Read with BonusRead with Bonus

The Diversion

The grand staircase rose before us. The crowd below fell silent, their eyes tracking our every step. Vivian followed closely; her arm linked with Jake’s. We reached the balcony. It was bathed in the soft glow of torchlight, Jacob took his seat on a throne, while Jake settled to his left, composed and dignified. Vivian, ever graceful, took her place beside him, her smile illuminating the space.

The balcony’s ornate carvings and luxurious drapery only added to the grandeur of the scene. Below, the guests mingled and danced, laughter and music spilling through the ballroom. My thoughts were interrupted when Jacob called out to me.

“Darling, come have a drink with me.”

I held back a smirk, knowing he was aware I did not drink wine. When I stepped closer, he swiftly pulled me onto his lap. I felt my face heat up. Murmurs rose from the guests below, their attention on us, a swirl of whispers like a low rumble in the grand hall.

“My lord, what are you doing?”

He smiled, his tone teasing yet possessive.

“Just enjoying a drink with my beautiful wife.”

He raised the glass to his lips. He took a sip. His fingers traced the glass rim before he extended it to me.

Reluctantly, I accepted, feeling the weight of his gaze pressing on me as he guided my hands to hold the glass with him. The rich aroma hit my senses, and I took a sip. The taste was bitter. After he finished, he brushed his lips against my fingers, his gaze smoldering with something deeper, something I had no desire to return.

He pulled me close, planting a kiss on my lips. A passionate display meant as much for the audience as for me. A storm of emotions brewed beneath my surface as the taste of the wine lingered. He released me. Relief washed over me as the balcony’s curtains closed, hiding us from view once more.

“I believe I have danced enough for one night.”

He turned to Me with a respectful nod.

“Shall we call it a night and retire?”

Jake’s reply was quick and diplomatic.

“Your Highness, may I have the honor of dancing with your lovely wife?”

Jacob nodded.

“By all means, Jake.”

I placed my hand in Jake’s outstretched palm. He led me back through the parted curtains and down the staircase to the dance floor. The haunting melody filled the air. He held me with a light, steady grip. In his arms, I felt a rare sense of peace, as if all my worries had faded. The rest of the world seemed to melt away, leaving just us beneath the ballroom’s soft glow.

The song reached its crescendo. Jake met my gaze, and I felt a silent connection between us, a comfort that transcended words. When we finished, I spoke softly.

“I cannot thank you enough for rescuing me.”

“It was my pleasure, my lady.”

“I know what he has in mind for tonight.”

“It troubles me deeply.”

I paused, my voice lowering.

“Is there a way to dissuade him?”

“Not likely,” he sighed.

“Once Jacob sets his mind to something, he does not change it.”

Jake’s eyes lit up with an idea.

“The next dance is a challenge dance.”

“Jacob never skips it.”

“You could make him a wager.”

“If he catches you, you will retire with him.”

“If he fails, you stay here.”

“I believe you have never been caught in this dance.”

A small smile crossed my face.

“An excellent idea.”

Jake guided me back to the balcony, where Jacob waited. I curtsied and offered my proposal.

“Your Highness, the next song is your favorite.”

“Shall we make it a little more interesting?”

“If you catch me, I will retire with you.”

“If not, we will remain here.”

Jacob raised an eyebrow, his competitive spirit flaring.

“I accept.”

We returned to the dance floor, where a servant presented a ceremonial crimson sash, shimmering in the candlelight. Each of us had an end. A glint of challenge in Jacob’s eyes as he pulled me into the opening steps.

The music started, and we moved in perfect synchronization, each twist and turn more intricate than the last. I swept across the floor with graceful precision, using every move to evade his reach. Our dance became a game, each step laden with tension as we circled one another like opposing forces.

Fatigue clawed at me as the minutes passed, but I pushed through, determined not to surrender. Just as I felt I could escape, Jacob’s fingers tightened around my wrist, the sash now a restraint. With a final flourish, he drew me into a low curtsy, his hold more triumphant than tender. The applause erupted around us as Jacob basked in the crowd’s admiration. He looked at me, his voice laced with pride.

“You danced beautifully, my dear.”

“It appears you have been caught.”

He lifted me, his grip tight. He led me back to the balcony with a sense of victory. I managed a polite goodbye to Jake and Vivian as Jacob swept me down the hall, past the grand staircase, until he gathered me into his arms.

“Is this really necessary?”

I asked, my pulse quickening.

“Of course,” he murmured.

“I intend to carry my beautiful wife into our future together.”

In moments, we were outside his chambers. When he opened the door, a flicker of apprehension gripped me.

Previous Chapter
Next Chapter