Heart Captivated

by Lindsay Bergman

A knock sounded on the door.

  “Entrez,” Madison called out, turning to peer over her shoulder.

  The door opened and Alexander strolled in, looking sharp in a black formal tux. He moved to his wife’s side and scanned her from head-to-toe with a slow, sizzling look. “Buonasera, mia bella principessa.” He slipped one arm around her waist and reached up to cup her blushing cheek. “You are breathtaking, cuore mio.” He kissed her long and luxuriously, making my heart warm at the sight of their obvious love for one another.

  Abruptly, I turned away in the pretense of adjusting the straps of my golden high-heeled shoes, guilt stabbing through me. Why did it make me melt to see Madison and Alexander happily in love, but the sight of my sister with Ashton caused my stomach to churn with bitterness? I shoved aside the obvious answer and tried to bury any tender feelings I had for the blue-eyed prince with the dimpled smile.

  “You ladies look beautiful,” Alexander complimented, smiling at the five of us. “I’m here to escort you downstairs. Is everyone ready?”

  At our nods, he tucked Madison’s hand through his elbow and led us from their private suite. We met Ashton, Bennett, and two other handsome gentlemen at the foot of the grand staircase.

  Sophie stopped me a few steps from the bottom and whispered, “Let’s see how long it takes Ashton to tell us apart.”

  I stifled a protest and nodded mutely, knowing it was often pointless to argue with my sister. We descended the final steps arm-in-arm, identical smiles in place. Ashton’s eyes were glued to us, warm and blue as the sea, and heated with deep appreciation. Our gowns were complementary tones of gold, which brought out the red of our hair and created a breathtaking, fiery effect. I couldn’t deny that Ashton looked stunned by the sight of us.

  “Good evening, Ashton,” Sophie said when we reached the prince, making no move to embrace him. She smiled, brown eyes twinkling.

  I smiled as well and offered a simple greeting. “Good evening.”

  “Bonsoir.” Ashton flashed a dimpled smile, his gaze encompassing us both. “You two look absolutely beautiful.”

  “Thank you,” Sophie murmured shyly, sounding so much like me that I struggled to suppress a grin. My lips twitched, drawing a suspicious look from Ashton.

  “You’re not going to tell me who’s who, are you?” Ashton asked with a wry tone of voice. He earned only smiles in response.

  A hazel-eyed gentleman in a black tailcoat approached the landing with a charming smile. “Bonsoir, mesdames. My name is Adam Rousseau.” He reached out to kiss first my hand, then Sophie’s. “I’m here to escort one of you belles into the ballroom.”

  “Merci, Adam. Enchanté,” Sophie replied in perfect French, bringing an impressed smile to Adam’s lips. She looked over at Ashton and smiled sweetly. “Ashton, would you please introduce us?”

  He mock-glared at her, making Sophie’s smile widen like a Cheshire cat.

  Adam laughed. “Are you having trouble telling them apart, Your Highness?”

  Ashton shot him a look. He stepped closer to examine our faces, his gaze lingering on me. Then he turned back to Adam with a smug grin and gestured at my twin. “This is Sophie—,” his hand swept toward me, “—and this is Brielle.”

  Sophie’s laughter chimed like a bell, her delighted smile transforming her already lovely face. She moved to Ashton’s side and reached up to kiss him. “Bravo, Your Highness. I’m impressed.” She twined her arm through his, implying that she was ready to be escorted.

  The other couples were ready to go, as well. Alexander and Madison led the way, followed by Bennett and Arianna, and Mackenzie with the dark-haired gentleman I had yet to meet.

  Ashton’s gaze flitted over my face. He looked like he wanted to say something, but Sophie tugged on his arm, encouraging him to follow the others. He sent me a small, dimpled smile before turning to lead her away.

  I noticed Adam’s eyes following Sophie’s retreat. As usual, she had captured his interest without even trying. I bit back a chagrined sigh and offered a smile. “It looks like you’re stuck with me.”

  Hazel eyes flashed back to my face, looking contrite. Adam gave a gentlemanly bow, took my hand and brought it to his lips. “On the contrary. Escorting you will be my pleasure …” He floundered for my name. “… Brielle.”

