The Reluctant Bride by Ella Damian

Author:Ella Damian [Damian, Ella]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-12-30T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

Barbara sighed as she stared at herself in the mirror. Her lady's maid had spent over an hour preparing her for the royal ball, styling her long red hair in an intricate updo and helping her into an exquisite red gown that hugged her petite frame.

"You look beautiful, my lady," the maid gushed. "I'm sure His Highness will be utterly captivated by you."

Barbara made a face. "Somehow I doubt that. Prince Alexander has made it abundantly clear he finds me rather tiresome."

"Oh, I wouldn't be so sure," the maid replied with a twinkle in her eye. "Men often hide their true feelings behind pretense and bluster."

"Well, I suppose I shall find out soon enough. Though I confess I'm dreading having to spend the entire evening in His Royal Broodiness's company."

Barbara swept out the door, lifting her skirts as she made her way reluctantly through the candlelit palace halls. As she entered the glittering ballroom, she blinked, temporarily blinded by the extravagant scene before her. Ladies in vivid silks and satins twirled across the dance floor with uniformed gentlemen, while groups chatted gaily along the edges of the room.

As her eyes adjusted, Barbara noticed Prince Alexander straightaway, looking dashing in formal black-and-gold finery. Much to her surprise again, he was smiling politely at an older gentleman, the very picture of princely charm.

Well, isn't this a different side to him, Barbara mused. She watched the prince work the room skillfully, complimenting the ladies and shaking hands jovially with the men. How very...performative.

Prince Alexander looked up and caught her staring. His lips curled into a subtle smile. "Ah, Lady Barbara! What a vision you are in red this evening."

Barbara arched an eyebrow skeptically. "Do my eyes deceive me, or are you actually pretending to be civil for once?"

The prince pressed a hand to his chest in mock affront. "Pretending? I am the very soul of civility and decorum at all times."

"Hmm, did I dream all those times you called me a foolish girl then?" Barbara volleyed back teasingly.

"Perhaps I... spoke too bluntly on occasion," the prince admitted. "But tonight, calls for conviviality between friends, does it not?"

He offered her his arm. "Might I have the honor of a dance, my lady?"

Barbara eyed him warily. Just what game was Alexander playing here? But not wishing to cause a scene, she placed her hand on his proffered arm. "If you insist, Your Highness."

He led her gracefully through the steps of a courtly dance, swirling her in effortless circles around the room. Barbara found herself impressed by his skill and fluidity of movement. As the dance ended, they stood facing each other, Both slightly out of breath.

"Well, that wasn't entirely terrible, I suppose," Barbara allowed.

Prince Alexander's eyes glinted wickedly. "Oh, I know it takes more than one dance to thaw that chilly disposition of yours, my lady. Consider it a start."

He lifted her hand and brushed his lips lightly over her knuckles. "If you'll excuse me, duty calls."

Barbara watched him go, a puzzled frown creasing her brow.

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