So this was the mysterious Tiberius. They didn’t look like brothers. Although Evangeline didn’t get much of a chance to examine him before Apollo stopped dancing and quickly hid her behind his back.
Tiberius laughed.
“I don’t want any trouble,” Apollo said.
“Then why is your hand on the hilt of your sword? Do you think I’m going to tell her—”
Apollo pulled the blade from his sash.
Half the wedding guests gasped, and a few might have clapped, eager for a royal brawl.
Evangeline needed to do something now. She’d suspected there was bad blood between Apollo and Tiberius, but she didn’t think Apollo would be so prone to violence if he hadn’t still been enchanted to be so obsessed with her.
She stepped between her groom and his brother. “My dearest.” Evangeline pressed a hand to Apollo’s chest. But the action no longer appeared to be necessary.
As soon as she called him dearest, Apollo’s entire demeanor changed. She’d never used an endearment with him before, and now that she had, he looked as if he could have dropped the sword and kissed her in the middle of the dance floor.
Tiberius choked back another laugh. “I can’t believe the rumors are true—you love her. Or you’ve been bewitched.”
Evangeline turned brittle. She hoped he was kidding, but maybe he wasn’t. Maybe he suspected the truth, and this was why the brothers had their most recent falling-out.
Apollo shook her off and lifted his sword, rage flashing in his eyes once more. “Insult my wife again, and I’ll cut your tongue from your mouth.”
“My dearest,” Evangeline tried again. But the words didn’t have the same effect.
Ignoring her, Apollo took a step toward his brother. Hairline cracks formed in the ice beneath his boots.
Tiberius lifted his hands in surrender. “I didn’t come here to fight.” He pivoted and gave Evangeline a deep bow. “My apologies, princess. I’d love to make up any offense to you with a dance.”
Apollo looked as if he wanted to object with his sword, but Evangeline spoke first. “Thank you. I’d be honored.” Then to Apollo, “Maybe for my wedding gift, the two of you can make amends?”
Apollo worked his jaw.
Evangeline held her breath. She hoped she hadn’t pushed him too far. It would be terrible timing for Jacks’s spell to break now.
After a painful beat, Apollo sheathed his sword. “Whatever you wish, my bride.”
The clockwork performers plucked an unfamiliar tune as Tiberius took her hand. He held her much closer than he should have. It might have been to spite his brother, though she also suspected Tiberius was a poor dancer. He seemed the type who wouldn’t have the patience for lessons.
This close, the brothers’ differences in appearance were even more obvious. If Apollo’s face was more roughly carved than chiseled, Tiberius’s face wasn’t sculpted at all. It was soft, decorated with a dusting of freckles that gave him an impish appearance. He couldn’t have been much older than Evangeline, if he were older at all. His hair was copper and longish, but tied back just enough to reveal a hint of a tattoo at the base of his neck, which made him look the part of rebel younger brother even more.
“You’re not what I expected.” Tiberius narrowed one eye and raised a brow.
Evangeline might have been offended by his scrutiny had she married Apollo through traditional means, but given the circumstances, the younger prince’s inquiry was understandable.
“If you’re thrown off by the wings you’re currently crushing,” she said, hoping to get him to loosen his grip, “they are sadly just part of my gown. I’m far from being an angel.”
Tiberius’s mouth twitched, but Evangeline couldn’t tell if it was the start of a smile or smirk, if he was trying to make a good impression or if he wanted her to know he didn’t trust her. And that wasn’t the only thing she was curious about.
“Why did you disappear after I became engaged to Apollo?”
Tiberius’s eyes flickered with surprise. “You’re bold.”
“What were you expecting?”
“Not much, if I’m being honest. Apollo used to say if—” Tiberius broke off with a wince. “Sorry, I shouldn’t be saying that at his wedding. It’s just habit for me to be mean to him. It’s how I show my love.” Another smile that was possibly a smirk as Tiberius increased the speed of his steps, spinning her in a rapid circle across the icy floor. “Do you love my brother, Evangeline?”