"Guess I was not the only one to notice my brother adoring my date," Benate admitted.
Gella coughed trying to cover up how shaken she appeared to be. I did not appreciate being put on the spot much either.
"Benate!" My mother called and approached us. She reached out her hands and my brother took them. I have never loved my mother more. Interruption is exactly what is needed right now.
At least I thought so until I saw the scheming look in her eye. I think I would be Lord Jacobson's hero if I cut in and let him sit out a dance.
"Captain Agnar has no interest in dancing. I know Holden has to be on duty and cannot dance." I hated the way my mother elongated my name for emphasis. My mother's pleading eyes looked deeply at my brother. "That leaves you as my dance partner!"
"It would be my pleasure, Mother." Sure it is, traitor. My brother put out his hand to my mother and quipped back to us over his shoulder. "You two behave without me."
Gella sidled up next to me. I squirmed under my skin. I did not want to have the conversation that loomed between us.
"Those were some interesting observations, were they not?" Gella began timidly.
"Yes. They were." That had to be a safe answer. I looked around the room yet again. No new threats besides my own back stabbing brother. Luckily he was only a threat to my own comfort.
"Are they unfounded?" Gella probed. I could hear the hesitation in her voice.
"Were what unfounded?" Please do not ask more questions.
"Those statements. Were you admiring me?" Gella pushed forward.
"Have you seen yourself in that dress? Of course you are turning some heads." I deflected. The idea of stunning failed to fully encompass her glory.
Gella was relentless. "Even your head?"
"How did you put it? I am sure your father would love that as much as you would." I regretted the words as they came out of my mouth.
The music swelled. It widened the chasm between us. I opened my mouth to apologize but Gella beat me to fill the conversation.
"My father would not have me say so, but we do not share opinions for my future," Gella slowly pieced her words together. I stopped the pivot of my head to focus on the very center of the dance floor. I must have misheard.
"Your reaction to my comment about my father as well as your response just now have given me hope that we may be of the same mind on the subject." Gella hedged.
I do not know what to say to that. I waited for her to explain further.
"My father sees my affection for you as something newly born of your status instead of something kindled from childhood days when you were not afraid to let me win races or challenge your thoughts on a subject." I turned to look at Gella more fully, momentarily neglecting my duty.
"I do not care for your status, Lord Holden," Gella gave the slightest curtsy. "But I do care for you."
My gaze wandered back to the dance floor as if I would find words in the swirl of a skirt or the twist of hand. I must say something. My mind went blank.
Out of the corner of my eye I caught sight of Sir Gavin. He gestured for me to say something by circling his hand with his palm up. We had an audience for our conversation.
"Thank you," I blurted. I do not recall my palms sweating this much when I entered the room.
"Thank you…?" Gella queried.
I took a breath while I turned to face her once more. I lowered my voice in hopes that my audience would not prompt more of a show.
"Thank you for letting me know your wishes. I do not fully know my heart on the matter," I admitted. Seeing her face fall made me feel like my gut had been punched. I am awful at this.
"I think, I mean, I would be interested in exploring that possibility, but as a man of honor I do not feel right doing without your family's knowledge." I managed before I turned back to looking at the crowds. This is not my best work.
I heard Gella snort a breathy giggle. My heart raced. This is not what my brother meant when he said we should behave ourselves!
"I agree, Lord Holden. But I must clarify if you require my family to know about a courtship, or approve of it?" I heard the amusement in her voice.
Clever and beautiful, she had it all.
"Preferably both. But I suppose, if it is alright with you, we could start with knowledge?" I felt the blood drain from my face as I turned to look at her. Those blue pools in her sparkling eyes made me forget any worries I held onto so tightly a moment before.
"I think we can manage that!" Gella beamed.
I turned back to my post. Another sweep of the dance floor made me catch Sir Gavin's subtle thumb in the air. I guess I was not quiet afterall.
The dance began its final stanza. I noticed my brother and mother spin in my direction. They seemed to pay more attention to me than to each other.
"One question remains. What do we tell my family?" I questioned. Somehow I do not think Gella's family would be the first to hear of this decision. With how close Queen Valerie and Sir John danced, my family might not be the first either.
Gella did not get a chance to respond before a blinding white light flashed in the middle of the dance floor.I pushed Gella behind me and my hand reached for my hilt.
Lord Carrion pulled Princess Alina away from the source. Lady Calista and Lord Jacobson jumped in between the light and the princess. Finally my eyes adjusted.