Sabine

Prince Cole's fingers interlaced with mine. He pulled me against him and I placed my hand on his shoulder. His arm looped around my back and I tensed.

"You're as rigid as a steel rod," he muttered. "It'll draw too much attention."

"This isn't something I've done before," I pointed out in the same, low tone he used.

"Really? You've managed to adapt to everything else in the palace." His low chuckle sent a shiver down my spine.

"I've never had cause to dance before."

"Relax. I'm trying not to draw more attention than necessary. Follow my lead."

I closed my eyes and sighed. My arm fell heavily on his shoulder.

With each step he took, my feet followed along of their own accord. I couldn't anticipate where he was going to go but I could follow along.

"Much better," he murmured.

"If you didn't want to draw attention, then it seems unwise for a bachelor prince to drag an eligible royal mage onto the dance floor," I pointed out.

He laughed again in a soft whisper and tightened his arm around my waist.

I sucked in a sharp breath and closed my eyes again, focusing on following his movements.

"It is easier to talk this way."

"Talk about what?" I scoffed.

"Your lessons. The last time we spoke, Reinier had just introduced you to that gargantuan book all about how Telasia trains their most powerful military weapons."

"I'm not a weapon," I hissed through clenched teeth.

"Yes, you said that before. But you're in the service of the king, now. You don't really have a choice, do you?"

"Magic shouldn't be used as a weapon or to instill fear. I was raised to believe that magic is beautiful and something to share and connect through. Not to be wielded as a weapon or a way to divide people."

The prince scoffed. "What a world that would be if others believed it."

"You seem awfully interested in my lessons. Is there something you're expecting to happen?" I tipped my head back for a moment to glance into the prince's face.

His lips were set in a firm line, eyes scanning the ballroom.

"I want to know what my father's plans are for someone as adept as you. Given the direction Reinier is taking you, it seems unlikely that what he wants is good."

I licked my lips and nodded. "That was my concern as well. I'm not pleased with the direction it is going."

"Does freedom seem worth it now?" the prince chided.

I pulled away from him but he tightened his grip.

"Easy. Wait for the dance to end. It'll be seen as a great insult, otherwise."

Relaxing again, I turned my face from him. "Did you know this would happen?"

Prince Cole pushed me into a spin. I twirled away from him and then he pulled me back, tucking me against his body before he moved again. My breath caught and I faltered a step before I found the new rhythm.

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His lips nearly brushed my ear as he spoke again, his breath warm on my skin.

"I suspected. My father would never overlook anyone he deemed an asset. If it were up to me, he never would have learned the depths of your powers."

I nodded. So, the prince had tried to keep my powers a secret. I always wondered after that little meeting we had with the king in the gardens. If I didn't know King Talis's intended purpose for me, I might have been mad.

As it was, I was thinking it would be better if the king never found out about my strength.

"I don't know if I can do what he wants of me," I admitted in a whisper.

Cole's hand splayed on my low back and he pulled me a few inches closer. His voice dropped to a nearly inaudible tone. "Has he given you any orders?"

I shook my head. "Not yet. But I know Master Reinier is reporting back to him on everything and it's not like I can start holding back now. Not if I want to keep my freedom."

"Heh. That's quite the conundrum. Would it be better if you refused and were enslaved again?"

I shuddered and pulled back, forcing space between us. This time, the prince didn't try to stop me.

"That is an impossible question to answer." I shook my head.

How could I answer? The collar kept me cut off from my magic and at the constant beck and call of others. It was like living a half-life, living as a shadow of myself. I had my magic back and I felt more alive than ever but my magic wasn't my own and the king could order me to do anything.

"Do you know what he will ask you to do?" The prince's words made my thoughts dissolve.

"If that book I'm reading is any indication, it's nothing good. Magical plagues to wipe out entire cities..." I sighed and bowed my head.

The song ended and Prince Cole's arms left me. He guided me to the edge of the dancing guests as they prepared for the next song. The musicians already struck a new beat.

"I can't tell you what will happen, Sabine. Despite what you think, you always have a friend here in the palace." He motioned to himself.

"But... why?" I raised an eyebrow.

The prince smirked. "What if I told you that you remind me of someone?"

I crossed my arms and shook my head. "I wouldn't believe it."

"Then we'll say it is because Talon still has an unyielding interest in you that he refuses to share with me. Until I know what my dragon is on about, everything you do is my business."

My throat tightened as I swallowed. Words escaped me completely. How could I even respond to that? If the prince intended to compliment me, he fell short.

"Thank you for the dance." My voice stuck with each word and I had to force them out. I bowed at the waist and walked away from the prince.

I knew the king had eyes on me and now Prince Cole did, too. It seemed their motives were different but, in the palace, could I trust one over the other?

Looping my arms around myself, I went to the nearest wall and faded into my surroundings. A skill I'd mastered while being surrounded by important men. Always there when needed but never to be seen or heard.

"Sabine, are you okay?" Princess Rosalie appeared before me and put her hand on my shoulder.

"Y-yes..." I creased my brow. Where had she come from?

"You look a little... pale. Are you sure you are okay?"

"I'm fine." I forced a smile and fanned myself with my hand. "There is a lot going on here. It is overwhelming."

"I know what you mean. This is one of the biggest Harvest Moon Balls ever!" She lit up and bounced on the balls of her feet.

Rosalie's eyes slipped to the side and she waved to someone on the other end of the ballroom.

I was getting in too deep with the king and his warmongering. There was still so much I didn't know about myself, my family, and my past. The one person who might be able to answer those questions was locked in a dungeon and I didn't have access...

Or did I?

I was a royal mage, now. That came with the freedom to move around the palace as I pleased. Could I find a mage-related reason to visit Princess Cara?

Drumming my thumbs on the wall behind me, I considered my options.

It could be a simple matter of curiosity. Master Reinier did say that I used a unique form of magic and I already knew it was common in Stivalia. Cara was a Stivalian mage. With the right spin, I could tell anyone that I wanted to know more about my magic source because no one in the palace could tell me, except her.

Of course, that was if anyone caught me.

With a big event like this, none of the royals or nobles were likely to leave the ballroom for some time.

"Rosalie." I cleared my throat.

Slowly, the princess turned her attention to me again. "Everything alright?"

"Yes. I was thinking I'd retire early if that is permissible."

"It's a little unusual," Rosalie shrugged, "But I don't see why you can't. It's been a busy day."

"Enjoy the rest of the party."

"Get some rest." The princess waved to me before heading over to her friends.

I slid down the wall to the ballroom door. A quick glance around told me no one cared enough to watch me. Out the door and down the guard-lined halls. They were also known for keeping their silence. I kept my eyes down not wanting to draw any attention to myself.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't the miracle slave."

I froze, a shiver running down my spine. That voice, like steel grinding against stone. I turned around to face Dulcey.

She hadn't been around for a while.

Her eyes flashed and she clicked her tongue. She wasn't there to congratulate me on gaining my freedom.