Chapter 155
After a moment, Kaius rose, extending his hand. “Would you like a dance with me?”
“Of course, I thought you would never ask. Relief flooded through me at the gesture. But I must warn you, I am not a very good
dancer.”
“But I am, so that should do. His smile chased away the last of my insecurities.
As we descended to the dance floor, Kaius’s hand warm at the small of my back, I felt the eyes of the entire pack following us. But for once, I didn’t mind. Let them see. Let them witness their Alpha King and his Queen in perfect harmony.
“You look so beautiful, Kaius murmured as he guided me into position. His eyes traveled appreciatively over my gown, lingering at the modest neckline. “I love it.”
“Thank you and you look dashing as always.” He did–the formal attire highlighting his broad shoulders and lean strength.
As we moved across the floor, I gradually relaxed into the dance, allowing Kaius to guide me through the steps I’d practiced but, never quite mastered. In his arms, I felt almost graceful, my body responding instinctively to his lead.
When the music changed, Frost appeared at my elbow, offering his hand with a formal bow that didn’t quite hide the warmth in his eyes. Kaius relinquished me with obvious reluctance, stepping back to watch as his Beta and I took our positions.
You seemed mad earlier; could it be because you missed us?” Frost asked as we began to move with the music.
“Maybe. But you were both busy; I should be more understanding.”
“I like when you smile like that,” he said, his ice–blue eyes studying my face.
“I really love this ball,” I admitted, surprised to find it was true. The initial discomfort had melted away, replaced by genuine enjoyment. “I can’t believe I considered leaving.”
“You considered leaving?” Frost’s eyebrows rose in surprise.
“I just felt awkward sitting there all alone, I felt like people were looking and judging.”
“Elowen, you are the queen; there would always be people looking and judging,” he said, his voice gentle but firm. “But wherever you are, know that you represent the crown, so you can stand in his place, and there is nothing awkward about it.”
“That’s correct; I don’t know what I was thinking,” I said, standing a little straighter.
“That aside, I do think you are getting better at dancing,” Frost remarked, guiding me through a particularly complex turn.
“I know, right? I laughed, enjoying the rare moment of lightness with him.
After Frost, other pack members approached, requesting dances that protocol dictated I couldn’t refuse. I moved from partner to partner, increasingly comfortable in my role as Queen, though I remained aware of Kaius’s burning gaze foll
room.
me around the
When I finally returned to his side, he pulled me possessively close. That was very troubling to watch.”
“Come on, Kaius, you know that I am all yours.” I placed a hand on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath my palm.
I do, but I really don’t like seeing their hands all over you,” he growled, his eyes tracking a particularly bold Beta who had held me too closely during our dance. “It makes the idea of chopping off their hands more appealing.”
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Chapter 155
I laughed, knowing the threat was only half–serious. “I’ll be right back.” I said, suddenly aware of a pressing need to visit the ladies
room.
As I made my way through the crowd, a flash of electric blue caught my eye. Lysandra stood near a side entrance, her striking frame immediately recognizable despite the dim lighting. Unlike the other he–wolves in their formal gowns, she wore her commander’s uniform, the practical attire contrasting sharply with the elegant surroundings.
What surprised me more was the entrance she used–the same one alus and Frost had emerged from hours earlier. And as I watched, she slipped through it with practiced ease, as if she knew exactly where she was going.
Curiosity overrode my immediate needs. Instead of continuing to the restroom, I changed direction, heading toward the entrance Lysandra had used. The corridor beyond was dimly lit and clearly no meant for guests, its plain stone walls lacking the ornate decorations of the main hallways.
I followed the passage, listening for footsteps or voices that might indicate where Lysandra had gone. The corridor branched several times, forcing me to guess which way she might have turned. After a few minutes, I realized I’d lost her trail completely.
Annoyed with myself, I turned to head back to the ballroom when something caught my eye–a sword displayed on the wall, unlike any I’d seen before. Its blade seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it, and the hilt was adorned with symbols strikingly similar to those displayed at my coronation ceremony.
Something about it drew me closer, an inexplicable pull I couldn’t resist.
As I reached out, not quite touching the mysterious weapon, my fingers brushed against a decorative element on the wall beside it. To my surprise, the section of wall gave way, revealing a hidden doorway I would never have noticed otherwise. –
Heart pounding, I peered into the darkness beyond. This was clearly not a place I was meant to find–not a place anyone was meant to find. The sensible thing would be to close the panel and return to the ball before my absence was noticed.
But when had I ever been sensible?
Taking a deep breath, I stepped through the doorway into whatever secrets lay beyond.
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