#Chapter 43 Time to Start a Fire

“Ruby,” Caleb began as he pulled me ever so slightly closer. The fabric of my bodice crumpled, and his grasp made me feel like I couldn’t breathe. “Excuse me!” Harper chirped behind us, using her hands to pry us apart and take centerstage. “May we have a dance as well?” She gestured to Lucas to follow her, taking his hand like an impatient schoolgirl. “Ruby and Caleb are not the only couple near the throne, and wouldn’t it be unfair to deny his younger brother the same birthright?” I scoffed, stepping forward to interrupt her, but Caleb’s hand on my wrist stopped me. I turned back at him, expecting to see fury on his face as well., but he shook his head. “I would never deny my brother a privilege, especially when he has been such an exemplary guest.” Caleb said, nodding to the musicians to take up a second dance. The conductor looked between the two men, seemingly confused, but he quickly returned to the players behind him. “What are you doing?