Page 42 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
“Of course not, Your Highness,” I replied politely, keeping my gaze fixed over his shoulder.
I was not going to fall into that trap of looking into his eyes.
Nuh-uh. No siree.
God only knew I was unlikely to climb my way back out of that particular spell.
“It looked as though he was about to ask you for a dance.”
“Is that why you interrupted him?” The words tumbled out of me before I could stop them, and I quickly cleared my throat. “I wasn’t aware that you were the sort to dance at these events.”
“I’m not.” He made a noise that might have been a laugh, if he were the type to laugh. “No. I interrupted him because I thought I might miss you afterwards, and I wanted to see the look on the Empress’ face when she saw me dancing with her top Crown Princess candidate before the Crown Prince could.”
I glanced over at the platform where we’d greeted them earlier. Crown Prince Torin was nowhere to be seen and Emperor Cassius was talking to his aide, but the Empress was unashamedly glaring at Kalon as we traversed the ballroom.
There was no way the Crown Prince would ask me to dance now.
“How very petty of you,” I deadpanned. “Have you no regard for the uncomfortable position you might have put me in?”
“Not particularly,” he responded. “I try to avoid these things as much as I can, so I highly doubt we’ll see one another again.”
“Forgive me for saying so, but I certainly hope that’s the case.”
Yes, that’s it, Allie.
If I can’t avoid him, I’ll just piss him off.
Then he won’t ask for my hand in marriage.
A solid, solid plan.
“You’re quite rude,” Kalon said, holding me tighter against his firm body. “Do you know that?”
“There’s an old saying, Your Highness,” I replied, tilting my chin upwards. “Treat others how you wish to be treated. You’ve treated me with rudeness, so I assumed that was what you expected from me in response.”
His grip on my waist tightened. “You know, Lady Alicia, I’m not sure if I should kidnap you and take that smart mouth of yours back to Stein with me or kill you on the spot.”
Thump. Thump. Thump.
“I’m afraid neither of those work for me,” I quickly retorted. “But it’s nice of you to offer.”
“You are a very strange woman.” His lips were extremely close to my ear, and the warm sensation of his breath against my earlobe sent a shiver down my spine. “You do know who you’re talking to, don’t you? Yet you speak so carelessly.”
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Oh, yes.
I was very aware of who I was talking to.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t stop my mouth from saying stupid things.
The song came to an end, and I extricated myself from his strong grasp as quickly as I was able to. A cool sensation of loss washed over me where we’d touched, and my heart did another stupid thumping act as I put more space between us.
“Thank you for the dance, Your Highness. Please excuse me.” I curtseyed gracefully before turning away and hurrying back in the direction of where Lord Leon was still talking to my father, except Vincent had now joined the discussion.
“Ah, Alicia, you’re back. How was His Highness?” Father asked, adjusting his glasses.
“Fine.” I turned to Lord Leon. “Please excuse me, Lord Leon. I need to rest for a few moments, but I promise to join you for a dance before I leave.”
