It's the perfect day to share a teaser from the Solstice Ball with you all! This is one of my favorite scenes featuring the villain's son, Prince Anteros, and the prisoner, Talitha. Think Beauty & the Beast with a twist.
Excerpt from Chapter 28: Masquerade
Anteros watched with furrowed brows as his friend led his sister away to dance, muttering “Julian” under his breath as he glared at their backs, cracking his knuckles one by one. Sabine and her partner took their positions for a processional dance, and several couples lined up on either side of them. The men bowed and the women curtsied before joining hands for a fast-paced waltz.
“You seem quite protective of your sister,” Talitha said as they watched the ladies twirl about the room.
“Someone has to be.” Anteros slowly peeled his scrutinizing eyes from Sabine to look at Talitha. When their eyes met, his face softened.
Talitha stepped closer to Anteros. “You're a good brother,” she said, one corner of her mouth turning up in a faint smile.
“Not good enough.” His eyes fell to the floor. “I try to keep her out of our father’s wrath, but sometimes it’s impossible to keep ahead of her.”
Talitha reached out and grazed her hand against his forearm, the cool silk of her glove caused the hairs on the back of his neck to stand on edge. Her pleasant floral scent intoxicated him. She smelled like all the other girls at court, but when he closed his eyes, he pictured the girl sitting on the dungeon floor. “I am pleased she has befriended you, Red.”
“Do not address me so informally,” Talitha pleaded, her nervous eyes darting back to the dance floor. The beaming princess continued to promenade across the floor, oblivious to their conversation. “Tonight I am a lady. Lady Adelaide Winslow of Denorfia,” she said. “Treat me as you would any lady that you have just met for the first time.”
He grinned as his hungry eyes raked up her lace-covered gown, eating up the slight curve of her hips and chest. “Be careful what you ask for, Lady Adelaide,” he said softly, grasping her waist. “Especially when you look like this.”
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