The hotel the limousine pulled up to was a sprawling structure less than half a mile from The Trident. Security fanned out around the car as they disembarked at the entrance, a barrier between the Royal heir and a small collection of photographers. Somehow, they'd gotten wind of the event.

Sander escorted her through double doors opened by a valet, stride tempered to match her own so he didn't leave her behind. Chey appreciated that he didn't hurry her along. The heels she'd worn were higher and more precarious than she preferred.

Crossing a large, impressive foyer, following a red carpet lining the floor, they approached another set of doors that opened onto an opulent ballroom done in colors of peach and cream. Crystal glittered on linen covered tables and chandeliers shined over the heads of the gathered. People were everywhere; dancing, talking in groups, standing near the champagne fountain. It wasn't quite a black tie affair, but it was most definitely formal, with the women in long gowns and the men in elegant suits.

Chey took a breath and braced herself. She couldn't have felt more out of place if she'd walked in buck naked. The most elaborate party she'd ever attended, barring the one Mattias took her to, had been a wedding reception for a co-worker. Chey used the analogy of cars to make a comparison: that party had been a Pinto, this was a Rolls Royce.

“What's on your mind?” Sander asked, as if he'd felt her inner discord.

“Rolls Royces,” she said under her breath.

“...what?” He frowned.

“I was thinking that the most upscale party I've ever attended was a Pinto. This is a Rolls Royce.” Well, he'd asked. And Sander knew her penchant for blurting the truth. His body shook with silent laughter.

“I dread to think you compare me to any of your old boyfriends like that,” he said, leading her deeper into the room. Sander smiled cordially at a few people as the crowd began to take note of the new arrivals. Two of his private security members branched out at their flank, discreet and covert.

“I kind of have. Do you want to hear the analogy?”

“Now that you mention it, maybe no--”

“They were The Breakfast Club. You're Pretty Woman.”

Sander barked a laugh that drew several pairs of eyes. He tilted his head toward hers to keep his next remark between them. “Does that make you the whore?”

Chey gasped, mouth shaping an 'o' of shock. Eyes wide as saucers, she stared up at Sander. She was surely the only woman present expressing so much indecent animation. In Pretty Woman, the female lead had started out as a hooker to an austere, affluent businessman.

Sander tipped his head back and laughed the kind of laugh that drew half the room's attention. Rolling, rich and deep, it could almost be considered a guffaw. Almost.

Chey lost her battle to remain stern and trembled with amusement. One glance at the room assured her they had just become the topic of several people's conversation.

“You're a pest,” Chey announced just loud enough for Sander to hear. “Look, they're staring.”

He brought a fist to his mouth and cleared his throat, though his eyes gleamed with mirth. “Do you care?”

“No.”

“Really?”

“...maybe just a little. I feel like we're under a microscope.”

“That's because we are. Another thing to get used to.”

“I'm not sure I'll ever get used to it.” Chey smiled at a distinguished looking couple standing to the side of a dance floor that took up a good portion of the room.

“You're doing fine, don't worry. I'll let you know if you stumble.” Sander paused to shake hands with several men and trade generic greetings.

A waitress came by with a tray filled with flutes of wine. Sander declined with a subtle shake of his head. Chey figured there was a reason, and followed suit. While he made small talk with the gentlemen, who had all inclined their heads to her and greeted her cordially, Chey tipped her attention to the room. She didn't recognize one person so far. Not that she really expected to.

“Sander Ahtissari, you walked right by without even a hello,” a feminine voice said behind them.

Chey glanced back to see a stunning woman in a white fitted gown with elegant layers of tulle from her waist to the floor. Gray eyed, lashes long and thick, she had flawless tawny skin and highlighted brown hair styled into a classic updo. Her features were delicate, refined, with a straight nose and full mouth.

Sander stilled, then turned he and Chey around to face the new arrival. It took a moment for a smile to hook onto the corners of his mouth.

“Princess Valentina, what a surprise to see you here,” he said.

So this was the woman who the Queen wanted to become Sander's wife. And she was beautiful, there was no doubt about it. Cultured, statuesque, the Princess looked confident and capable. Her accent was different than Sander's, more clipped and defined.

“I could say the same about you.” Valentina's attention switched to Chey, as if expecting an introduction. Her expression was curious, intrigued.

“Princess Valentina, may I introduce Miss Chey Sinclair.” Sander indulged the introductions while never taking his eyes off Valentina.