  Well, that wasn’t awkward at all.

  We met up with the others, including the king and queen, outside the entrance to the ballroom. A herald announced us in pairs. Adam swept me into the room, followed by Mackenzie and the gentleman named Ethan.

  Rich shades of gold and white decorated the massive two-story high grand ballroom, with four crystal chandeliers casting sparkling rays of light across the parquet dance floor. Near to five hundred guests filled the room, each person resplendent in their finery.

  As the Royal Family took their turns entering the room, the crowd of guests bowed and curtsied in waves, smiles lighting up their faces. From the proud and adoring gazes, it was obvious that the Royal Family of Coradova was beloved. The guests formed a receiving line, each waiting their turn to be welcomed by King Mathis and Queen Gabriella, Prince Alexander and Princess Madison, Princess Arianna and Lord Bennett, and lastly, Prince Ashton.

  When we reached his place at the end of the line, Ashton grinned and sent me a wink. His welcoming kiss was warm on the back of my fingers. My heart was still racing when he joined us moments later near an open set of French doors.

  “We’re ready to head into the dining room,” Ashton told us as Sophie tucked her hand into his elbow. We followed him through an archway into the next room.

  Long tables were arranged in rows opposite the head table that would seat the Royal Family. Golden-etched dinner china and stemware were perfectly placed on crisp white tablecloths, interspersed with tall vases of elegant flower arrangements and flickering candles.

  Mackenzie, Sophie and I were seated with Adam and Ethan at a center table. Seated directly across from me was an exotic woman with curly black hair cascading down over a deep violet, off-the-shoulder evening gown. Her wide, almond-shaped eyes were a stunning shade of hazel, and rimmed by thick black lashes. She was one of the most gorgeous women I’d ever seen.

  How was I supposed to eat a fancy, five-course meal with way too many forks—all the while sitting across from a woman who looked as if she’d been born into royalty?

  When she caught my eye on her, she smiled warmly and said, “Bonsoir, I’m Emma.” She nudged Adam’s arm with her elbow. “You’ve already met my brother.”

  “Oh, you’re Alex’s Emma,” Sophie chimed in, then covered her mouth with a small gasp as her words registered.

  Emma’s olive-toned skin flushed. “Yes, I’m Alexander’s … former girlfriend.” She couldn’t seem to stop her gaze from straying over to the head table, where the crown prince sat with his new wife. Her chagrin deepened as she tore her eyes away and stared down at her empty plate.

  My heart turned over with compassion. Alexander and Emma had been involved in a brief relationship during the three year period when Madison was in Montana. While Alexander was notoriously fond of the black-haired beauty, his heart had only held room for Madison. They’d tried to keep their friendship intact after their breakup, but it was clear by the heartache in her eyes that Emma was still very much in love with the crown prince.

  In an attempt to redirect the conversation, Mackenzie officially introduced us around the table and quietly explained how to use the silverware once our first course had been delivered. After watching the others around the table, I carefully selected the correct spoon and tasted my French consommé soup, enjoying its strong, rich flavor. As we made our way through the next three courses, I joined in conversation with the kind and thoughtful Emma—and soon understood why Alexander was so fond of her. Only a heartless person could dislike Emma’s sweet and unassuming personality.

  I also had the chance to socialize with Ethan Deimos, Madison’s friend and former high school crush. Ethan was incredibly handsome, w
ith dark hair and eyes so warm they were like heated butterscotch. A crooked smile often played around his lips, and his playful nature made him very likable, indeed. After less than twenty minutes of conversation with him, I understood why Madison had been drawn to him in high school. And by the occasional, furtive glances he sent her way, I’d guess that Ethan still carried lingering feelings for the new princess of Coradova.

  Looking at Emma and Ethan sitting side by side, I bit back a pitying sigh. What a mess their sad, complicated love triangles had made of their lives. Granted, Alexander and Madison had found their happily-ever-after, but poor Emma and Ethan had been left heartbroken in the dust.

