Chapter 23: The Poison in the Glass
The event dragged on longer than Danielle could bear. All she wanted was for it to end, to step out of the golden prison of her father's mansion and breathe again.
Theo was always by the far end of the hall, his stance looked so rigid. He had watched her the entire evening, never too close or too far, always somewhere she could see him if she turned her head.
He wasn't protecting her anymore just out of duty; there was something else in his bones.
When the music softened and the guests began to leave, Danielle finally was able to relax. She was smiling politely at the man she had danced with earlier.
"It was a pleasure meeting you," Danielle spoke slowly.
"The pleasure's mine," the man replied smoothly. He reached for the table, poured a drink into a crystal glass, and handed it to her. "A toast? To courage."
