JUNE
I COULD NOT DANCE TO SAVE MYSELF.
Lily appeared beside me and she had no idea how much her presence here eased me. When I told her of my predicament, she grimaced. Her reaction making me even more nervous. It went from a light shower of anxiety to a downpour.
Maybe I should be happy for this. When they saw my bad dancing skills, then maybe they will send me away. Ha. Who will have the last laugh now?
"So, are you ready to learn how to dance?"
I sighed. I guess I could use some practice. I did not want to be too good but I did not want to embarrass myself either. As much as I liked entertainment, I did not like to be the entertainer.
"But I should warn you. Teaching me how to dance will be like teaching a pig how to fly."
Lily snorted. "At least I got you and not a pig."
Over the next few minutes, she showed me the proper arm positions, steps and how to keep my frame upright while moving. Ha. Miss Fiona would love Lily if she ever met her.
Lily held me like a male would, with an arm around my waist and the other clasping my hand and moved with the tempo of the tune she hummed.
Imagining doing this with any man – especially Colt – made my stomach coil with nerves. I reminded myself that the only reason I was making an effort in the first place was because I did not want to embarrass myself.
If I said that out loud, I would have heard my lie.
"All nobles know how to dance." Lily said. "And now you too won't be an exception."
"How do you tell a noble from… well the one's who aren't?" I asked. "I grew up in this very tiny settlement where there was no hierarchy. Even our Alpha was equal with the rest of us. All of this noble stuff is kind of new to me."
Lily twirled me around. "The echelon of the werewolf has been around for quite a long time. We had seven strong Alphas. They are the seven courts and settlements fall under one of them. The Lycan King's court is the first and most powerful. Then there is the Council court.
"The other seven courts are equal. If you come directly from one of these courts, you are a noble. If you fall under the branches in these courts, then you are lesser born. The Lycan King's Court and the Council's court are the only ones without any branches. Maybe because of their autonomy. Every heritage is documented so it's easier for werewolves to find out which court they're branded under. It's in the archives somewhere."
"Hmmm…" so which courts were my parents from? Alpha Roger had once mentioned that they were not originally from our settlement. So where did they come from? I had never given it a thought but I found myself wanting to know more.
"Is there anyway I can get into the archives? I'd like to see if I can find out more about my heritage."
Lily frowned. "I don't know. I guess you could ask your advisor. If we are permitted there then she might help you get inside."
I thought of Miss Fiona and her always serious expression. Bleh. But I had no choice. if I wanted to find out anything, I'd have to ask her. That was if I was not sent home before then. I guess that meant I had to put some effort into this dance.
Lily released me and executed a formal bow, grinning from ear to ear. "Well, I guess you won't be tripping on your feet or any other person's for sure. You're quick at learning. Just follow everything I thought you."
I matched her grin. "Good. I hate to say this, but I hope I don't get sent home this time." Grabbing my skirt, I dipped into a curtsey.
The music started and Silas appeared in front of me. He dipped his head in a curt nod, little bow and extended his hand. "Miss June."
I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. "I guess you will be my first dance partner for the day."
"I wouldn't want to pass it up for anything. Did I mention that you look gorgeous?"
I narrowed my eyes at him. "What did I say about compliments?"
"That I should give them more often?" his mouth twitched when I scowled at him. "Has your commitment to the Lycan King deepened since we last spoke?"
"I don't see how being committed to a man I have never met will do me any good." I answered.
"You are the one who is auditioning to be his Luna."
"It's not like they gave me any choice."