Chapter 206 TEIGEN XXX
ELARA
"Indeed. I was blessed enough to attend just one of the parties she danced at and I have two word, majestic and intoxicating. The way she moved, she cast a spell on me I tell you" he chuckles, slowly scratching his beard in thought.
The sly grin on his lips told me the thoughts he had of the veiled dancer was anything but innocent.
"She would have surely made this ball a remarkable one"
Lord Sawyer gave a tight lipped smile, his jaw ticking in quiet annoyance. So none of his associates knew of his last encounter with the veiled dancer. Hm, strange.
"This party is not for the veiled dancer, it is for my important friends. So we will be taking a different approach to our entertainment tonight" the lilt in his voice coupled with his suggestive glance my way made me frown.
What was he planning?
My gaze found Ryker once more and this time he was looking at me. The noble lady in front of him was still speaking, but all his attention was on me. The way his eyes swept over me made my heart race and uneven beat. He brought his cup up to his lips, slowly, sensually he placed the rim against his lips and took a long sip. The action was harmless, completely mundane but it was enough to ignite a fire in my lower belly. His eyes were not on me, but it was like every movement spoke to me, drew me close.
Frustration gnawed at me, how dare he? Was he toying with me? Did he truly find this torture funny? Or was I simply gazing at him with lustful intentions?
"What do you have in mind?" One of the noblemen asks
Lord Sawyer smiles down at me, taking my hand in his he speaks, "The Galliard"
Of course. The Galliard was a popular dance across the empire, not only for the fast tempo and the damnd for elegance and poise but also for the intimate movements that suggested romantic relationships. It was a dance famous during the mating season, chosen mates would grace the dance floor with their spouses to show flaunt their new alliances to the everywolf.
If Lord Sawyer had any intention to take this dance with me, then it would further escalate the rumors of our secret engagement.
Was this the intention behind inviting me tonight?
"Lord Sawyer" I called to him but he did not answer. I placed my hand on his arm to draw his attention away from the other noblemen so I could tell him I was not comfortable with dancing with him but before he could answer Winnie and Philippa walked up to us.
"My lady, would you like to dance?"
Winnie takes hold of my hand as the music starts. This could be my way out.
The guests clear the floor and people come out in pairs and take their positions.
"Ye-"
"Apologies, but the lady owes me this dance" Lord Sawyer steps in, interrupting me.
Philippa smiles sheepishly and takes Winnie's hand away from mine, "Of course, my Lord. Come on Winnie, we will dance together"
And just like that my only saving grace left me to Lord Sawyer. Augustine must have put Philippa in charge of making sure I danced with the Lord.
I watched in dread as the noble lady that was chatting Ryker's ear off came onto the floor with him. My blood boiled. So he could tell me to saltay away from Lord Sawyer, while he had his fun? Why should I listen to him? How did he have the right to dance so intimately with someone, just after holding my hand so tenderly. He was toying with me.
Without thinking I accept Lord Sawyer's hand and follow after him to the dance floor, out of the corner of my eye I catch Ryker eyeing me up. A sly sense of satisfaction swells inside me, he was not succeed in besting me.
The music started, the tempo upbeat and lively. The dance begins, hips sway, gowns spin, waists are held. Noblemen and ladies sweep across the floor, matching the tempo with trained elegance and mastery.
It was common among nobles to be taught these steps at a regular, for it was a disgrace to be found not knowing it. Balls and events that involved various dances were common, they were mostly held as a way for nobles to flaunt their wealth. Lord Sawyer was known for this, his parties always had some peculiarity.
His hands glided across my body, lingering longer than they needed to. Each step he pulled me closer and closer, his face mere inches from mine. He twirls me, pulling me impossibly flushed against his form, his lips inches from mine. The music bounced off the walls, fueling every step and leap.
Again I spin, accompanied by the other ladies as well. But in a turn of events we exchange partners.
I land in a man's arms, thankful I was away from Lord Sawyer. But the moment my eyes met with violet orbs I froze, my hands that were placed on his shoulders burnt to their tips. I blinked at him, his face sharing the same surprise.
And in that moment the music changes, the singing grows more sensual, darker, majestic and I don't know if I should curse or bless my luck.
Everyone else around us had recovered quickly, ready to change their steps while we stood there, staring at each other.
I inhaled a deep breath and closed the space between us. Ryker understood and placed his hands on my waist, mine winding up his shoulder, our forms pressed. I gulped, my eyes meeting his. The last time we were this close, it did not end innocently.
The way I so boldly kissed him, and for a second he kissed me back. His lips melted against mine, claimed my first kiss, his hands tainted my skin, branding me. As I stared into his eyes, the flash backs came flooding my mind. Briefly his eyes dropped down to my lips bit he quickly looked away, not quick enough for me not to not ice.