Page 69 of Trapped By Clocks and Hearts

Chez snickered. “My mistress is a bit displeased that she was not extended an invitation to this particular ball.”

“Where’s Allie?” the Duchess prompted.

As if on cue, several of the courtiers’ eyes roved upward. A titter of gasps and murmurs moved through the colorful crowd.

I glanced up in time to see Allie walk out of one of the rooms right above the ballroom itself. She headed toward the grand staircase, and for the first time in my near-immortal life, my jaw dropped.

It was almost as though she was gliding instead of walking.

Allie’s ballgown was rich crimson in hue, with delicate lace and vintage beads. The abundant skirt of the dress flowed to the floor, its train dragging on the polished marble floor behind her. The tight bodice around her waist created a dramatic hourglass silhouette. Her wavy hair was swept up in an intricate braid with delicate ringlets cascading down the sides of her face, almost caressing her bare shoulders. The low cut of the neckline showed off her graceful neck, not to mention accentuated her inviting curves.

She was…breathtaking.

Elegant.

Ravishing.

Her eyes glittering at the finery, Allie’s gaze was already roving the opulence surrounding us. There was a soft smile on her face as she descended the stairs, fingers running lightly along the railing.

The heart in my chest beat faster, registering her wonder and fascination.

Her gaze met mine right away. Even from halfway across the room, I could tell Allie’s breath caught in her throat.

My heart skipped a beat and my grip on my glass tightened.

I snapped my jaw shut. I couldn’t walk up to her. I shouldn’t.

Her chest heaving, Allie was frozen in her stance as well.

But before Allie could linger any longer, a gentleman dressed in purple velvet and suede approached to take her arm.

Snapping to attention, Allie broke into another smile and nodded as she let him lead her to the dance floor.

I clenched my jaw. Taking a deep breath, I turned my back to the ballroom to lean against the table. I swirled the remnants of my drink in its glass, trying to focus once again on our escape plan.

“Ooh,” the Duchess cooed as she struggled to peer around the room. “I think the Queen has selected some very specific kingdoms to attend this evening. These must be all the eligible royals from all the kingdoms across Wünder.”

I blinked. Eligible?

Chez scratched his furry chin. “Perhaps the Queen wants Allie to be placed into another kingdom.”

“I suppose that makes sense,” the Duchess rationalized. “She’s of a good age to be wedded.”

I glanced over my shoulder just as a prince from another smaller kingdom whisked Allie away. That nerve ticked in my cheek again. This time, I couldn’t look away. I wanted to see. I wanted to watch in case I spotted a clue in their interactions that might confirm the Duchess’s assertions.

Eligible? The word repeated in my head like a scream, a taunt. I had another urge to flip the table right over.

“Do you think all these men are bespelled to be attracted to Allie?” Chez mused out loud.

I almost scoffed in mocking. She was already the most beautiful thing in the room. I couldn’t help a brusque murmur. “She doesn’t need it.”

“There’s a veil over this party.”

My gaze snapped back to the cat. “A spell?”

“Some sort of honesty spell,” Chez relayed, his nose high in the air as he sniffed.

I huffed again. Such weak spells would not affect sorcerers like me but…