Page 63 of Mountains of Mist and Magic

Triston's hearty laugh echoed off the walls, making every occupant of their boat, as well as the one slightly in front of them piloted by York, look back at him.

He lowered his voice again, eyes cast downward in embarrassment.

“You'll want to lower your head,” he commanded everyone in the boat. They approached a small opening into the wall of the rock, and they all squeezed together as the passage narrowed. After a few paces, the boats were engulfed in near darkness, but up ahead, Julietta could see sparkling crystals along the walls. She gasped, audibly.

Triston's fingers met hers, and he squeezed her hand slightly in the dark. She suppressed the strong urge she had to take advantage of the darkness and kiss him, but she remembered that Triston was still determined to break the bond. Anything more than basic friendship couldn't be tolerated. She moved her hand quickly back into her lap, debating whether or not to sit on her own fingers to remove the temptation of touching him.

Julietta wished she could see his facial expression, but the dim lighting from the crystals didn't permit it.

The darkness didn't last long, and suddenly the little canoe birthed itself from the passageway into a harbor. Julietta could see dozens of boats tied up, and citizens roaming all around the dock. At the top of the cavern, and breaking through the top, stood a magnificent palace.

It was quite a feat of design, Julietta thought. She glanced to her side, and she saw Triston carefully monitoring her reactions. She could tell that he wanted her to be impressed by his home. Feeling guilty about the way she snatched her fingers away from his, she met his eyes.

“It's mesmerizing, Triston.”

His eyes brightened with pride, and a smile of pleasure crossed his face once more.

“It could be your home, too,” he whispered.

At first, she didn't think she heard him right, and she laughed, but then realized he was entirely serious.

“Never mind,” he said, maneuvering the canoe to a free spot at the edge of one of the docks.

“Triston, I—”

But he had already hopped out of the boat, tying up the line and securing it to the dock. One by one they exited the little boat, but this time, there was no steadying hand to assist her.

Instead, Esmeralda linked her arm in hers. “What do you think, Julietta?” she asked, peering at her carefully.

“It's amazing. How on earth did you manage to carve out a palace into the side of the rock?”

“It was our ancestors, and they had strong magic to help them. The top of the palace actually goes beyond the roof of the cavern and sits above the sea.”

“I've never seen anything like it.” Julietta watched the citizens, who seemed happy and healthy, bustle around, going about their day. When they noticed Triston and Esmeralda, they bowed or curtsied, but otherwise left them alone. It was a stark difference from Julietta's kingdom, where they couldn't leave the gates without being followed by their citizens.

The group moved swiftly up the path, following Renya, Grayden and Phillippe up a series of switchbacks. When they finally got to the top, Julietta was out of breath, and she could feel her cheeks burning with the exercise.

Triston nodded to a few guards, who instantly parted and let them inside the palace. As Julietta moved farther into the room, her mouth gaped.

She couldn't imagine Triston living in such an incredible place. She always imagined him living roughly, but it was clear that the palace was comfortable and beautiful.

A woman came forth and introduced herself as the manager of the guest wing, and then took them to their rooms. Triston and Esmeralda let them know they would be summoned for dinner shortly, and then they both headed for their own rooms.

Julietta sank down on the opposite wall of her bedroom, watching the water cascading down, acting as a door-like barrier. She was glad to finally be away from the others; it was exhausting trying to deny the connection she had with Triston. She had hoped ignoring her need for Triston would help, but honestly, she felt like it was making it worse. Even now, she felt a trace of sweat along her brow and a tingling sensation along her scalp, as if he was near. She crossed the room to the large bed, covered with a beautiful green satin coverlet, and spread out on it, trying to calm her breathing.

After a few minutes, she gave up, the tug too strong. She didn't know what she thought she was going to do, but she changed her clothes into a simple silk dress and pulled back her hair, and opened the door. She didn't make it more than a few paces down the corridor before she stopped.

He was in the room next to hers. She could feel it.

She knocked softly on the door, part of her hoping he wouldn't answer, the other half feeling as though she'd die if she didn't kiss him.

Triston opened the door, and her heart fluttered. He wasn't wearing a shirt, and his trousers hung low on his hips. She hadn't realized how muscular he was, but every inch of his chest was defined. She had seen men's chests before, especially soldiers...but she had never seen one so close and one so perfect.

“I...” she stammered, not remembering why she came to his room.

His eyes met hers, and he sighed, tugging her inside his bedchamber and closing the door behind him.

Triston’s room was larger than hers, with a grand fireplace and several alcoves. One entire side of the wall was open-air windows. She was surprised that his door hadn’t been made of the cascading waterfalls like the others in the hall, but she figured as king he must need more security. The door to the bathroom was a streaming fall of water, however.

---