“Lead me to them.”
“Why on earth would you strap that thing to your leg before a ball?”
“I have to strap it to my leg, aunt. I'm not wearing my boots.” She pointed a slippered toe and traced a small circle in the air. “You see?”
Her aunt walked over to the door, grumbling under her breath.
“... stubborn girl... the death of me...”
Pulling the door open with a flourish, she made a shooing gesture with her hand. “Go on, then. The hostess cannot be late to her own ball.”
Josselyn swept past her aunt and down the stairs to the main corridor, where she found Alex waiting for them. His eyes seemed to widen for a moment when he saw her, but then he blinked, his trademark serious expression slipping back into place so quickly, she wasn't sure if her eyes were playing tricks on her. Her aunt came down behind her and ushered her through the corridor, Alex following at a discreet distance behind them.
King Frederic waited for them outside the ballroom, and the two women each took an arm so that he could escort them in. As the footmen opened the doors to the ballroom, her father looked down at her and smiled.
“You look radiant tonight, daughter. I expect I'll have my hands full tomorrow with proposals. You will have to let me know which suitor wins your affections.”
Josselyn looked down at the floor. “And if none of them do?” she whispered. He let out a soft sigh, and she forced herself to look up and meet his eyes. His expression was somehow both understanding and stern, at the same time.
“It is traditional for the crown prince, or princess, in this case, to enter into an engagement upon their eighteenth birthday. I know it seems less than ideal right now, but it helps to ensure stability. No one can guarantee how long they'll live, and should I die, it will be to your benefit if you have someone to rule by your side, someone to share the responsibility of leading our kingdom. Do you understand?”
She gave him a tremulous smile. “Of course, father. I understand.”
“Good. Now, let's not keep them waiting any longer. Everyone is anxious to see their princess.”
The three of them entered the room, with one of the footmen announcing their arrival to the already packed room. The crowd parted to make a path for the royal family as they made their way to the dais. Prince Stefan approached them as soon as they were seated, bowing as he came to collect his promised dance.
At least I can get it over with.
Josselyn reluctantly took the prince's hand and allowed him to lead her to the center of the dance floor. Once they were in place, the band began to play a lively tune, and other couples joined in as the pair began to move across the floor.
Josselyn let the music flow through her, the melody lifting the stress of the evening off of her shoulders and lightening her feet. She soon found herself smiling, despite her unfortunate partner, and before she knew it, the first two dances were over, another young man requesting the next, and so it continued, dance after dance.
Lord Dayton claimed his dance early in the evening, making Josselyn laugh with his easy charm and witty banter. Sir Edgar led her in a reel that had her breathless by the end, despite her regular training. When the next song began, she was relieved to hear it was a waltz. She fanned her face with her hand as she watched the dancers take their positions on the floor.
“May I have this dance, Your Highness?”
She whirled around to find Edmund standing behind her, a cheeky grin on his face. Smirking, she raised a brow at him.
“Think you can do so without falling into the punch bowl, Sir Eddie?”
His grin broadened and he took her hand, pulling her out onto the floor. His other hand settled onto the small of her back, just high enough not to be considered scandalous.
“I think I can manage.”
She laughed, placing her hand on his shoulder. He began to turn them around the floor, and she let her eyes wander across the sea of people. Catching sight of Alex, standing off to the side as he surveyed the room, the laughter faded from her lips and she found herself watching him, so serious, even at something as festive as this.
“Have you determined who you'll be replacing him with once you're engaged?”
She whipped her head back around, looking up at Edmund in confusion. “What are you talking about? Who will I need to replace?”
“Alex. He requested to be reassigned after you made an official engagement.” He raised his eyebrows in concern. “You didn't know?”
She shook her head, her eyes seeking the guard out of the crowd once more. “I hadn't heard anything about it, but I suppose it makes sense. He's spent long enough having to follow me around from one place to another. It's time he had a life of his own.”
She tried to infuse the words with warmth, but they still came out sounding as lonely and hurt as she suddenly found herself feeling. Edmund lifted their joined hands and turned her face back around to meet his questioning gaze.
“Don't tell me you're still pining after the gypsy.”
“I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about.”
“You're a terrible liar, Joss.”
“And you're an insufferable dolt.”
He chuckled, his hand pressing her a fraction of an inch closer. Dropping his head, he whispered in her ear. “Maybe so, but I'm an insufferable dolt with eyes. I know you had a tendre for the boy when we were younger. Everyone did.”
The heat spread from her cheeks, lighting her entire face on fire.
“Everyone?”
He gave her a sympathetic smile, shrugging his shoulders as he began waltzing her toward the side of the room. “Just about.”
She buried her face in his chest, wincing. “Well, that's embarrassing,” she mumbled against his doublet.
“It was
