The Muse of Two Brothers

The night the entire royal court laughed at me, two men chose me at once.

I must have made a sorry sight.

A worn cream gown. A small string of pearls.

And the truth of my birth, now known to everyone: I was the bastard daughter of a fallen noble house.

Someone gave a quiet laugh.

"Was that gown remade from one her mother used to wear?"

"How did she even get an invitation?"

I lowered my head.

When I could bear no more, I fled to the balcony. Then someone called my name through the cold night air.

"Are you crying?"

It was Edward Blake.

The man every lady in the kingdom had dreamed of at least once.

His black coat emphasized his broad shoulders and rigid posture, making him appear even colder. Beneath his neatly swept-back dark hair, his blue eyes were as chill as a winter lake.

Without a word, he held out a handkerchief.

"If you don't want to go back inside, then stand beside me."

I looked up at him, startled.

"No one will laugh at you while you're at my side."

At that moment, a lazy laugh sounded behind me.

"My brother always seduces in the most boring way."

It was Leon Blake.

His white shirt was open at the collar, his blond hair was tousled, and a playful glint shone in his amber eyes. Together, they made him dangerously beautiful.

He took my hand.

"Stand beside me instead, and it will be different."

Leon bent and brushed his lips across the back of my hand.

"Because I'll keep you laughing."

Edward gave Leon a cold look.

"Let go of her hand."

Leon laughed.

"I'd rather not. I'm the one who took it first."

Their gazes clashed.

And there I stood between them.

A bastard from a fallen house.