Chapter 405: DANCING WITH TALON-5

"From Bedelth? It's not a rumor. Just know, I have nothing against it. Our king has been less moody than ever before. Whatever you're doing is working. None of us are complaining. Believe me." She snorted. "Glad to have your support. There was a time when you were against me, remember? Seems your allegiance has changed." "Ha! When I thought you were Cyrus's killer? That was some time ago, Claire. No, I've been an admirer of your ways for some a while now." "My ways?!" This time her surprise was genuine. "You act as though I've been here working some magical manipulation." "Haven't you though?" His mouth twitched. He steered them around another set of couples as the music continued. "Maybe I have." A thrill shot through her at the idea. "That's why he has been so different, you know. When you asked me to figure out what had gotten into him after the attack on Fort Squall." "Oh? So he has developed an infatuation for you then?" His words were breathless as they moved across the floor. She hesitated, letting him spin her about before the music picked up again. "You might say that." A wicked grin split her lips. "Seems strange, do you not think? Him being infatuated?" Koldis held her gaze. "Our good king is not one to simply follow the whims of his feelings. Not sure if you know, but he hasn't pursued a woman since acquiring his scars." "Well, maybe he's never met a woman like me?" she baited, lifting her eyebrows. Koldis roared with laughter, but his voice was drowned out by the music. "Good point! I can't say that he has." Despite the finality of his words, she couldn't help noticing something in his eyes. Did he know? Perhaps it was just suspected. Either way, she wasn't going to confirm his suspicions. When their dance finished, she was handed off to Jovari. He was less suspicious and instead opted for small talk, asking her how she enjoyed the ball so far. Did she go to dances like this in her own world? "Ours are a bit less formal," she explained. "Or at least, the ones I go to." She considered what their reactions might be if they saw her in a packed club with strobe lights. Instead, she changed the subject. When she asked him why he hadn't brought a partner, he merely shrugged and dismissed the idea. After Jovari, she was handed off to Bedelth instead of Talon, who had offered his hand to Saffra in exchange. She took the opportunity to find out what she could about Bedelth's feelings toward the king's prophetess. "I've known Lady Saffra since she was a child," he said by way of explanation. "Those of us who have known her a long time, care for her. What happened with Commander Daxton is a tragedy. I wish her nothing but happiness." Though his words were sincere, she couldn't help but sense something deeper in them. Perhaps he had feelings for Saffra that he didn't care to admit to even himself. There was a short break again between the songs before she was handed off to Verath. "Am I to dance with every Shield before I get Talon back," she joked. Verath's eyes sparkled. "It would seem so." His earlier melancholy had departed, and he seemed much more himself. She considered brining up Kendra but decided against it. That would only reopen his wound. Instead, she brought up Desaree. "Des looks happier than I've seen her in a long time." "You think?" He glanced over to where Desaree was dancing with Koldis. She noticed Jocelyn was in Jovari's arms. "I haven't seen her smile this much...ever." She turned back to him. "You make her very happy." Her words appeared to please him. He nodded but said nothing more. She couldn't help but notice how frequently his eyes darted to Desaree for the remainder of their dance. She finally reclaimed Talon after dancing with Verath. "I almost thought I wouldn't get you to myself again," she said. "Hm..." He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, studying her. When he spoke, his voice was low. "I've done my duty for the night, sharing you with the others. The rest of your night belongs to me." Warmth spread though her body. "Come. Let's dance." He led her back to the floor, his hand in hers. They spent the rest of the night in each other's arms. It was impossible to count the number of dances they shared, the number of smiles, the number of times his hands traveled to places they shouldn't when no one was looking. It left her breathless and lightheaded. She was nearly feint with exhaustion when he pulled her from the floor at last. "I think it's time to retire you for the night. What do you think?" She tried to protest, but words failed her. Plus, the thought of getting him alone was more enticing. So instead, she nodded and allowed him to lead her away, back up the stairs and into the south wing. When they reached the Hall of Kings, he took her to her door. The guards looked on as they stood in silence, both uncertain of what to say next. "I'm not quite tired yet," she admitted. "I...would you like to come in and share a glass of wine with me? Or two?" He glanced at her door, then at her. "Thank you. I would like that." She blinked several times, almost expecting him to decline. "Lead the way," he added. He motioned her forward with an outstretched hand. The guards took this as their cue and opened the door for them, stepping aside. She stepped over the threshold and into her apartment. He followed her in. The door gently shut behind them.