Page 29 of Embers to Flames

The Prince takes his leave with a parting sneer and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I had been holding. King Varitan addresses me, his gaze kind and understanding. “Miss Hepburn, I know this has been a trying ordeal for you. Please know that justice has been served today, albeit in a bittersweet manner.”

I nod gratefully at the King, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me—relief that Mikyl wasn’t sentenced to death, sorrow at the brokenness of our relationship, and uncertainty about what the future holds for me now that this chapter of my life has ended.

Theo and I begin to make our way out of the throne room when Lords Erhorn and Ailwin stop us. Theo starts with the formalities, “Rosanhi, I would like you to officially meet my father, Lord Ailwin Santrell of Paeris.”

Lord Ailwin puts out a hand to hold mine. “Rosanhi, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am truly sorry for how things have transpired thus far. Your experiences have not been easy, and I hope that better days lie ahead for you. Is my son treating you well?”

My mind flutters to the image of Theo between my thighs last night. “Yes sir, you raised a perfect gentleman,” I respond, glancing up at Theo with a smirk.

Theo clears his throat dramatically. “I believe the term you’re looking for is ‘gentle-elf,’ thank you very much.”

I can’t help but snort at his ridiculous pun, feeling my cheeks flush as I try to stifle my laughter. Lord Ailwin raises an eyebrow, clearly not impressed by his son’s attempt at humor.

Lord Erhorn places a hand on my shoulder, pulling me off to the side. “Rosanhi, I want to say how proud I am of you for the way you have handled today. You have shown both grace and candor. For that, I would like you to join us tomorrow night on Dragon’s Edge. I am still in need of a servant after all.” He says with a wink. “I do not feel as though Lenna or Ava will be up to the task.”

I hesitate, my mind racing. “I would love to sir. Thank you,” I finally reply, curiosity and confusion mingling in my voice.

“Wonderful, now go and rest. Tonight is not the night to be sleepy. Tonight is a night for… dancing!”

I let out a soft giggle, “Dancing?”

“Why yes! The Gala of Fire is a tradition. Food, dancing… it is a sight to behold.” The excitement twinkles in Lord Erhorn’s eyes, causing an infectious smile to spread across my face.

My heart jumps at his words. I look between him and Theo in disbelief. “An Elven Ball?” I stutter out. “But… but sir, I’m… I’m just a human.”

Lord Erhorn chuckles, patting my shoulder gently. “Why indeed,” he says cryptically. “I happen to enjoy keeping theother Elves on their toes.” Neither his words nor his evasive gaze gives anything away.

A servant at an Elven Ball? It’s unheard of, unimaginable even.

“Dancing…” I echo quietly, a faint blush dusting my cheeks as I think about the possibility of dancing with Theo. The thought is both terrifying and exhilarating, filling me with a sense of anticipation that I haven’t felt in years.

Lord Ailwin chuckles softly, and I turn to see him watching us with a fond expression. “You’ll love the gala, Rosanhi,” he assures me. “It’s one of the few times when we can let go of all responsibilities and simply enjoy ourselves. And my son is quite the dancer himself.”

I glance at Theo, who shrugs with feigned modesty even as a grin tugs at his lips. “I’ve been known to have some rhythm,” he admits, his eyes sparkling with mirth.

I return his grin, feeling a sense of lightness that has been absent for far too long. “I guess I’ll have to see it to believe it.”

Lord Ailwin laughs heartily at this before clapping Theo on the shoulder. “That’s my boy,” he says, his voice filled with pride and affection. He then turns to me and places a gentle hand on my arm. “Rosanhi, we’re so grateful you’ll be joining us tonight... and remember, if anyone gives you any trouble... just tell them you’re with us.”

Right… because a Human girl at a traditional elven party will blend in perfectly.

Chapter Thirteen

Draped in an emerald silk robe, I sit on a plush stool, my bare feet sinking into the soft carpet while the world outside prepares for the Gala. Lenna’s deft fingers work through my hair, braiding and weaving until it’s a cascading waterfall of intricate twists and spirals, studded with tiny star gems that twinkle gently in the candlelight. Ava is by my side, her fingers dancing across my skin applying a subtle shimmering powder that makes me gleam like the moonlit night.

A dress had appeared hours earlier, courtesy of Theo’s magic. It now delicately hangs before me, suspended from a simple hook on the wall. Its vibrant colors and intricate stitching beckon to be touched and worn.The shade of red it materialized in is deep and ardent—the color of blood as it pulses through a heart filled with love or perhaps fear—both sentiments not unfamiliar to me these days. The material is as dainty as a spider’s silk and its design seems to mold perfectly to my curves, only to cascade into layers of ruffles at my hips before gracefully falling to the floor in a mesmerizing whirl. Twinkling beads embellish the bodice, replicating the ones in my hair.

I feel as though I am to be draped in summer’s last sunset, caught between two worlds; one where I am but a fragile Human girl standing on the precipice of an elven fantasy, and another where I command attention in this unforgiving world with an allure that even nature would envy.

“Are you ready, Rosanhi?” Lenna asks as she adds the finishing touches to my hair.

I meet her gaze in the mirror—a reflection that seemed more like a stranger than myself blinked back at us—and nodded. “I think so,” I murmured.

“Then why don’t you look more excited?”

I give her an ashamed smile as I reach up and allow my fingers to brush against the soft fabric of the dress. “I’m not exactly… experienced… with all of this,” I confess, gesturing to my richly appareled self.

Lenna chuckles, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Don’t worry!” She reassures me, standing from her stool and holding out her hands as an invitation for me to stand as well. “You’ll be with Theo the entire time. You were invited by thehigh lords of Quillyan for God’s sake… I can think of no one more deserving for a night like this.”

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