FORTY
It had been weeks since Mai had sparred properly with anyone, so it was impossible to keep the smile from her face as she crossed swords with Yi. Though they carried true steel and not wooden practice swords this time, she was reminded of the night of the ball, when they had circled and danced for what might have been hours as they lost track of the time. Then as now, they had matched one another perfectly. This was neither a fight nor a battle. It truly was a dance.
A dance she wanted to continue forever.
Mai faltered at the thought. She did not dare lift her hopes so high – she knew better now. She might not know why the prince was here, but it could not be to claim her as his bride. Why, he had seen her feet – shod them himself. He knew she did not have proper lotus feet like
