CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX.

(MELIORA'S POV)

After giggling, we ladies returned our focus to the generous meal before us. We relished every bite not knowing when next we'll have such a delicious meal.

Around us, the lively sounds of celebration grew louder - ringing laughter and music. Despite my determined aloofness, I couldn't stop my gaze from periodically darting around, taking in all the wonderful evening sight.

Suddenly, a hush rippled across the assembled crowds as the unmistakable figure of the alpha male stood up. With a gentle smile, he extended one hand toward his regal mate.

The Luna accepted with a modest dip of her head, her skirts whispering as she crossed the dais to join him.

Together, they descended the short stairs to position themselves in the very center of the cleared green. No sooner had they taken the ceremonial first dance position than a longing sigh went up from the surrounding spectators.

"Oooh, don't they make a lovely pair?" Suzanne breathed dreamily beside me.

The alpha moved and danced posed, undoubtedly the confident wolf.

Like a trance had been woven, other couples began drifting forth to join the ceremonial dance in ever-widening rings surrounding the leaders.

A sudden movement across the green caught my eye - one of the outsider males who had arrived with rich attire and airs clearly marking him a visitor for this occasion alone was rising and crossing purposefully toward the dais. My breath caught in my throat as his intent became clear....

With a flourish of deep bowing from the waist, he extended one ringed hand in Selene's direction in an implicit invitation. We all watched in amazement.

Only to gape as she angled her chin ever-so-slightly before extending her hands for him to grasp and draw her down from the dais. Was this her bestowing a singular honor already?

I stared as he led her out amidst the slow-turning dancers.

"Looks like the princess has gotten herself an admirer already!" Martha barely stifled a bright peal of laughter as they witnessed the same display.

"Perhaps, though I'm afraid it will soon come to fighting before this night is over," I murmured, unable to tear my eyes away. "More men would want Selene for themselves."

Suzanne made a disdainful clucking sound. "Why would any sane men want to fight over her, when there are plenty of sweet, charming single girls here for them to court instead?"

"Well, not every woman here is the alpha's daughter, is it?" I replied with a wry twist of my mouth. "She alone has that title, so yes, more men would want her hand."

"That's the most nonsense thing I've heard all night! Who cares about her bloodline?" Beth suddenly barked in booming tones, rising to her feet and brushing crumbs from the folds of her skirt decisively.

"Who wants to join me on the dance floor? We're far more likely to have luck attracting admirers there than just sitting here gossiping!"

This bold declaration was met with a chorus of cheers and giggles from around the table as the other girls hastened to follow her confident lead.

Anna shot me a sly sideways look as she smoothed back an artfully tousled curl. "You heard the woman - time for everyone to witness our own charms and allures in motion, don't you think?"

The rest of the maidens were already rising and linking arms, clearly flushed with anticipation to join the swirling, stamping dance. Only Beth hung back, eyebrows arched expectantly in my direction.

I shook my head, determinedly settling into the solid certainty that this entire mating ceremony was not for me. "No, you all go ahead and enjoy yourselves. I'll remain here watching you and providing encouragement from the sidelines."

"Suit yourself, stick-in-the-mud!" she shot back without rancor, whirling away to bustle after the others streaming eagerly toward the dance oval.

I took a sip of my beer and watched them on the dance carpet. More single men joined the floor too. I admired the girls' free spirit as they danced and giggled.

Soon, strange men took their hands on the dance floor. I watched how they blushed and danced with them. I hope all of them get mated and have their love dreams fulfilled.

I took a dip of my beer smiling contentedly when an immaculately dressed, handsome blonde young man walked up directly to my chair.

Schooling my features, I eyed him carefully over the rim of my mug as he bestowed an ingratiating smile.

"Can I have the honor of a dance with you, my lady?" He announced. Clearly was no local, from his stylishly styled blonde locks to his embroidered doublet and high leather boots.

I blinked at his words, did I hear correctly. Was he asking me for a dance?

"Pardon?" was my unbidden response, throat still thick from my choking fit.

Undeterred, the courtly young man pressed on. "I saw you observing the dancers with admirable appreciation. So I was hoping perhaps you would grant me the honor of accompanying me in the festivities?"

When I continued gaping, he smoothed one hand over his lapel and inclined his head respectfully. "That is...if you don't intend to dance with anyone already?"


I closed my mouth and shook my head, plastering on an apologetic half-smile. "No...I don't think so, sir. I must confess dancing makes me quite nervous. I should hate to mortify you with my own clumsiness out there."

Rather than rebuffed, his urbane smile only brightened further. "I see. Then perhaps I may ask you for another form of delightful company, my lady.." My eyes widened as he pressed on boldly. "Might I join you here for dinner and conversation, if you don't mind?"

Now it was my turn to be taken aback by his suavity - and determination to engage me. This was hardly what I had anticipated from this night's events!

As if looking for support, my gaze skated out toward where Beth was already energetically bounding amidst a knot of would-be partners.

I realized I couldn't do away with him easily. So summoning my most disarming look and manner, I replied in murmured tones.

"Fine, you may. But don't deprive yourself of all the fun tonight because of me." I warned him, smiling.

"Oh you're all the fun I need tonight, my lady." He replied, drawing a chair for himself.