Dance of Wishes: The Twelve Dancing Princesses Reimagined: Happily Ever After, #4

By K. A. Last

Twelve princesses … Three nights … One heart.

 

King Marius is after an heir to the throne of Candorwick, but Princess Adelina is tired of her father's attempts to marry her off. She wants to be with someone who will love her, not the kingdom's most arrogant prince.

 

In a last-ditch attempt to find her a husband, the King enlists the help of a mage. Ginevra casts a spell on Adelina, and the search for her prince begins.

 

For three nights, Adelina must dance with twelve eligible suitors, all vying for two things … Her heart and the crown.

 

Will Adelina's wish for love come true? Or will the winner stop at nothing to take the throne?

• Language: English
• Publisher: K. A. Last
• Release date: Jun 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9798201106621

K. A. Last

K. A. Last was born in Subiaco, Western Australia, and moved to Sydney with her parents and older brother when she was eight. Artistic and creative by nature, she studied Graphic Design and graduated with an Advanced Diploma. After marrying her high school sweetheart, she concentrated on her career before settling into family life. Blessed with a vivid imagination, she began writing to let off creative steam, and fell in love with it. She now resides in a peaceful leafy suburb north of Sydney with her husband, their two children, and a rabbit named Twitch.

Book preview

Chapter One

THE GUARDS HEAVE THE doors to the great hall open. I hold my breath and wait for my next potential suitor to appear. I’m curious to see who Father has chosen this time, even if my answer will be no.

The doorway frames a handsome prince with dark hair that hangs over darker eyes and a haughty smile. He’s not much older than me, and dressed in royal finery. Gold embroidery adorns the edges of his deep blue velvet cape. Sunlight streams through the hall’s giant windows and glints off the jewel-encrusted hilt of his sword.

An arrogant, wealthy prince, it seems.

I let out the breath I’ve been holding and it whistles softly between my teeth.

Father stands from his throne, throwing me a sideways glance. Prince Gerard, welcome.

The Prince sweeps his cape behind him with one hand and bows dramatically. It’s an honour to be here, King Marius. He returns to his full height, then fixes me with his stare, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.

I force a smile that’s more like a grimace, but I don’t move. There’s no point getting the Prince’s hopes up. I’d decided I wasn’t going to marry him before my father even requested his presence.

Come. Father walks down the steps of the dais. Join us. He turns to me, and I reluctantly stand.

A servant pulls out the chair at the head of the table, and the King sits. I gather the skirt of my gown and make my way down the steps, taking my place at his right. Prince Gerard waits until we are seated. He strides the length of the great hall, and bows again before sitting on Father’s left.

Servants flurry around, filling our goblets with wine, and setting food on the table. The King and the Prince help themselves, but Prince Gerard’s self-important air has caused me to lose my appetite. I lift my goblet and have some wine instead.

I sit tall in my seat, my back rigid, and clench my teeth, waiting for an introduction that will never come. Prince Gerard is the seventh suitor my father has called upon, and not once has he introduced my potential future husband to me. I’m expected to sit and listen, and be a good girl, and agree to marry someone I don’t love.

Prince Gerard drops his napkin on his plate and makes himself comfortable, lounging in his chair. He checks his reflection in his goblet then studies me with hooded eyes.

I must say, Your Majesty. Your daughter is far more beautiful than I expected.

I shudder at his leering gaze.

Yes. Father takes a sip of his wine. Adelina is lovely to look at, and will make a fine wife.

Hello, Father? I’m sitting right here. Would it be too much to ask for them to stop talking about me as though I’m not even in the room? A decent man would have complimented me directly, rather than via my father.

She looks like she would make me very happy. The Prince smirks.

My tongue aches as I bite down on it.

Yes, of course, there must be an heir. But tell me, Gerard—will you make a fine king?

Well, that goes without question, Prince Gerard replies. I’m sure you know I have much wealth to offer.

Wealth alone is not enough, Father says. You must be ruthless in your leadership, and fearless when it comes to upholding the power of this court.

Prince Gerard could be mistaken for my father’s own son. They both possess the same self-importance. I take a slow breath and twist my hands together in my lap. Father has still not learned that I will never marry someone who lusts after power, no matter how much he wants such a man to succeed him.

I assure you, Prince Gerard says, I’m the perfect match for this kingdom. I would lead with a level head and a strong hand. No one would dare challenge my authority.

And what can you give me? I glare at the Prince. Other than your pompous attitude.

Adelina, enough, Father scolds me. Gerard will be good for the kingdom.

I turn to him. I will not marry someone who is only good for Candorwick. I want a husband who is also good for me. If he loves me, he will love the people.

Father is silent for a moment. His gaze bores a hole into my heart. We have been through this, Adelina. Love has nothing to do with ruling.

It should have everything to do with it, I say.