Page 118 of Crown of Slumber

One by one, each brazier was lit with the magical fire, glowing brightly and illuminating the forest with a light just as brilliant asthe sun. I hadn’t realized just how dark it was outside until I saw how muchbrightereverything was with the Dragonfire.

Screams of delight filled the air, following by raucous applause. The people were laughing and grinning once more, overjoyed with our announcement.

I raised my arms jubilantly and shouted, “This is a sign of better times to come, thanks to our union with the Summer Court! So please, enjoy yourselves, and let the fete commence!”

Whoops and shouts of joy followed my words as I clambered down the steps to Aurelia’s side. She was saying something to Mal, who huffed in disapproval before taking off to the sky. Aurelia watched him go, her brows tightening with worry.

“He’ll be all right,” I assured her.

“He wanted to stay close to me, just in case,” she said, her eyes not leaving the sky. “But I fear for him in this strange place.”

I laced my fingers through hers. “I know.”

She squeezed my hand, finally looking at me, her eyes shining. “That was quite an announcement.”

I offered her a roguish grin. “Yes, I was rather charming, wasn’t I?”

She laughed, then glanced behind me. The music and dancing had resumed, and Aurelia’s expression turned soft, her eyes full of awe as she watched.

“Shall we?” I asked.

She beamed. “Yes please.” But when she strode for the crowd, I stopped her, tugging on her hand. She looked at me in confusion. “We are dancing, aren’t we?”

“Yes. But I told you before that one of my favorite spots to dance is in the forest. I’d like to take you there, if you like.” My stomach twisted with nerves. Perhaps she didn’t want to. Perhaps she would give me that pitying look that had crossed her face so often since my declaration in front of my mother.

Instead, a slow, surprised smile spread across her face, and she nodded eagerly.

With her hand still in mine, I guided her across the bridge, weaving past dancing couples and guests downing glasses of fire wine. On the other side of the bridge was a much thinner crowd, but they were enjoying themselves just the same. Women spun,their skirts twirling, and men leaned close, arms wrapped around their partners, their bodies pressing together.

When we reached the edge of the Crescent Glade, the small forest on the other side of the river, I faced Aurelia, standing up straight and offering her my hand with my most princely smile. She laughed and accepted it. My arm came around her waist, bringing her chest flush against mine. Her rain and jasmine scent filled my nose, and it took all my restraint to keep from leaning in and pressing my mouth to her neck to breathe her fully in.

Her breath was shaky as she drew closer, her arm against mine, and her other hand resting along the back of my neck. I felt her fingers toying with the edge of my hair, almost unconsciously, as if she didn’t realize she was doing it.

I smiled down at her, at the way her eyes shone in the moonlight and her lips parted ever so slightly.

Then, I glided us into movement, and she fell into step with me. At first our movements were slow and careful as we found our rhythm together, but after a few moments, our moves became more elaborate. I twirled her, and her hair whipped around as she spun once then came back into my chest.

Our steps took us backward, toward the river. Her leg came up, the slit in her gown revealing an enticing amount of her thigh. Then, I pushed her backward, toward the forest, our steps bringing us left, then right. I lifted my arm, twirling her again, then placed my hands on her waist and lifted her, spinning her in a circle. Her arms came out, spreading wide as if in flight as she laughed loudly.

When I placed her on her feet once more, I dipped her low, hovering with my face a breath away from hers. The music faded, coming to a stop, but we remained suspended like that, both of us panting and grinning widely. My hand braced her back, keeping her from falling as I leaned over her. I knew I should bring her back up, should step away from her now, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it just yet.

Aurelia’s eyes glittered with delight, her cheeks flushed from the dance. She offered a breathless laugh and murmured, “You’re right. There’s nothing quite like dancing in the forest.”

“There’s nothing quite like dancing withyou,” I whispered.

Her smile faded as she looked at me with earnest intensity. Myeyes darted down to those carefully parted lips. Gods, I remembered how delicious that mouth tasted…

Aurelia cleared her throat, and I immediately lifted her, setting her on her feet once more. I took a healthy step away from her, putting distance between us. Her expression was guarded and uncertain, and I knew I’d gone too far again.

Damn it all.

With a heavy exhale, I bowed low to her. “Thank you for the dance, my lady. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to make the rounds and ensure everything is running smoothly.”

“Fenn—” She stepped toward me, her expression anguished.

Stars above, I couldn’t take it. I couldn’t bear to see her pity, her damn sorrow for not feeling what I did. It was unbearable. More than anything, I yearned to go back to before, before she knew how I felt, before I had ruined everything between us.

I forced a smile. “All is well, Aurelia. I just need space right now.”

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