Dawn of Arcane Destiny

Chapter Twenty-Six

Lillia tried to be gracious and sociable, but society was not where she thrived. Drayce, however, was a natural. He chatted easily and was completely polite, which in itself was a miracle, considering how rebellious he was when he first became Crown Prince. She had to give him props, he didn’t leave her this time. Perfectly attentive.

A string quartet played in the corner, their beautiful melodies hovering over the crowd. Couples danced in the middle, while people rested or stood in groups and conversed around the dance floor. Her and Drayce were expected to talk to everyone, or at least most of them. Tell them how grateful they were that they came to the royal wedding. Personally, Lillia found them all boring and snobbish, but she would never say so aloud.

Drayce politely excused them from the group they had been talking to for the past twenty minutes and led her to the corner of the ball room where no one sat. “I swear I was going to die of boredom if I had to hear Lord Silas talk another minute on plant life in the southern provinces.” Drayce said groaning.

“Oh good, I wasn’t the only one holding back a groan.” Lillia said sitting. Her feet were tired, and her corset was leaving her unusually short of breath. Drayce nodded. “You do a good job at seeming into the people you’re talking to.” Lillia said.

“Thank you.” Drayce said leaning back in his chair. “All you have to do is stroke their ego and let them do the talking.”

“Surely they can’t all be like that.” Lillia asked.

Drayce shrugged. “All that I’ve met.”

Lillia didn’t say anything. Then she thought of something. “Drayce, I must dance with my Father, but you…” She stopped herself. She'd almost said your mother is dead.

“I know." He said as if reading her mind. "I could dance with Aunt Valloma, but I think you can guess my thoughts on that. I plan to dance with no one, but my wife.” He said smiling at her.

Lillia blushed. Drayce stood holding out his hand. “In fact, the next set is starting. Would you join me?”

“Yes, I think I can squeeze you on my card.” She said.

He chuckled. “Oh, I’m glad. I promise it’ll be quick, wouldn’t want your other suiters to be jealous.” He said leading her to the dance floor.

Lillia waved her hand dismissively. “They don’t matter; besides I’m only really interested in one of them.”

“Is that so?” Drayce asked as they began to waltz. “What’s his name? I may have to give him a piece of my mind.”

He turned her and pulled her close. She looked up into his eyes, forgetting what she was going to say. His blue eyes seemed darker than usual, deeper. He seemed equally captivated.

It almost seemed to good to be true. This had been a dream of hers when she was younger. Getting wed to a man who loved her. A man she could dance with and feel carefree and accepted with. She felt like the luckiest girl in the world as they danced closely his hand on her waist, hers on his shoulder, their hands interlocked together.

“It’s you.” She murmured, barely hearing herself. He smiled at her. A smile that held no hint of teasing, a genuine smile of happiness.

Because Drayce never seemed to do the expected, he wrapped his strong hands around her waist and lifted her. He spun her around, her skirts swishing. He released her and they easily fell back into the dance.

“Lilly, you’ve made me the happiest man alive.” He whispered in her ear, giving her chills.

“I thought if you had your way, you would still be a bachelor.” She said playfully.