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Push.

“Not here.”

Pull.

“I need answers,” I plead.

Push.

“I said, not here.”

Pull.

He glares down into my face. And for the first time tonight, I’m really seeing him. Beyond his eyes… those that I always seem to get lost in.

His square jaw is clean-shaven, with a slender nose set between his large grey eyes. His lips are fuller on the bottom than the top and set into a permanent scowl. His dark hair is slicked and meticulously braided back, hiding its length. Riven’s wearing a dark suit similar to a tuxedo, but in place of a jacket, he’s wearing a long-cut leather vest covered in small metal embellishments and symbols.

The imposing throne catches my eyes as we dance and I can’t help but look up at it every time we pass, wondering what my father looked like sitting up there before his people with my mother at his side. Was he a good king?

“The Queen made some modifications,” he answers a question I didn’t ask, but it’s as if he can read my mind. I shudder to think that my father, my flesh and blood ruled from a seat that looked like it was forged in hell.

I look away so he can’t see the hurt in my eyes. He pulls me tighter, and we spin faster. I notice now that other couples have joined us, and I’m thankful to get lost in the sea of people, even if the sea is swimming with sharks hungry for my blood.

The nearness of him makes me feel things. Things I can’t afford to feel right now.

The longer we dance and the closer he holds me, the more it clouds all of my senses. I allow myself a chance to get lost in the moment because if I think about what’s really happening, I’m afraid that I’ll break down in this room full of people, showing them more than just my fear.

My heart. It’s broken pieces clinging to the hopes that I would get answers. But finding out about my past and my identity has left me with nothing but more questions and grief for a father, a king, that I never knew or at least can’t remember. A kingdom that wants me dead and a crown I’ll never grow into.

I focus on Riven. I use all my emotions and channel them into him. The way he feels. The way he smells. Exotic, almost like rosewood, but something else is there. Cardamom, maybe? And sandalwood. Whatever it is, the smoky blend is intoxicating.

Closing my eyes, I breathe in deeply, wishing for the first time in my life that I was back in my dreams rather than forced to be prisoner to this bizarre reality.

“Did you just sniff me?” His voice startles me.

“No,” I lie.

“Apple blossoms.” His breath tickles my cheek as the dance slows, and he leans down to whisper in my ear.

“What?”

“You smell like apple blossom. And jasmine.”

“I do?” I wish my voice didn’t sound so breathy, just as I wish he didn’t affect me so much.

“Yes—it’s intoxicating. Floral. Fruity. Sweet. Sensual. And…”

“And?” I can’t help myself.

“Forbidden.” His lips brush the shell of my ear.

I only now realize that we’ve stopped moving altogether, and everybody is still dancing around us. I peer up once more to look into Riven’s eyes, but they’re looking behind me where the queen stands. I turn, and he pulls me around to stand beside him. But I don’t miss the way he steps out ever so slightly so he’s in front of me… or between us, rather.

“I think that’s more than enough… dancing. You’ve taken your job quite seriously this evening.” She applauds dramatically, and I don’t miss how she carefully enunciates job. “Such a show you’ve put on for our eager guests.”

She glares at me. But I refuse to cower to her. I wish I could say the same for Riven.

“Yes, my queen.” It’s like a switch has been flipped, and he immediately bows to her.