Chapter 169 Presented?
Rhydian’s gaze moved around the ballroom, then settled on me again. "You’re not wrong. But it’s not just you, everyone in this room is pretending to be something."
I gave a small shrug. "Then they’re doing a better job at it than I am."
"At least you’re not pretending," he said. "That’s what makes you different."
I didn’t know how to respond to that, so I just looked away, focusing on the movement of our steps.
"You know," he added quietly, "the stars look clearer from the eastern towers. And the view is stunning... especially tonight."
My eyes flicked up to meet his eyes. His presence made me feel safe, like as long as I’m with him... everything was alright. "Are you inviting me to sneak out of my own party?"
"Am I?" he said, a hint of a smile pulling at his lips. "That would be reckless. I’m simply offering you the idea."
I snorted under my breath. "That sounds a lot like an invitation... You are pulling my legs aren’t you?"
"When? Your legs are moving just fine." He winked at me.
I glared daggers at him, earning a chuckle from him. His shoulders shook slightly, and the sound of his laughter was more appeasing to my ears than the music playing.
We spun slowly, moving past a group of older nobles who paused to glance our way. Rhydian didn’t seem to notice or maybe he just didn’t care.
"Tell me something," I said, my voice low. "Why were you really out there in the garden?"