There was an odd mix of extravagance and ironic self-awareness in the entire affair. For a man who liked to watch other people, the ballroom was paradise. Kaldar couldn't recall the last time he was so entertained.
Morell watched his guests as well, moving from one group to the next until he finally reached him. Kaldar bowed. The baron inclined his head. A moment later, George was released by his latest dance partner and approached them.
"You don't dance, Master Brossard?" Morell asked.
"I'm afraid it's not one of my better skills."
"Nonsense," George said. "You're an excellent dancer, Olivier."
What the hell is the kid up to? "Most of the gathering is above my station," Kaldar said.
"What about that lady in green?" George made a barely perceptible nod toward Audrey. "Didn't we escort her on our way in? She was looking for her mistress . . ."
"She was barely on her feet. I doubt she is capable of dancing."
"Oh, come on, Brossard." Morell grinned at him. "You should dance. In fact, I insist that you enjoy yourself. And the lady in green seems like a perfect candidate. She is a companion to a lady from the South. They are born to dance. I know for a fact that dance classes are a mandatory part of their education."
Kaldar sighed. It kept him from grinding his teeth. Morell wasn't testing him. He was testing Audrey. "Very well."
He circled the floor, stopped before Audrey, and bowed. "A dance, my lady?"
She would never accept. His brain feverishly tried to find some sort of explanation to deflect Morell's suspicions.
A hand touched his. He glanced up and saw Audrey smiling. "Master Brossard, is it? I would be delighted."
He straightened and led her to the floor. "You were supposed to shoot me down."
"You think I can't dance?"
He stepped into position, waiting for the music to start. "We have to dance a Weird dance with Morell watching, because dancing is supposed to be part of your education."
"Lucky for you, it was. I took lessons from an Edger who taught me Weird dances. I can tango, too."
"Lucky for me?"
"You put me into this mess. I would've been perfectly happy just sneaking into the castle."
"And being shot. Try to keep up."
"I told you, I took lessons. As long as you don't start doing the cajun stomp, we'll be fine."
"Cajun stomp?"
"You heard me, swamper. And keep your hands to yourself."
He would have to have a talk with Cerise about how much she was telling Audrey about the Mire and him.
The music shot from the speakers, a solo by a melodious male voice followed by an aggressive rhythm and a fast melody, spiced with splashes of exotic sound. Morell, you bastard. It was a hell of a dance.
Kaldar shifted his position, pulling her to him, her back to his chest, his hands on her arms. Other dancers had started, and he was giving her a moment to watch them. "This is the aliya. We go fast, then we go slow, circling each other. Watch the other couples and follow my lead, and we'll be fine. Ready?"
"Bring it."
He launched them across the floor. She followed him, obeying the cues of his body, light on her feet and graceful. They parted, they came together, aggressive, passionate, and he realized that she knew the dance and was brilliant at it.
They flew across the floor again, fast, then stopped for another pass.
He paused as she circled him, one hand up, the other bent.
"Marry me," he said.
"No."
He spun her, pulling her to him, and they circled each other again. "I'll buy you a house."
"Not interested."
The music sped up, and they glided across the floor. "I love you."
"No, you don't."
"Yes, I do. Dip coming in three, two . . ."
She leaned back, parallel to the floor. He barely had to hold her. Kaldar ran his hand two inches above her body and lifted her into position. The temptation to touch her almost made him lose all sense. "I'll be a good husband."
"Lies."
"I'll be monogamous."
"Ha! Maybe I won't."
"Being with anyone else would be slumming."
"For you or me?"
"Both."
She gripped his shoulder, mimicking the other couples. He pulled her closer by her waist. In his head, they were naked.
"I made fun of you. You decided that you should marry to keep up with your family."
He spun her about, and they were off again.
"If you have to marry, I'm cute and I have nice boobs, so I would do."
"Audrey," he growled.
"No thanks."
The final notes tore out. Kaldar dropped to his knees before her. "You, me, and cute kids down the road."
She smiled and said, her lips still stretched in a smile, "Forget it."
He had to get her alone. He was so aroused, he could barely stand it. If he could only talk to her, he would convince her to say yes.
"Meet me in the north hallway in ten."
"Maybe I will, and maybe I won't."
He got up and bowed. She curtsied.
Around them, people applauded.
"Thank you, Master Brossard." Audrey gave him a charming smile.
"The pleasure is mine."
She turned and went toward Cerise, fanning herself.
Morell, George, and Jack were staring at him.
"You lied," Morell announced when he returned to his spot. "You are an excellent dancer, indeed."
"The lady is divine. Sadly, she's still feeling under the weather."
Across the room, Audrey was gently pressing a handkerchief to her face and pretending to be winded.
"I think she likes you. Don't let her get away." Morell moved on. Audrey passed by. Now they were both in the clear.
Nine minutes later, he slipped away, passing the guards, into the north hallway. Nobody paid him any mind. He'd watched people come and go all day. As long as he didn't leave the northern wing of the castle, he wouldn't get shot.
Kaldar sank into one of the shadowy alcoves. Where is she?
A minute passed. Another. Time slowed, barely moving like chilled honey.
Is she not coming? Will I have to go after her?
A familiar, curvy figure slipped into the hallway. He peeled himself from the wall, grasped her hand, and pulled her to him, pinning her between the wall and himself. They stared at each other for a pressurized electric second, the air between them saturated with desire. He'd wanted her for so long, it seemed like eternity.
She was smiling at him, that delicious, hot, irresistible Audrey smile. She wanted him, too.