Daelyn could feel her brother's eyes on her back as she followed Andrik out of the library. Whatever shred of freedom she had hoped to gain was slipping away with each minute she spent with Pilar's brother.

  Andrik was waiting for her in the corridor, half of a smile on his lips. His blue eyes followed her movements, seemingly amused by the whole situation.

  "So," he said, "Now that we've been properly introduced, Princess Daelyn." He gave a playful bow.

  "Prince Andrik." She curtsied, fighting to keep a straight face. "I believe I'm now obligated to show you the palace."

  "Obligated," he repeated, raising an eyebrow. "That doesn't sound particularly enthusiastic."

  "Would you prefer I lie and say I've been dying to play tour guide?"

  His laugh was deep and warm. "I'd prefer honesty. Which, I have to say, seems to be in short supply in our court."

  Something in his tone made her look at him more closely. There was a sharpness in his eyes that hadn't been there in the library, a keen intelligence that she hadn't initially noticed.

  "Well then, honestly, I was hoping to enjoy my dinner in peace. But since that's not happening..." She gestured down the corridor. "Shall we begin the tour?"

  "After you, Princess."

  As they walked, Daelyn pointed out various rooms and artifacts, giving the standard tour she'd given countless dignitaries and guests. Andrik, however, seemed more interested in the secret passages she accidentally mentioned again while explaining the palace's history.

  "Secret passages?" he asked, immediately perking up. "You mean like hidden doorways and tunnels?"

  Daelyn bit her lip. "I shouldn't have mentioned that."

  "But you did." His eyes gleamed with mischief. "Come on, show me one. Just one tiny passage."

  "They're not for guests to explore."

  "I'm not just any guest. I'm practically family now."

  She let out a small laugh. "That's a stretch."

  "Is it? Your brother is marrying my sister. That makes us..." He paused, considering. "Well, something. Not quite siblings, but definitely not strangers."

  Daelyn weighed her options. Taking him to one of the lesser-known passages wouldn't really break any rules. And it would keep him occupied, which might help her escape back to her room sooner.

  "Fine. One passage. But you have to promise not to tell anyone."

  "I swear,” he said, placing his hand over his heart with exaggerated seriousness.

  She led him down a series of corridors, past the grand dining hall and into the east wing's old section. The lighting was dimmer here, the wallpaper slightly faded from years of sunlight filtering through tall painted windows.

  "This part of the palace isn't used much anymore," she explained. "It was built during my great great-grandfather's time."

  Stopping before a large painting of a stern-looking man on horseback, she glanced around to make sure they were alone. Then she carefully pressed a hidden latch behind the frame. With a soft click, the wall beside the painting swung inward, revealing a narrow stone passage.

  Andrik's face lit up like a child on his birthday. "That's incredible!"

  "Not so loud," she whispered, though she couldn't help smiling at his reaction.

  He peered into the darkness. "Where does it lead?"

  "This one goes to the old study, and then branches off to the gardens and the kitchen pantry."

  "Why would anyone need a secret passage to the pantry?"

  "During the early battles, these tunnels were used to smuggle food when the palace was under siege." She shrugged. "At least, that's what my father told me."

  Andrik stepped closer to the opening, his shoulder brushing against hers. "Can we go in?"

  The warmth of his body next to hers made Daelyn suddenly aware of how isolated they were. Alone in an empty corridor with a man she barely knew, showing him secret ways around her home. If Lucas found out...

  "I don't think that's a good idea," she said, stepping back and closing the passage. "I've shown you it exists. That's enough for tonight."

  Disappointment flashed across his face, but he nodded. "Fair enough. I wouldn't want to get you in trouble with your brother."

  "Too late for that," she muttered.

  "Oh? What terrible crime have you committed?"

  "Being alone with you, for starters."

  He tilted his head. "Is that such a terrible thing?"

  This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

  The way he looked at her made Daelyn's stomach flutter. She turned away, pretending to adjust a nearby vase of flowers.

  "My brother is protective. I'm not supposed to be alone with any man, especially not one I just met."

  "Yet here we are," Andrik observed, his voice soft. "Breaking rules."

  There was something dangerous in those words, or perhaps in the way he said them. Daelyn straightened her shoulders.

  "We should get back to the party."

  "Already? But I've only seen one secret passage. There must be dozens more."

  "Maybe another time."

  "Is that a promise?" His eyes met hers, challenging.

  "It's a possibility," she replied, matching his gaze. "If you behave yourself at the party."

  He laughed again. "I'm always on my best behavior."

  They started walking back toward the main hall, the sounds of music and conversation growing louder with each step.

  "Somehow I doubt that," she said.

  "You wound me. I'll have you know I'm considered quite respectable."

  "By whom?"

  "Well, my mother thought very highly of me."

  The past tense wasn't lost on Daelyn. "I'm sorry about your mother."

  His smile faltered slightly. "Thank you. It was a long time ago."

  An awkward silence fell between them. Daelyn searched for something to say, something to bring back the lighter mood.