For a moment, Chey panicked. Was she required to bow? Curtsy? Shake hands? She wasn't sure what the protocol was in situations like these. She declined to extend a hand and only greeted Valentina verbally.

“Pleasure to meet you,” Chey said.

“Likewise, Miss Sinclair,” she replied. Valentina switched her attention back to the Prince. “I wasn't aware you were slated to attend this event, Prince Dare.”

“It was a last minute invitation. The Ambassador was kind enough to contact my people when we arrived. If you'll ex--”

“How ironic,” Valentina said, delicately interrupting as if she sensed he was about to beg off. “We were notified rather late ourselves. Your mother, the Queen, seemed to know you would be attending before you did, it appears.”

Chey bit back irritation. So this was another finagling of the Queen. No wonder Sander had mentioned that sometimes, he wound up with Valentina by surprise.

“Isn't that something,” Sander retorted, droll and unamused.

“Have you heard the news?” Valentina inquired.

Chey decided that whatever Valentina had to say would change the course of their evening. Intuition this strong had never failed her yet.

“I'm sure I haven't,” Sander said. He wore a mantle of polite indifference that sharpened at Valentina's leading question.

Valentina smiled, gaze traveling intimately over Sander's features. It might as well have been a lover's caress.

“My father said yes. Our wedding, yours and mine, will be in the spring.”

---

---

Chey felt Sander tighten beside her. The news did not seem to sit well with the heir to the throne. Yet he tempered his response, a low roll of laughter filling the sudden silence.

“Not only have I not been notified of that event, I have not agreed, which means all the wedding planners and advisers will have to hold off. I'm sorry if you were led to believe it was set in stone.”

Valentina arched her brows. “I didn't think it needed to be set in stone, Dare. We both know how long this has been volleyed back and forth between countries. Your people made the offer, ours agreed.”

Chey cut a quick look aside to Sander. She recalled his words about their own relationship being an uphill battle, that they would have to stand firm against those whose job it was to orchestrate the affairs of the state. Once more, she wondered just how much choice Sander really had. Was he kidding himself, thinking he would marry who he wanted to? An uneasy knot began to take shape in her stomach. After the day just passed, and the easy way she and Sander had warmed to each other's company, Chey knew it would already hurt if she was forced out of his life by forces stronger than them both.

“This really isn't the time or the place,” Sander said.

Valentina lifted her chin a fraction, as if she was fending off hurt of her own at his apparent wish not to take her to wife. “We have much to discuss. When you've come around, call me.”

“Valentina--”

“You know this is the way, Dare. Call me.” Valentina, too classy by far to be rude in public, dipped Chey a polite nod and turned to leave.

Sander escorted Chey the opposite direction, expression neutral.

Chey detected the tension in his body through the connection of her fingers on his arm.

“Dance?” he asked, glancing down to meet her eyes.

Chey inclined her head. “I might trip all over your feet, because I don't waltz well, but yes. Let's go.”

“Just follow my lead. That's all you have to do.” He seemed to be speaking of more than just the dance right then.

Sander led her onto the floor, swinging her into an easy, practiced twirl before finding more routine footing. He was expert at leading, graceful and smooth, and obviously skilled at the dance.

Chey stared up into his eyes, finding it effortless to match his rhythm. He made everything so easy. All the political schemes, confusion and conflict fell away during the three minute dance. It was just Chey and Sander, turning and twirling, gazing at each other like no one else existed.

When the song ended, Sander brought them to a halt and inclined his head in chivalrous fashion. Bringing her hand to his mouth, he dusted a kiss across her glove covered knuckles.

“People are going to talk,” she said, whispering.

“They're already talking.”

“Well, then they're going to assume.”

“They're already doing that, too,” he said with a rakish gleam in his eyes.

After a brief look past his shoulders, Chey discovered he was right. Certain groups were watching their every move, some with their heads bent together. She even caught several glancing between her and Sander as well as Valentina, as if attempting to figure out what the game was and whether Chey was a serious contender for Sander's hand.

His loyalty to Chey was put to the test a moment later when a new song began, and a gentleman decked out in a black and white tux asked after Chey for a dance.

“She's taken,” Sander said without preamble and a broad grin.

The gentleman arched his brows, lips ticking with amusement, then bowed out and approached someone else instead.

“You're assuming an awful lot, aren't you Prince Ahtissari?” Chey asked with a coy bat of her lashes.

Sander led her into another waltz, laughing low and quiet. “Am I?”

