POV Luella
The grand hall felt stifling. I needed air to process what had just happened. Slipping away from the feast, I found myself on a stone balcony overlooking the castle gardens.
Why do I feel so unsettled? I should be happy. Tobias is my mate. The bond is real—I felt it when we touched.
Maybe it's just nerves. This is all happening so fast. Twenty-four hours ago I was in Shadowpine territory, and now I'm engaged to a prince. Of course I'm overwhelmed.
"I thought I might find you out here."
I turned to see Tobias approaching, keeping a respectful distance. His golden hair caught the moonlight, and his brown eyes showed concern.
He looks perfect even in moonlight. Like he was designed to be a prince.
"The celebration is overwhelming," I admitted, gripping the stone railing. "I'm not used to such grandeur."
"You handled it beautifully." He moved closer. "I hope my brother's comments didn't upset you."
More than you know. Kyrell's words still burned in my mind. Breeding stock. Pet. "No, not at all. Is there something you want to talk about, Your Highness?."
"That connection between us," Tobias said, his voice dropping low. "I can't stop thinking about it. I've never experienced anything like that before."
Here comes the romantic speech. I know exactly what he wants to hear. "It was so strong," I said carefully. "Like everything suddenly made sense."
Relief flooded his face. "Thank the goddess. I was afraid it was one-sided, that maybe I was desperate for this to work."
Why does this conversation feel practiced? Like he's reading from a script he's memorized? "I've heard about the mate bond my whole life, but feeling it is different than I expected."
His hand found mine, fingers linking. The mate bond was there between us. "I keep thinking how miraculous this is. Out of all the political matches that could have been arranged, fate gave us each other."
"It does feel like destiny," I said, because that's what a proper lady should say.
"Luella," he said, bringing our joined hands to his chest. "I know we just met, but I already can't imagine my life without you. Would you think me mad if I said I don't want to wait months to make you mine?"
This is moving way too fast. Why is he pushing so hard for immediate commitment? But his brown eyes looked earnest, and the mate bond was real. Maybe this is how it's supposed to work.
"Not mad at all," I said, stepping closer because that's what he expected. "I want the same thing, Tobias."
Lie. But it's what I should want, isn't it?
His hand cupped my face. "You're incredible. Beautiful, intelligent, brave enough to speak your heart. I can't believe you're going to be mine."
Is this how mates are supposed to talk? "I already am yours," I said, leaning into his touch because that's what the perfect fiancée would do. "From the moment our eyes met."
"And I'm yours," he promised. "Completely and utterly yours, Luella."
This isn't how I imagined meeting my mate would feel. But every story I've heard says the mate bond works differently for everyone. Maybe I just had unrealistic expectations.
Music drifted from the hall—a waltz beginning. Tobias glanced toward the sound.
"They're playing our song already. What do you say we give them something to talk about?"
Our song? We met six hours ago. But I placed my hand in his. "Of course."
He led me back into the hall. The other dancers stopped to watch as we reached the center. Tobias pulled me into the traditional hold.
"All eyes are on us," I murmured.
"Let them watch. They're seeing the future of our kingdom."
Perfect answer. Always the perfect answer with him.
As we spun through the dance, my gaze found Kyrell across the room. He stood apart from the other watchers, his black eyes fixed on us. Despite everything I'd heard about his cruelty, I couldn't deny that he was beautiful in a dark, dangerous way.
Our eyes met for a heartbeat. Something powerful shot through me, stronger than the mate bond I felt with Tobias. I forced myself to look away, disturbed by my own reaction.
What is wrong with me? I'm dancing with my fated mate and I'm thinking about his cruel brother.
The music ended. Tobias bowed and kissed my hand. The hall erupted in applause.
"Thank you for the dance, my lady," he said formally. "I should return to my hosting duties."
As Tobias disappeared into the crowd, I headed back toward my table. I'd barely taken three steps when Kyrell appeared beside me.
"How touching," his voice was smooth and cutting. "Another court lady completely charmed by my dear brother. You're practically glowing with romantic satisfaction."
He's not wrong. I do look satisfied to everyone watching. Even though inside I feel more lost than ever.
I kept walking. "Was there something you needed, Your Highness?"
"Just observing your performance. Very convincing—you played the besotted bride beautifully."
Performance. That's exactly what it was. Heat pricked under my skin. He was saying what I couldn't even admit to myself.
"Just making conversation about how perfectly you fit the mold. Another noble daughter swooning over Prince Perfect."
He sees right through me. That's what irritated me most about him—he said the things I would never dare say.
"Tell me, Prince Kyrell," I stopped walking and faced him. "Do you envy your brother?"
The question hit its mark. Kyrell's mocking expression faltered for an instant before his mask slipped back into place.
His smile turned sharper. "You know what? You're almost like everyone else who falls at Tobias's feet."
"Almost?"
His black eyes glittered. "Almost."
Before I could ask what he meant, he melted back into the crowd.
Almost like everyone else. What did that mean? And why did his grudging recognition feel more real than all of Tobias's romantic words?
As Lady Celeste appeared to escort me to my chambers, I couldn't shake Kyrell's observation. He'd seen through my performance tonight. Seen what I couldn't even admit to myself.
That I was playing a role. Being the perfect noble daughter. Responding how I should respond, not how I actually felt.
And that truth, spoken by the one person I should hate most, was the most honest thing anyone had said to me all evening.