Page 67 of Crown of Slumber

I moistened my lips. Damn this woman to the stars… Why was it so hard to speak? I drew in a breath and straightened, throwing my shoulders back and struggling to put my court mask into place. “You are a blossom among wretched thorns, my dear.” Her hand was still clasped in mine, and I bent at the waist to brush a kiss against it. When I straightened once more, her breath hitched, and a warm blush spread across her cheeks.

“Thank you. You look dashing as well.” Her eyes roved over me, and I couldn’t help but smile at the way her pupils flared and her lips parted slightly.

I knew I looked exquisite. The midnight black suit matched the one Mera had designed for our entrance to court, but the crimson vest was new and had an elaborate paisley pattern stitched into it.

I leaned close to her and whispered, “Try not to swoon.”

She swatted my arm, which I extended to her with a smirk, and together we strode down the hall toward the staircase.

When we reached the top of the stairs, Aurelia gripped the bannister with a trembling hand, her breath shaky. Below us, the light and chatter of the event filtered up to where we stood.

I glanced at the princess. Her cheeks were flushed, and a few strands of her light orange hair had come loose from the elaborate crown of braids adorning her head. I leaned close to her, using one of my fingers to tuck the hair behind her ear.

“You are a firebird,” I reminded her. “And you are magnificent.” A sudden boldness took over me, and I pressed a soft kiss to her cheek.

We had never crossed this line before. We weren’t in public; there was no reason for the display of affection.

But in this moment, I knew she needed a distraction. And as much as she infuriated me, this lovely creature was frightened, and I had to remind her that I was with her. I was her ally. She had nothing to fear from me. Not tonight.

Her eyelashes fluttered as she turned to look at me, her brows puckering in confusion. Her face was so close to mine that I could count every freckle if I wanted to. There wasn’t even an inch of skin that wasn’t covered by at least a faint smattering of freckles. The blush in her cheeks deepened, and she moistened her lips. My gaze was pulled to her mouth, which was painted crimson to match her dress. Gods, those soft lips looked so succulent.

Her breath hitched, and she blinked before turning, breaking the connection between us. “I’ll be fine,” she reassured me, patting my arm.

Shewas reassuringme.

My insides twisted. Was that rejection? Had I been about to kiss her? And… had she denied me?

I wasn’t accustomed to this feeling.

I swallowed, my thoughts a dizzying array of confusion as I led her down the stairs. She kept one arm on the bannister and the other laced through mine, clinging to me for support.

The warm glow of the lights grew as we descended. Sconces lined the walls, emitting a vibrant golden glimmer that shone across the entire hall. Below us, hundreds of guests flitted about in Autumn’s signature colors: gold, amber, and scarlet. Several waitstaff bustled around with trays of champagne flutes. From downthe hall came the echoes of a sweeping melody from the orchestra, and I was certain couples would already be dancing in the ballroom.

“You’ll have the opportunity to show off your dancing skills soon, firebird,” I whispered to her, and I was rewarded with a slight quirk of her lips.

“Afraid you’ll be bested again?”

I snorted. “I would hardly say youbestedme. Surprised is more like it.”

“I think we surprised each other.” Her blue eyes met mine and held them.

“Indeed we did.” My voice was low and soft.

We reached the bottom of the stairs, and a servant immediately approached and offered refreshment. Aurelia took an apple tart, and I accepted a flute of champagne, bringing the glass to my lips for a sip. The overly sweet nectar was so pungent it stung on its way down my throat. “Gods, I forgot how awful the wine here is.” Before the servant left, I gave him back the flute, unable to hide my grimace of distaste.

Aurelia laughed. “You are such a snob.”

“You say that now, but once you taste the sparkling fire wine in the Midnight Court, you’ll understand.”

She rolled her eyes and turned away, her expression brightening as a blond woman in a golden dress that matched her hair bobbed into view, her curls bouncing.

“Aurelia!” she squealed, rushing toward us.

Aurelia dropped my arm to embrace the woman with both hands. “Julieta, it’s so wonderful to see you again!”

Julieta withdrew to kiss both Aurelia’s cheeks. “It’s been far too long! I forbid you from leaving before you tell me every detail of the last three years, including this…” Her gaze slid to me, her brown eyes sparking with a mixture of delight and curiosity. “My, my. You arenotwhat I expected the Midnight Prince to be.”

I bowed low and offered her my most seductive smile. “Princess Julieta, you are a gem indeed. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

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