“I don't remember you asking me to be exclusive with you, which means I'm not taken in the way you're suggesting.”

“Which in turn means you're available to dance with other men,” Sander said, wearing an amused look on his handsome features.

“Exactly.”

“Except you don't want to dance with other men.” Sander dropped his voice to a stage whisper.

“I don't?” Chey tilted her head as if to better hear his explanation.

“Of course not.”

“How do you know?”

“Because you're looking at me with an infatuated, doe-eyed stare and you couldn't be bothered to even glance at the other man when he asked for a dance.”

“I'm not infatuated,” she scoffed, laughing.

“Yes, you are. Don't make me prove it.”

“And how would you do that?” she challenged, then decided a moment later she wasn't sure she wanted to know. Sander was known for pulling tricks out of his hat that she never expected. “Wait...I don't think I want to know.”

He set his shoulders back, chin lifting in triumph. “See?”

“You're incorrigible. I still don't agree that I'm infatuated, but I am smitten. How's that?”

“Smitten, infatuated, it's the same thing.”

“It is not.” She scoffed again, stepping into a turn, then out for a twirl. He caught her around the waist and brought her back close to his body. Chey got lost in the possessive hold of his hand low on her spine and the equally possessive look in his eyes. She wondered if anyone else noticed or if she was just seeing things she wanted to see. The way he focused on her, as if she was the only woman in the room, couldn't be her imagination.

The song wound to a conclusion, leaving Sander bowing elegantly over her knuckles once more. Chey smiled and feigned a curtsy, which brought a flicker of amusement to Sander's eyes.

“Pardon,” Valentina said, appearing at their side. She turned an expectant look up to Sander. “May I have this dance?”

---

---

Chey watched Sander and Valentina from the side of the dance floor, a glass of champagne in her fingers. It wasn't like he could turn Valentina down when the Princess so blatantly put him on the spot. Half the room had been focused on Sander's answer and Chey chose to take the high road, demurring away from the couple with a specific look at Sander that said she didn't blame him and wouldn't hold it against him.

How could she?

People expected things from him. Tongues were wagging and even someone as inexperienced as Chey could see the schemes churning beneath the surface of society. It would have caused a minor uproar if Sander had refused Valentina out of hand.

Even so, it worked Chey's patience to see the Princess in Sander's arms. From this new, unique perspective, she saw just how commanding the heir to the throne was on the dance floor, how polished and smooth he took Valentina through the turns. He filled out his suit in a way that most other men did not, shoulders broad and strong, his coloring setting him apart from the rest.

No wonder Sander was considered one of the top ten bachelors in the world. He had everything going for him from position to money to looks.

She wasn't the only woman who noticed, either. Chey caught glimpses of other debutante types whispering behind their hands, watching Sander on the dance floor. Chey could just imagine what they were saying.

“They make a stunning pair, do they not?” a man said at her side.

Caught off guard daydreaming, Chey glanced over. Her new companion must have been someone of importance, considering his security team hovered not far behind. He was middle aged with distinctive, darker coloring and clothing that suggested mid-eastern descent.

“Yes, they do,” Chey finally said, cautioning herself not to say too much. She glanced at the dance floor, back to Sander and Valentina, since they were the object of discussion.

“Rumor has it they will be married in the spring. A strategic move, if I say so myself.” He took a drink from his glass, watching Chey rather than the Prince and Princess.

“As far as I know, it's just a rumor,” Chey said, glancing back to the man.

“Really,” he said, and it wasn't a question. “It seems the entire congregation thinks otherwise. What do you know that we don't, I wonder.”

“Only that it's a rumor, rather than solid fact.” Chey bristled at the thought Sander and Valentina's 'engagement' was already a done deal.

“Interesting,” the man said. “That will change a few people's political affiliation with Weithan Isle if so. The connection with the Ahtissari family was an important factor in decisions on importing goods from an untried source.”

Chey cursed under her breath. She was in way over her head and had no idea how to respond to such a claim. Why was this man even talking to her? Chey was just a guest, not a Princess or a Liaison or an Ambassador better suited to discussions like these.

He's using your naivety to see if there is weight to the wedding rumors.

“I really wouldn't know anything about that,” Chey said, and at least it wasn't a lie.

“No, I suppose you would not,” the man said with a thin smile and a glance that suggested he thought her purpose a much more tactile one with the Prince.

Before Chey could think of a suitable reply, he turned on a heel and strolled away, causal as you please.