  A moment later, dessert was delivered to our plates. It was the popular French favorite of creme brûlée. I stared down at the ramekin as memories from my childhood flooded my mind. The caramelized dessert had been my father’s favorite; he’d often requested it at restaurants. I used to love it until my dad—

  I forced the bitter memories from my head and fought against the urge to fling the hated dessert across the room.

  A chuckle from the other side of the table drew my attention. I looked up to see Ethan watching me with a sympathetic expression. “Let me guess, that frown means you can’t figure out which spoon to use next?” He winked and leaned forward to whisper conspiratorially, “I can never remember either. When in doubt, work your way from the outside in.”

  His words made me smile, and helped to banish the remaining bitterness from my heart. I leaned toward him and whispered, “Thanks for the tip.”

  Ethan smiled and winked again before settling back into his seat. He chose the spoon to his right and held it up for me to see, before digging into his dessert. I used my own spoon to crack the caramelized layer and pretended to eat while merely stirring around the custard. To my right, I noticed that Sophie had barely touched hers either.

  The rest of the meal seemed to pass by in a daze. Despite how hard I tried, I couldn’t banish my father’s memory from my thoughts. The man had been gone for over a decade, yet I still hadn’t been able to forgive him. But how could I, after what he’d done? After all, didn’t they say that a father’s betrayal cut the deepest?

  Chapter Nine

  It had taken over three hours to make our way through five courses of delectable meals, each course more flavorful than the last. After the final plates were cleared, we returned to the ballroom in droves. I followed closely behind Mackenzie and Sophie, more than ready for a distraction from my dreary thoughts.

  Soft classical music began to play from the live orchestra in the corner as King Mathis led his queen out onto the dance floor. Their slow waltz was flawless and mesmerizing. I’d always wanted to dance like that, like a princess in a cinderella movie.

  Ashton was standing with his brother across the room. He moved toward us as the last notes of the song faded into silence. I watched Alexander and Bennett lead their wives out onto the dance floor, joined by several other couples. By his purposeful stride, I was certain that Ashton was coming to collect Sophie for the next dance.

  Leaning into my side, Sophie’s sigh was dreamy. “That was lovely.”

  Adam smiled and turned to offer his hand. “I would be honored if you’d join me for the next dance, Sophie. It looks like Ashton’s been held up.”

  We followed his gaze to see Ashton speaking with a group of beautiful young noblewomen.

  Sophie’s expression darkened infinitesimally before she turned back to Adam. “Thank you, Adam. I would love to dance with you.”

  Ashton finally reached us just as Adam was spinning Sophie into his arms, making her laugh in delight. She glanced over her shoulder at Ashton, her expression cross, before she focused her attention back on her dance partner.

  I heard the prince sigh. “She looks upset with me.”

  I bit my lip, wanting to disagree but knowing that my impulsive sister didn’t always handle her emotions well. Watching Adam spin my sister around, I explained in what I hoped was a nonchalant voice, “Sophie wanted to waltz, so Adam offered to dance with her when he noticed you were … busy.”

  I winced when my words came out forlorn.

  “Do you want to waltz with me, Brielle?” Ashton’s voice drifted over me, warm and inviting. I looked over to find him watching me, his blue eyes dark with emotion.

  “It’s okay, Ashton.” I blushed, embarrassed that he’d so easily read the longing my expression. “You don’t need to offer me a pity dance.”

  “This is not a pity offer. I want to dance with you, Brielle,” he insisted, taking hold of my hand and leading us to the edge of the dance floor. We waited for the song to end before moving into the center of the room.

  From the edge of the surrounding crowd, I caught Sophie’s irate gaze on us and tugged on Ashton’s arm. “Wait, Ashton. Maybe you should dance with Sophie now.”

  “No, Brielle.” He drew me into his arms and flashed the dimpled smile I was coming to adore. “This dance is reserved for you, ma chérie. Just follow my lead.”

  The music swirled around us in a beautiful melody as Ashton positioned our clasped hands in the proper hold and placed his other hand along the bare skin of my exposed shoulder blade. His fingers brushed lightly against my spine, making me shiver with gooseflesh. Smiling as if amused by my reaction to his touch, he effortlessly led me through the steps of a slow waltz.

  Eventually, his gaze focused on my face. “I’m sorry if your feelings were hurt when Adam asked Sophie to dance instead of you.”

