Page 106 of Blooms of Darkness

And as the band struck their final chord, he dipped me low, and we were left panting as the world came back into focus.

Pulling me upright, he kissed my hand before bowing and disappearing into the night.

My heart and head were fluttering too quickly as my rationality spun out of control. My body wanted so much more. It ached for his touch. My mind was at odds with my heart, a battle of logic and emotion.

Could I allow this mysterious man to take a place in my heart while keeping so much from me? Because right now, I was falling hard, and fast. Perhaps if I had a taste of Kade, I could reconcile the man before me with the one he portrayed to the world.

Perhaps he wasn’tjusthere for a crown, despite the numerous times he had told me otherwise. Perhaps he was lying to himself. Everything I am screamed at me to be near him. Despite all logical reasoning. This electricity between us meant something. It had to.

And I needed to learn exactly what that something was.

If I didn’t, I’d spend forever wondering “what if.” And that would be a fate I could not accept.

I scanned the festival, unable to stop smiling at my people and the way they were consumed with their partners and celebrations. I could hear the rambunctious animals, pets, and beasts alike on the outskirts. The wind blew, nature reveling in our commemoration.

Across the square, Kalliah was dancing slowly with Dimitri, a soft smile gracing her face like I hadn’t seen before. Ian had disappeared into the crowd, somewhere. Before Ryland or Casimir could corner me for dances of their own, I made the decision to leave.

I would end this evening before I was forced to dance again against my will.

One final pass across the crowd, and I noticed Kade with Storm, partially hidden amongst his shadows, leaning against the corner building.

A small tilt of my head toward the palace was all I gave him before heading in the direction of the palace grounds. Floating orbs of twinkling lights illuminated the path, guiding my way back home. Ruppert fell into place a few paces behind.

As we made it to the palace walls, I pivoted to Ruppert behind me. “Take the rest of the night off, Ruppert. It is the Festival of Blessings, and I am returning to my chambers for the evening.”

His eyes narrowed, but before he could say anything, I pointed behind him at a petite woman waiting by the gate. “Honestly. Go have fun. It’s one night and it looks like someone is waiting for you.”

He turned, and his breath caught for a moment, realizing who was waiting at the gate. I could sense the anguish radiating from his being, to go to the woman he so clearly adored or fulfill his duties as my personal guard. He held a finger up, signaling for a moment to her.

“I’ll agree, only this once, if you allow me to escort you to the door and ensure you shut it behind you. The guards there should be sufficient enough after that.”

I took him by surprise, touching his arm. “Lead on, Ruppert.”

Sure enough, there were two guards posted outside of my door, and I offered them a nod. “Thank you for your watch,” I said, quickly opening the doors to my suite. “Now, go, Ruppert,” I said. “I’ll see you in the morning.” He bowed his head, and I quickly entered my room, not allowing him to second-guess his decision.

I closed the door, wondering if I’d second-guess my own decision to let Kade know of my location. After his comment about begging, it shouldn’t have taken more than my nod to let him know I wanted him.

The festival would continue for hours, but I had no intention of being anywhere but the safety of my room as I replayed the night. I grasped the edges of my vanity and stared at myself in the mirror. The moonlight cascaded through the window, illuminating the rose-gold hues of my curled locks, which had fallen around my shoulders. Moments passed as I truly lookedinside my very being, strength and determination filling my mind.

I unlatched my necklace, setting it on the vanity and moved to my bedroom. I would allow myself one night to let my heart win, for tomorrow, logic and reason would be my only option. For the good of the kingdom.

Leaning against the smooth wood of my bedroom doorframe, I paused, trying to calm my racing mind.

A cool wisp of a shadow circled my ankles as the balcony door swung open. I allowed myself one more moment before turning around to face the man who consumed my logical thoughts.

Gazing at me, with a dark and hopeful look in his eyes, was Kade.

Chapter 30

Using his shadows, Kade closed the balcony doors behind him, not breaking eye contact with me, as his presence filled the room.

His eyes followed me, like a predator tracking his prey, exuding an anticipation I knew matched my own.

“I was hoping you would come,” I whispered.

He shook his head. “I’m not used to acting impulsively, but I had to see you. I took a chance that your nod was an invitation.”

He strode toward me, and I clenched my eyes closed momentarily before looking back at him. “You confuse me and infuriate me. Yet you’ve cared for me in a way few have. You have forced yourself into my life. You say you are here for the crown, but could you also be here for more?”

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