make your acquaintance."

"Likewise, my lord," Emilia purred demurely.

"Would you do me the honor of allowing me to claim your next dance?"

"Certainly," Emilia smiled and took her dance card out to make the note.

The act reminded Theo why he was at this blasted ball in the first place. He excused himself from his sister's side, confident that Emilia could handle a fellow like Trevor. The music was ending, and couples were disembarking, women being returned to chaperones and companions alike.

He spotted the royal couple as one of the last to leave the dance floor, Addie's face flushed with exertion. Theo cut them off swiftly. He was sure that Emilia would have insisted that he wait longer, but his patience was growing thin as it was.

"Your Royal Highnesses."

Theo bowed deeply before them, struggling between the hope that it gave Addie enough time to compose her reaction upon seeing him and the desire that it wouldn't so he could see her expression reveal every emotion she felt.