  I blinked back sudden tears, surprised by his understanding. “Thank you, Ashton.”

  “But I’m glad he didn’t ask you,” he continued solemnly, “because I was coming over to offer you the first dance. I didn’t want you to feel overlooked again.” His eyes were soft with kindness, and his thoughtful words made my heart flutter.

  I spotted Sophie’s eyes on us again and tensed.

  Ashton noticed the direction of my gaze and spun me around until I was dizzy and laughing. “Don’t worry about Sophie,” he murmured into my ear, making me shiver. “Just enjoy the moment.”

  I told myself that it would only cause a scene to abandon him in the middle of the dance floor. I didn’t stay in the circle of his arms because I wanted to prolong this rare, intimate moment with him. Banishing every worry from my head, I focused my attention on learning the dance steps. As always, the music began to flow through me, the rhythm of the slow waltz simple and mesmerizing. I began to anticipate the steps and threw in my own flare during the spins. Ashton’s eyes twinkled with amusement, his grin widening with each revolution around the dance floor.

  “You’re a natural,” he praised when the song drew to an end. He led us to a spot near the open glass doors. “Have you ever waltzed before?”

  I grinned in pleasure at his compliment. “No, I’m just a fast learner.”

  An elbow nudged me sharply in the back. Wincing, I met Sophie’s dark glare as she brushed past us with Adam in tow and stalked out onto the dance floor. Ashton watched them for a moment before turning back to me with a sigh, his eyes flashing with irritation.

  I touched his hand, wanting to offer comfort. “I’m sorry about Sophie. I know it doesn’t seem like it right now, but she’s not usually so callous.”

  “You shouldn’t have to apologize for your sister. She’s grown up enough to answer for her own actions,” Ashton answered coolly, then blew out a frustrated breath and turned apologetic eyes on me. “I’m sorry for snapping at you, Bree. This isn't your fault.”

  I wanted to help smooth the waters between them, but Ashton was right—Sophie needed to learn how to face the consequences of her own actions. If she wanted to be petty and flaunt other guys around Ashton in an effort to make him suffer, then that was her choice.

  My cheeks were still flushed from the excitement of dancing. Since I was at a loss for words anyway, I decided to take a walk out in the garden to cool off. I was surprised when Ashton offered to accompany me. We wandered along at a lei
surely pace, the breeze cool on my heated skin and gravel crunching underfoot. Clay pots and various succulents dotted the garden throughout beds of lavender and pink African daisies.

  Ashton directed me through an arbor covered with twisting vines of bougainvillea. It was nestled between towering hedges and led to a manicured lawn that stretched from the terrace down to the scenic lookout at the back of the palace grounds.

  Resting his hand briefly against the small of my back, Ashton steered me toward the scenic lookout. We stood silently at the half-wall, looking out over the glossy black surface of sea. The night sky was studded with bright stars, and the crescent moon cast a pale light across the water and landscape.

  “This view is amazing,” I said with a sigh. “I’m going to miss it when we go back home.”

  “I can’t imagine living somewhere without access to the sea.” Ashton braced his arms on the half-wall, his stance casual. “Have you ever seen the ocean before this trip?”

  “Only once.” My voice was so soft and quiet that it was nearly swept away on the breeze. “We took a family road trip to the west coast when I was nine. It was before my—before we moved in with my Uncle Cameron.” If Ashton noticed the way I’d stumbled over my words, he didn't comment. I was grateful for his silence. Dancing with Ashton had banished the unwanted memories that’d arisen during dinner, and I didn’t want to let them resurface.

  “It’s glorious, isn’t it,” Ashton mused, his gaze focused out on the distance. “The sea has a will of her own. Men have been known to thrive or perish depending on her mood. When there’s a storm, the waves rage and wind howls while lightening splits the sky. But after a storm, when it’s calm and clear, you can see all the way across the horizon to Italy.” He waved a hand in the direction of Europe, then turned a dimpled smile my way. “I’ve traveled all over the world, but nothing compares to these views.”

  “It’s obvious you have a heart for the sea,” I said softly. “Is that why you chose to join the Coradovan Royal Navy?”