Page 117 of Crown of Slumber

The soothing sounds of the river mingled with the sweeping melody pouring from the courtyard balcony where the musicians played, all of them wearing elegant finery. Some would lay their instruments down to join the dancers in the field, pausing their playing to participate in the revelry without a care in the world.

I found myself grinning at the sight. This fete was so informal, so inclusive, that even the musicians could stop their playing to enjoy themselves. I watched as a courtier downed a glass of sparkling fire wine, laughing as she climbed the steps to the balcony, and picked up a lute to join in the music.

Raucous laughter filled the air, echoing in the open space. There were peopleeverywhere.They spread from the courtyard to the field and across the bridge that spanned the river. The crowd was so vibrant, so full of life, so carefree. It was no wonder Fenn behaved in such a flippant and easygoing manner, when he was accustomedto revelry such as this. Men and women of all shapes and sizes danced together, drinking fire wine and singing along with the music. A circle of dancers had large, gossamer wings spreading from their backs as they joined hands. I recognized the red cloaks of a few witches, and my heart lurched until I realized they weren’t Ruby, Jade, or Sapphire, but witches I did not know.

I had tucked the lavender glass vial they had given me into the bodice of my gown. Just in case. I was sure I wouldn’t use it, though.

On the other end of the field, I caught sight of a pair of figures spread on the ground under the cover of a tree. The man’s hand was up the woman’s skirt as she writhed in pleasure.

My face heated at the sight, and I inexplicably thought of Fenn with his hand in a similar place while I moaned, urging him onward.

I averted my gaze from the sight, suddenly feeling flushed. My eyes scanned the crowd, searching for the familiar messy chestnut waves and cocky smile. Was Fenn here yet? My stomach fluttered as I looked for him.

Just when I had decided he must still be getting ready, I turned back to the palace doors and found him standing there, one arm casually propped against the door frame. My throat tightened as I gazed over his trim, muscular form. His midnight suit was fit to perfection, particularly tight around the muscles of his bicep as he leaned into it, watching the merriment from afar, a small smile on his lips. His waistcoat had an intricate silver design sewn into it, and his vest was decorated with gleaming silver swirls that sparkled in the moonlight. Sparkles shone on his cheekbones and neck, likely from the same gel Cela had put on me.

Gods, he was a masterpiece, standing there with perfect nonchalance, his expression soft. I could drink in this scene all day and never tire of it.

In that moment, his eyes locked onto mine, and he straightened, his jaw going slack. He, too, looked me over, his emerald eyes gliding slowly from my head to my feet. I stood there, feeling a restless energy swell within me as he scrutinized me. Slowly, we made our way toward each other. I wasn’t sure who moved first,but after a few steps, we closed the gap between us, standing on the steps of the courtyard.

“I—” He swallowed, his throat bobbing. His eyes darkened with desire and lust as he stared at me. He huffed a breathless laugh and leaned close to me, his breath tickling my ear. “That dress is a far more dangerous weapon than any dagger you’ve threatened me with.” His voice was low and sultry and made my toes curl.

I laughed, too, my face flushing. I tried not to focus on his cheek so close to mine, or the way his cool mint and pine scent enveloped me. “You cut a fine figure yourself, Fenn.”

He bowed, then offered me his hand. “Shall we announce ourselves to the public?”

My heart fluttered in my chest for an entirely new reason now, but I nodded and took his hand. It was time.

With Aurelia’shand in mine, I guided her back up the steps of the courtyard to where we could better be seen. After sharing a nod with her, I bellowed, “Good people of the Midnight Court! May I have your attention please?”

The laughter and music faded, and the couples stopped dancing to gaze up at us, smiles on their faces. Just seeing my people so full of joy and life only confirmed that this was the right choice. There was nothing better we could have done for them than give them this fete they loved so much.

Yes, this alliance would do great things for all of us.

I offered a wide smile and said loudly, “I would like to formally announce my engagement to this beautiful creature beside me, Princess Aurelia Perdis of the Summer Court!”

Murmurs and whispers met my words, several people frowning or casting curious looks at Aurelia. No one was smiling anymore.

I pushed on. “To celebrate this joyous occasion, we have hosted this Nightfire fete once more. You have probably noticed an absence of Nightfire, but not to worry. The fae lights have been sufficient until now, but we have another exciting element to our evening to share with you. To keep the merriment going all night, Aurelia has provided a dragon to grant us the fire we need to keep us safe!”

Gasps echoed around us, and I turned to Aurelia, who took a shaky breath before bringing her fingers to her lips and whistling loudly. The shrill sound rang, piercing the air, and my head reared back in surprise. I didn’t realize she could whistle like that. It was astrong, resounding note that even those across the bridge would be able to hear.

The crowd seemed to hold its breath in anticipation. I scanned the area, waiting for Mal’s black figure to bound forward.

A roar echoed in the distance, and several people cried out in alarm. Then, a dark form cut through the sky, wings spread wide as it flapped toward us. I found myself grinning as Mal swooped into view, arcing over the crowd with a graceful turn that made many of them gasp in awe. He landed on the terrace opposite where the musicians had been playing, his clawed fleet slamming into the stone and making the ground tremble.

He certainly knew how to make an entrance. And judging by the smirk on Aurelia’s face, it was all intentional. Mal knew exactly what he was doing. The thought made me chuckle. What a clever beast he was.

“May I present Malvolio of the Darkener species!” I said, waving a hand toward Mal. “He will be providing our Dragonfire for the evening.”

Cheers erupted from the crowd, and I beamed, knowing we’d won them over. No one could resist a dragon, after all. Aurelia had rushed to Mal’s side and was stroking his snout, murmuring something incoherent. Mal twitched one ear, then inclined his head, and she smiled, her whole face lighting up. I found myself entranced by that smile, the way her eyes crinkled and her cheeks flushed.

Stars, she was beautiful. Absolutely breathtaking.

And she could never be mine.

Swallowing hard, I took a breath and said, “Aurelia, dearest, if you wouldn’t mind?”

Aurelia nodded and strode down the steps with Mal behind her. The crowd immediately parted to let them pass. When she reached the riverbank, she paused, glancing expectantly at Mal. He inhaled deeply, the sound raspy, and then unleashed a stream of blue flames toward the river. Flecks of stardust floated from the water, coiling around the Dragonfire. The flames spread, catching each brazier along the riverbank as the stardust we’d placed inside ignited.

---