The prince danced beautifully.

Lyra enjoyed irritating Kael more than she enjoyed the dance.

Unfortunately, the prince noticed.

"You keep looking at him."

"Do I?"

"Every few seconds."

Lyra glanced across the room.

Kael was staring at them.

The prince smiled.

"He's in love with you."

Lyra nearly missed a step.

"He is not."

"He is."

"You don't know him."

"I know that expression."

"What expression?"

"The expression of a man who has realized too late that someone matters."

Lyra looked at Kael again.

Their eyes met.

His expression softened.

She smiled.

The prince bowed.

"May I offer you some advice?"

"Certainly."

"Don't make him wait too long."

Lyra frowned.

"Why?"

"Because men like him don't know how to ask for what they want."

The prince walked away.

Lyra returned to Kael.

"You look angry."

"I'm not."

"You are."

"I don't like him."

"You don't know him."

"I know enough."

She smiled.

"Jealous."

"No."

"Very."

"Perhaps."

She laughed.

Kael stepped closer.

"May I have my dance back?"

"Your dance?"

"Yes."

"You gave it away."

"I'm reclaiming it."

She placed her hand in his.

"Then reclaim it."

He pulled her close.

The music changed.

Slow.

Romantic.

Kael whispered:

"I didn't like watching him touch you."

Lyra's heart skipped.

"Why?"

"You know why."

"Say it."

He looked at her.

"I don't want anyone else."

Her teasing expression disappeared.

"Kael..."

"I know."

He touched her cheek.

"I know this isn't the time."

"No."

"But I need you to know."

She leaned closer.

"I do."

Their lips almost met.

A gunshot shattered the music.

The prince collapsed.

The ballroom erupted in screams.