Had she just given him the wrong ammunition? Would it really damage Weithan Isle politically, that small exchange? Chey couldn't be sure. It was ridiculous to think someone of such obvious importance would put too much stock in what she had to say. Yet perhaps this was part of Valentina's insistence this evening that their engagement come to light. Maybe there were heavy political implications lurking at the fringe.

It serves Valentina right for jumping the gun, Chey thought. The woman should have never just assumed Sander would agree without talking to him first.

Once again, Chey felt out of her element. Way out of her league. Tipping the champagne up, she finished off what remained.

“This must be your first time at a function like this,” a masculine voice said at her side.

Chey glanced from Sander and Valentina to her newest companion. The Chey of three months ago would have melted on the spot at the handsome lines of his face and linebacker type build. Dark haired, with a rakish dimple in his tanned cheek, he was the epitome of charismatic charm and devilish allure.

The Chey of today, smitten with a certain Prince, barely noticed the man's ample attributes.

“My second, actually,” she replied, and wished she had another glass of champagne to help her relax.

As if he'd anticipated her need, the dark haired man presented her with a sparkling flute, exchanging it with the old.

“Thanks,” Chey said, bringing the flute up for a quick sip. It was chilled, bubbly and smooth on the tongue.

“Of course.” The man passed off the empty flute and slid his hands into the pockets of his coat. “So, your second event. What do you think, then?”

The way he kicked his chin toward the dance floor could have been construed to mean Sander and Valentina.

Either that, Chey thought, or she was reading too much into things.

“It's very interesting,” she finally said, again reminding herself to be cautious. He could be another like the last, pumping her for information.

“Indeed. What do you find most interesting about it? The location or the collection of the world's elite?”

Chey let her gaze skim back to Sander and Valentina. The Princess was stroking her fingers through the end's of Sander's hair at the nape as if she had a right to. It was a small sign of affection, but one that put Chey on edge. Resisting the urge to deliver a blunt retort to the man at her side, she took another sip from the champagne and offered up something less inflammatory.

“The mystery of who everyone is,” Chey said. “I don't really recognize anyone, yet it's obvious there are some very big players here.”

“An understatement,” he said with a raspy laugh. “I could point them all out, but that's boring. I'd rather dance, if you would do me the honor.”

“Absolutely, thank you.” Chey drained another swallow of the champagne and let the man take the flute from her fingers. Why not dance? It would put her closer to Sander and Valentina so that she might overhear whatever conversation had put that disgruntled look on Sander's face.

The devilish man swung Chey out onto the floor with a chivalrous flourish and settled into a gliding waltz. Skilled and efficient, Chey found she didn't have to concentrate hard on the steps to keep up with him. She caught Sander's eyes when they spun close to him and Valentina; he glared at Chey's dancing partner with something like irritation.

Chey attempted to convey that Sander had nothing to be irritated about, but found it difficult to shape the right expression. She bubbled an unexpected laugh as her partner led her into another turn.

“Having a good time?” the man asked.

Chey realized she didn't even know his name. His face swam above her when she sought his gaze. “Yes. Dancing was a good idea.”

“It was. You dance well.”

“Thank you.” She swallowed once, then asked, “What's your name?”

“Damon.”

“Just Damon? No Prince or anything in front of it?” Chey wished she could stifle the urge to laugh. Everything was suddenly funny.

He chuckled. “No, sorry. Just Damon. And you're Miss Sinclair. The gossips made that clear even before I got my hands on my first drink.”

“Yes. You can call me Chey though.” The room felt so light, so bubbly—like the champagne. The drink must really be going to her head.

“Chey, then. Careful there,” he said, when she missed a step and stumbled.

“Sorry. I guess it was that second drink.” A small laugh tittered free.

“Did you eat? Sometimes if you drink without dinner, it goes to your head faster.”

Chey couldn't remember if they'd eaten or not. “I...don't know.”

“No worries, Miss Sinclair. You're in good hands with me. I'll make sure you don't trip or bump into anyone else,” Damon said, tilting his head closer to her own.

Faces swirled at the edge of the dance floor, blurring into each other. For one startling moment, a sharp pair of ice blue eyes stood out among the other dancers. Sander. Chey realized it was Sander only after he'd turned out of sight. Well, now he knew what it felt like to watch her dance with someone else. What was good for the goose was good for the gander, right?

“Thank you, Mister Damon.” Chey, lightheaded, stifled another laugh against his shoulder. She felt his chest shake with humor under her cheek.

