A bunch of Aidon’s men came over throughout the week to learn to dance. It was fun teaching them. When the two families joined, everyone thought that we were going to be like oil and water. I think once everyone saw that Aidon and Karin were not only on the same page but Cora was the glue holding it all together, they quickly accepted it. If Cora and Karin trusted them, then we did without question.
Not to mention the fact that we see how Aidon treats our Cora. I didn't think men like him existed outside of the books Cora is always shoving at me to read. But Aidon is real, and so is his love for her. I would have never believed the most feared man in the city was a pile of marshmallow in the center until I saw him with Cora. Now she is the only one that can get to that fluffy center, but it’s there.
“Perhaps you should show me?” I suggest, trying to get him to talk more. His stare is so intense. As though he’s trying to strip away the layers that I have in place for a reason.
“My mother made me take classes.” He pulls me back onto the dance floor. “I hated them until now.” He spins me around quickly before pulling me into him once again. The man towers over me. There is something different about him. He’s more clean-cut around the edges. I wonder if that has something to do with him being a prince? Soon to be king once he is married. That is how they are supposed to appear, I guess.
I know firsthand kings might look regal and pretend to be so, but they are as deadly as men like Aidon. Aidon and Karin do not hide who they are. It’s out there for everyone to see. There is no act. You know what you are getting. That’s what makes me think Sov is more dangerous. I push the thought away. It doesn't matter. This is only a dance. One Milly is going to kill me over if she sees. I also shouldn't put this man in a box with my own father. I don’t truly know him. But I hear a ton of talk among the girls about men like him.
“I think I need a drink,” I say as we start to dance into a third song. I’m really not that thirsty, but I am starting to notice a lot of people are paying attention to us. Most of the women in the room are watching Sov. Not that I can blame them. He’s not only handsome but an eligible bachelor that promises you a crown if you can snag him. I can see the appeal in that for some women, but that’s not what I’m looking for. Call me old-fashioned, but I want true love.
I could also feel who I’m guessing is his security staring holes into me. I am likely in the safest place in the city at the moment, but it’s making me feel awkward. I’m not one that enjoys having attention on me. Blending in and watching is more my speed. It’s what I’ve always been good at.
“Are you okay?” he asks as he leads me off the dance floor. He keeps his hand on my back. I want to lean in to his touch, but I don’t. It would be my luck that one of those sets of eyes is Milly. I’m sure she is trying to be fashionably late. It’s rude. This party is for Cora, after all. Coming late is a sign of disrespect in my book. But it doesn’t surprise me that Milly would do such a thing.
“I’m fine.” I turn my head to steal a peek at Sov. His eyes are focused on me. “A lot of people watch you.” He stiffens for a moment. I want to kick myself for saying the wrong thing.
“You’ll get used to it.” He snags a champagne glass off a tray as it passes by before handing it to me.
“Thanks.” I pretend to take a sip. “They’re looking at you, so I don’t have to get used to it.”
“I think you’re wrong about that, golden girl. They are staring at you.” He gives me a smile that makes me weak in the knees. “You know who I am?” I nod my head. “That doesn't seem fair, considering I don’t even know your name.”
“Mackenzie,” I give. This man is too charming, which tells me I need to be careful. I’m way out of my league here. It wasn't hard to find information on Sov Charmont when I went digging. The man made a few gossip columns in his younger days. He loved to party. Recently, there wasn't much of anything. Most of the articles I read focused on who he was going to settle down with and eventually marry. They all implied that his mom was chomping at the bit to marry him off. I think he’s being groomed to take over completely for his family.