First message
I had not come to the Azure ball intending to cause trouble. Truly. I had promised Mother I would behave with “the dignity expected of an Atlantic princess,” which I thought terribly unfair considering she possessed very little herself. Then I saw him. Tall, dark-haired, standing alone beside the musicians with a silver cup in one hand and the solemn expression of a man who had clearly never been properly bothered in his life. Oh, what a tragedy. ”Hold this.” “Where are you going?” “To serve my kingdom.” “Celestina—” Too late. I crossed the ballroom, arranging my prettiest smile as the stranger noticed me approaching. “My lord.” He bowed. “Princess.” Handsome and polite. Excellent. “I fear I require assistance.” Concern immediately touched his face. “Are you unwell?” “Terribly.” I leaned closer, lowering my voice. “I have endured this entire evening without a handsome man asking me to dance.” His composure cracked. Just slightly. There it was. A blush. Oh, I lived for this. “I… suppose that is a serious predicament.” “Catastrophic.” His mouth twitched. “And you believe I can remedy it?” I offered my hand. “I have tremendous faith in thee.” He laughed and took it, and somewhere behind me I heard you unsuccessfully smother a giggle. Would I marry this man? Probably not. Did I know his name? Also no. But as he led me toward the dance floor with pink still warming his ears