  "I lost my father a couple years ago," she offered. "It's... difficult."

  Andrik's expression softened. "I heard. He was well-respected, even in our kingdom."

  They paused at the entrance to the grand hall, the celebration in full swing inside. Couples danced beneath crystal chandeliers while others clustered in small groups, deep in conversation.

  "I should probably return you to your sister," Daelyn said, spotting Pilar across the room.

  Andrik didn't move. "Would you like to dance first?"

  "I..." She hesitated. One dance wouldn't hurt, would it? "Alright."

  He extended his hand, and she took it, allowing him to lead her onto the dance floor. His palm was warm against hers, his fingers wrapping securely around her hand.

  As they began to move to the music, Daelyn was surprised at how naturally they fell into rhythm together. Andrik was an accomplished dancer, guiding her effortlessly through the steps. His eyes never left her face.

  "You're staring," she said after a moment.

  "Am I? I apologize." But he didn't look away. "It's just... you're not what I expected."

  "What did you expect?"

  "I'm not sure. Someone more..."

  "Refined? Sophisticated?"

  He shook his head. "Reserved. Someone who follows all the rules and never says what she's really thinking."

  "Ah," she said, a smile playing on her lips. "So I've disappointed you."

  "Not at all." His hand pressed slightly more firmly against her back. "Quite the opposite."

  The music swelled around them, and for a moment, Daelyn forgot about everything else, her brother's watchful gaze, the weight of royal expectations, the uncertainty of her future. There was only the dance, the music, and Andrik's blue eyes looking into hers.

  When the song ended, he reluctantly released her, though his fingers lingered on hers a moment longer than necessary.

  "Thank you for the dance, Princess."

  "You're welcome, Prince Andrik."

  "I hope I'll see more of you during my stay."

  Before she could respond, Lucas appeared beside them, his expression carefully neutral.

  "Daelyn, there you are. I've been looking for you." He nodded politely to Andrik. "I trust my sister has been a good hostess?"

  "Excellent," Andrik replied smoothly. "She's been showing me around your magnificent palace."

  "Has she?" Lucas' eyes shifted to Daelyn, questioning.

  "Just the main areas," she said quickly. "The library, the gallery, the east corridor."

  Lucas seemed satisfied with this answer. "Good. If you'll excuse us, Prince Andrik, I need to borrow my sister for a moment."

  "Of course."

  As Lucas led her away, Daelyn glanced back over her shoulder. Andrik was still watching her, that half-smile on his lips. He raised his hand in a small wave.

  Despite herself, she smiled back.

  "What was that about?" Lucas asked once they were out of earshot.

  "What was what about?"

  "You were supposed to show him around, not dance with him."

  Daelyn sighed. "It was just one dance, Lucas."

  "One dance can lead to expectations. Especially with someone like him."

  "What's that supposed to mean?"

  He looked at her seriously. "Andrik Claremont has a reputation. He's charming, yes, but he's also known to be... impulsive. His father has had to smooth over more than one incident."

  "We just met," Daelyn protested. "I'm not planning to run away with him."

  "Good," Lucas said firmly. "Because you need to remember that any... attachment would be complicated. Politically."

  The implication was clear. Now that her brother was marrying Pilar, another alliance with Belraithe would be redundant. If Daelyn were to marry, it would almost certainly be to someone from a different kingdom.

  "I know my duty," she said quietly.

  Lucas' expression softened. He touched her cheek gently. "I just want you to be happy, Dae. But we both have responsibilities. You know that."

  She nodded, though something inside her rebelled at his words. Why couldn't she choose her own path, just once?

  "Can I go now?" she asked. "I'm tired."

  "Of course." He kissed her forehead. "Get some rest."

  Daelyn made her way through the crowd toward the exit. As she reached the grand staircase, she felt someone watching her. Turning, she saw Andrik standing apart from the other guests, his eyes following her movements.

  She should have looked away. Should have continued up the stairs without acknowledgment.

  Instead, she paused, meeting his gaze across the room.

  He raised his glass slightly in her direction, a private toast.

  Daelyn felt a flush creep up her neck. Without thinking, she touched her fingers to her lips, then lowered her hand quickly, embarrassed by the gesture.

  But Andrik had seen. His smile widened, eyes crinkling at the corners.

  Turning away before her brother could notice the exchange, Daelyn hurried up the stairs. Her heart was beating faster than it should have been.

  It was just one dance, she told herself. Just one conversation.

  It didn't mean anything.

  But as she reached her room and closed the door behind her, Daelyn knew she was lying to herself. There had been something in that dance, in the way Andrik had looked at her. Something that both thrilled and terrified her.

  She walked to her window, looking out at the gardens below. The party continued on the terrace, lights strung between trees glowing like fallen stars.

  A dangerous game, that's what this was. A game she shouldn't play.

  Yet as she turned away from the window, Daelyn couldn't help wondering when she would see Prince Andrik again.

  And part of her, a part she didn't want to examine too closely hoped it would be soon.