“You're welcome.” He guided her through another set of steps as the music's tempo increased.

Chey found it harder and harder to keep up now, as if her feet didn't want to listen to the commands of her brain. It was only mildly disconcerting. Mostly, she just didn't care.

“It's really hot in here,” she said a few minutes later, after catching another particularly bold stare from Sander. He wore an intense, unhappy look that Chey barely caught between one twirl and the next.

“It's all the people on the floor. We can step out onto the balcony, get some fresh air, and come back in if you'd like,” Damon said, already guiding her that way.

Chey thought fresh air sounded fantastic. She followed his lead, allowing him to escort her past a pair of open double doors to the broad balcony overlooking the bay. Salty ocean air gusted against her skin and threatened to make a mess of her carefully coiffed hair.

Damon led her to a shadowy niche in the wall surrounded by climbing ivy and little pink flowers.

“This should help,” Chey said, gulping down oxygen as if it were wine. She couldn't get her bearings, couldn't focus on anything longer than a minute or two. Somewhere in the recesses of her mind, warning bells were clanging, though over what, she couldn't be sure.

“Yes, it should,” Damon said, crowding her into the niche.

He obliterated the moonlight, the bay—everything. Chey couldn't see past his shoulders for the way he loomed closer. She brought her hands up to his chest with the intent to ward him off, to put some breathing distance between them. What was he doing?

What was she doing? She didn't want to be out here with him. The warning bells clanged louder. Chey wished she could concentrate on what they meant, on what she needed to do. Something was wrong. Her tongue felt numb, like her brain.

Damon claimed her mouth, hands on her hips, body pressing hers into the ivy.

Chey mewled protest, pushed harder at his chest. The slight weight was ineffectual against his strength. She wasn't even sure he noticed.

This was all wrong.

Damon, wrenched back by someone gripping his shoulder, reeled away from Chey. She saw fists fly and Damon sprawl backward on the balcony.

“Some women really are title chasers,” Damon said with a smug, bloody smile. “I don't think she cared which Royal she had, as long as she had one. Right, darling?”

Sander, with fury on his face and in his eyes, growled what sounded like a threat in his mother tongue. Then he said, “I know better.”

“Do you? Because she was all but begging me to have her. Something about what did it matter now that the mighty Heir to the throne was engaged to the alluring Princess Valentina. Got to hand it to her,” Damon said with a rude gesture at Chey. “She didn't waste any time.”

“What? No.” Chey sought to deny the horrible things Damon was saying. She looked from the sprawled man on the ground to Sander, who glared down into her face. There was a gleam of uncertainty in his eyes, as if he didn't want to believe what he was hearing. Catching her pressed into a shady nook with a handsome stranger couldn't have encouraged his trust in her. Chey staggered away from the niche, panic trying to sear a path through the haze.

“Sander...” Chey's protests got cut off by a sudden influx of security. The balcony, empty of all but three bodies a moment ago, became flooded with men in black suits.

“Prince Dare, there's been a security breach.”

“This way, this way,” another said as the quartet surrounded Sander.

“Get her out of here,” Sander barked as his men smothered themselves around him. “Take her home.”

“We're on it, Sir.”

Dizzy and disoriented, Chey found herself in the escort of Sander's security. She caught a glimpse of Damon in the flurry of bodies, something knowing and sly in his gaze. He looked pleased with the incident and gave no resistance as his own team hustled him off the balcony down a side set of stairs.

Everything after that happened so fast she couldn't keep track. One moment she was being guided into a sedan, the next she was back in the parking lot at The Trident. There was no time to organize her scattered thoughts, no chance to recover from the shock of Sander catching her with another man. Guards collected her things with speed and efficiency while she sat in the idling car. They loaded suitcases into the trunk within minutes. People moved around her in a blur, much like the faces around the dance floor had. The sedan pulled out of the lot and onto the street, Sander no where in sight.

Chey's weak protests and questions went unanswered. The security members weren't talking when it came to Sander's whereabouts or safety. Fear and panic clamored for dominance, though neither could pierce the strange daze Chey currently saw the world through.

Before long she was on the private jet and helped into a seat. Her body felt like a limp noodle, unable to hold itself upright. She consoled herself with the thought that she would straighten everything out with Sander as soon as they landed in Latvala. Between now and then, she would sleep off the effects of the champagne and allow Sander's temper to cool.

The abyss rose up to claim her before the jet ever left the tarmac.