Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 96695 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 483(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96695 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 483(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
Hugo slipped into the crowd close to the staircase and gazed up at the stunning man who’d claimed his heart. Now he dared to steal his breath away. In the warm glow of the lights, Prince Everand held a dark charm. His black tuxedo and snowy white shirt and neckcloth looked so good against his sun-kissed skin. Black hair as shiny as a raven’s wing framed his handsome face, while a red ribbon drew back his long locks from his shoulders. The same red appeared in his waistcoat—a daring splash of color rather than more white.
Tonight, Hugo wore a tuxedo of the same cut and design—something he was not blind to. He didn’t know if that was Mr. Booth’s choosing, or at the request of Everand, though. Hugo’s waistcoat was deep hunter green. Everand had argued that it needed to be gold, but Hugo had put his foot down. He had no desire to tweak the queen’s nose after all that straw-into-gold nonsense.
But there was a big difference in their attire that made Hugo’s heart swell.
Neither of them wore blue flowers to show they were in search of a male partner. No, they were matching red roses. There was no longer a need to search. They’d each found the person they desired.
They hadn’t discussed how they would proceed at the ball. Hugo imagined Everand would first go pay respects to his parents, then mingle with some of his friends. Eventually, he would work his way around to Hugo, and maybe they would share a dance together, but only one among the many dances Everand was duty bound to have. By the end of the evening, people might suspect the prince had an interest in Hugo, especially since they were wearing matching boutonnieres, but many would brush the thought aside as silly. They’d more likely believe Hugo was a shameless schemer trying to capture the prince’s attention.
Everand did not do any of these things.
Everand blew away all doubts about who had claimed his heart the moment he stepped into the ballroom.
The prince grinned as he walked right up to Hugo, ignoring several people who called out to him and bowed at his approach. As soon as he drew near, Hugo’s heart flipped while fizzing bubbles of joy filled his veins. He attempted to join all the others in bowing, but Everand caught his arms, keeping him upright.
“Dance with me, my treasure,” Everand requested, sliding his hands along Hugo’s arms to capture his hands. He squeezed Hugo’s icy fingers, warming him to his soul.
At Hugo’s last ball, many had snubbed and overlooked him. Countless people had snickered behind their fans at his mother. But right now, the crown prince of Branem was staring at him as if he were the only person in that crowded ballroom. How could he say no?
“Of course, Your Highness.”
Everand tucked Hugo’s hand into the crook of his arm and led him out to the center of the dance floor. With a slight nod to the conductor, the orchestra started playing a waltz that allowed Everand to keep Hugo so very close. Maybe too close. But Hugo couldn’t bring himself to care. The people and lights glowing in the ballroom became a blur. There was just Everand and his big, bright smile.
Laughter sneaked out of Hugo. “You’re incorrigible.”
“So very true.” And there wasn’t a hint of remorse in his tone.
Hugo sucked in a deep breath through his nose and fought to get his amusement under control so he could continue in a more serious tone. “Shouldn’t you have at least greeted your parents first?”
Everand tipped his face up toward the enormous glittering chandelier over their heads and laughed. “Yes!”
His joy was contagious, and Hugo gave up all attempts to admonish him. He didn’t dare glance at the king and queen, but kept his gaze locked on the handsome man guiding him through the dance.
“I had no choice,” Everand continued. “It’s all your fault.”
“What? How?”
“You’re far too handsome. I saw it as soon as you entered the ballroom. Everyone wanted you.”
Hugo chuckled, but the sound grew choked when he noticed Everand wasn’t laughing as well. The prince was very serious. He actually believed that others wanted him.
“Ev,” Hugo began, his voice dipping to an intimate whisper. “There’s no one else in this room. Just empty suits and fluttering fans. My eyes find only you.”
Everand’s expression softened. “I don’t doubt you. It’s others I don’t trust. I won’t let them steal you away. No one can have you but me.”
Hugo thought he was going to float away with the prince’s words. How could anyone care for him so much?
“I can’t be stolen. I swear it.”
The tension that had gathered in Everand’s shoulders flowed away and the joyous look returned to his face. “Forgive me. There’s never been anyone who…I…who consumed me so completely. If I see you as a treasure, so must everyone. And if everyone sees it, they must want you as well. They’ll try to steal you from me. I can’t lose you, Hugo.”