Chapter 19 : Taken by the Prince in the Shadows

Ayda's POV "We match," Sebastian whispered in my ear, once we were quite away from the party. Back near the courtyard again, I'd noticed, and my heart rate skyrocketed. "Did you know?" "I hadn't," though it pleased me to no end that we did. His suit was a cool slate with a matching vest, tie a rich burgundy to match the—"Is that a red jasmine?" His smile widened, and he plucked the flower up to show me: "I heard they were rare, but I figured you'd appreciate the blossoms more than roses. I…I've overstepped some bounds, haven't I?" "That's not—I just didn't think—" You cared enough? You'd remember enough to care? "—the gesture is fine. That's all." Ah, way to go Ayda; now he'd probably think you hated him! "I could–" Sebastian unfurled his arm, putting some distance between us. I mourned the loss. He was putting up his walls, shielding his heart from anything that would hurt it. "Return you to the party, if you would like, once you have your moment of solitude. I'