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undeniably appealing about him. Pheresa, with no better offer before her,
found Dain s tempting. After all, had she not just made up her mind to seek
marriage with someone other than Gavril, who did not, would not ever, want
her? And here was this pagan boy who loved her, who d risked punishment to
give her flowers, who did not know that she was as far above him as the stars
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above the ground. Yes, she was tempted. Her heart held such churning anger and
resentment at Gavril that she almost told Dain yes out of spite.
But just in time, she held her tongue. Sighing, she leaned her head against
Dain s powerful chest. His arms encircled her, and he too sighed, with
happiness, while she struggled not to weep.
She did not want to hurt him, but she could not accept his offer, not even to
punish Gavril. Oh, the prince would hate it if she married Dain. She knew how
little the two liked each other. Gavril clearly had never forgiven Dain for
beating him in the tourney, especially after Gavril had made such a spectacle
of himself beforehand.
Well, she knew now that she didn t love Gavril. Dain had showed her what love
should be. She could feel his happiness as he held her close. It made her own
misery and confusion that much more acute. For she loved neither of them, not
like this, not with Dain s simple honesty. And for the first time she
understood that the depths of her ambition to be queen went far deeper than
she d ever realized. Gavril had been hurting only her pride, not her heart.
She wanted to rule Mandria someday, and Gavril was her
only means of doing so.
And not even to be cherished by Dain, not even perhaps to be happy, was she
willing to surrender the chance to rule.
We will be happy, Dain promised her. I cannot give you much now, but one
day, when I have
No, she whispered, sliding her hand up to his cheek. No. I am sorry.
He started to speak, but she withdrew from his embrace.
Pheresa? It was Gavril s voice that called to her in the darkness.
Startled, she and Dain both turned.
Would you dance with me, my lady cousin? Gavril asked her.
Dain drew in a sharp breath as though he would protest. Pheresa gripped his
arm in warning, and he stayed silent.
Relieved, she struggled with her emotions a moment longer, then walked
forward.
So it has worked at last, she thought.
The attentions of his rival have finally stirred him to notice me.
Gavril stood there in the doorway. Light spilled across his blue-clad shoulder
and illuminated half of his face. This was the moment she d dreamed of and
waited for, when her handsome cousin would offer his arm to her and ask her to
dance with him. She went to him, waiting for joy to fill her heart, but even
when he took her hand she felt only numbness.
Dearest cousin, I believe we have some matters to discuss, Gavril said with
a glance at Dain.
Pheresa heard Dain walk up behind her. Her heart leaped in alarm, but he
stopped and came no closer. Sighing, she gave Gavril a slight curtsy and
allowed him to lead her back to the ball.
The candlelight blazed around her, hurting her eyes. Despite the overpowering
heat in the room, she felt cold to the marrow. She had scarcely a coherent
thought in her brain.
Across the room, the king sat on his throne, with the countess beside him. He
smiled at Pheresa and saluted her with his cup. She gave him a stiff, wooden
smile in return as Gavril led her to the dancing.
It was a slow madrigal the musicians played. Together, she and Gavril joined
the line of dancers, taking up the stately and dignified steps of a gliande.
Pheresa could hear the whispering that ran across the room at the sight of her
and Gavril in each other s company at long last. Her cheeks felt hot, but
defiance flashed in her eyes.
Let them talk, she thought. She no longer cared.
You look lovely tonight, cousin, Gavril said. Even had it not come on the
heels of Dain s compliments, this remark would have sounded wooden and
insincere. A few hours ago Pheresa would have smiled modestly and said
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something agreeable, but not now.
She flashed him a look of scorn. Thank you. I cannot compare to your highness
in looks or fashion, but I do contrive to be my best.
He frowned, clearly taken aback. Forgive me. How have I offended you?
How have you not? she replied sweetly as she circled beneath his upraised
arm, spun, and faced him once more in the line of dancers.
Red tinged his face. You have grown a tart tongue, my lady. Is your
personality as shrewish as your manner?
With a start she realized how dreadfully she was behaving. She clamped
self-control on herself and bit her lip for a moment. No, she replied at
last, her voice completely different. I am no shrew, your highness. I am
merely angry and seeking to pick a quarrel.
His brows shot up, and he began to look intrigued. Oh? For what reason? Was
my asking you to dance an offense?
No.
Then I interrupted your private conversation.
Yes, it was an interruption, she said in cool tones. Annoyance flickered in
his dark blue eyes. Shall I
return you to where I found you?
No. I am content with your company now.
My lady, I do not understand you at all. Your mood is very strange tonight.
How would you know that? she replied, meeting his eyes. Perhaps this is my
normal mood.
He smiled a little. No. I have seen you elsewhere, standing quietly with that
simper on your face,
looking meek and well-bred. Tonight, your eyes flash with spirit. You are very
different.
Is that to my advantage or detriment? she asked. Tell me, she went on
before he could reply, have all the other ladies begun to bore you?
In what way?
Well, you have finally chosen to dance with me, your simpering cousin. I
wondered if your highness could find no amusement elsewhere.
You have the sting of a little scorpion, he told her, frowning.
It seems I do. I quite surprise myself tonight.
Abruptly the prince stopped dancing. He held out his hand, and when she placed
hers in it, he led her away.
More murmurs and speculation followed them, but Pheresa delighted in it. She
could see Gavril s ears and the back of his neck turning pink. She hoped he
felt embarrassment tonight. Yet at the same time, she was appalled by her own
behavior. It was as though she had climbed aboard a runaway wagon that she
could not stop, and at any moment she expected to come crashing to harm.
Gavril led her over to an empty corner far in the back of the room and faced
her with a glare.
Whatever has put you into this mood, my lady, it is less than charming. I
have
You asked if you interrupted something out there on the balcony, she broke
in. Yes, you did.
Marriage was being proposed to me.
He stared, his mouth slightly open, and seemed unable to reply.
Pheresa had the sensation of having burned her bridges.
Clasping her hands together in front of her, she went on, I do not know why
your highness has chosen at last to speak to me. You have ignored me for so
long, I fear I have quite lost my composure.
But then, I am not used to receiving unexpected proposals on balconies.
Anger filled Gavril s face. His eyes shifted away from her and he glared
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