Page 37 of When the Moon Met the Sun

I hesitated. “I don’t know, I’m pretty tired and—”

“Just an hour. Please?” he asked once again, hand still extended.

A moment later I gave in, my hand slipping into his. Our fingers intertwined on instinct, and I couldn’tnotnotice how perfectly our hands fit into each other’s.

Then we walked out of our room and out of the inn together, hand in hand.

Chapter Thirteen

Before I knew it, I was outside, sitting on a tree stump at the edge of a crowd surrounding one of many campfires. The townspeople had been more than gracious, having prepared the equivalent of a feast in our honor—inRobyn’shonor. They had just finished telling an elaborate campfire story about one of the ancient Southern kings with some fancy stones that I hadn’t quite understood. I made a mental note to ask Ezra about it later.

Robyn had introduced me to so many people during and after dinner, I couldn’t keep them all straight at this point in the night. Somehow, though, he always knew. I imagine he’d probably spent more time here than he let on, with how well he seemed to know everybody in Diorum.

It made me question things. I’d now known the two kings of this continent personally, but their ruling styles were on opposite ends of a scale. My father had never associated with who he would considerpeasantsunless it was necessary, while Robyn was here, in the middle of all of them and greeting them each by name. It was so strange. So different. So muchbetter.

The Valwain had split up a while ago, all tending to different things and catching up with townspeople. Chess was not too faroff, talking with a group of other trokavs, likely sharing recipes and ingredients, if I were to guess.

Rayven was standing outside the group Robyn was surrounded by, observing. I got the sense he did that a lot—watched Robyn’s back.

Teagan had taken Margo to dance the moment the music had started, which had only been a few minutes ago.

I hadn’t been able to keep track of Ezra or Quinn, despite my Northern-gifted ability to see better than Southerners in the dark.

“Aviva!” Robyn called out over the music as he struggled to depart from the group he was in, telling them he’d be back.

I shifted over on the stump, giving him room to sit by me. Instead, he held out his hand.

Always holding out his hand for me. Patiently.

“Dance with me,” he said, though he seemed eager. It hadn’t been a command, but a request.

He looked down at my feet, which I hadn’t realized I had begun tapping in time with the music.

“I… I only know ballroom dances, traditional Northern stuff. I couldn’t possibly dance in a place like this.” I spoke loud enough so he could hear, but only him, since he had taken a step closer.

“It’s just like flying, I’d imagine. You just let yourself move to the music. Feel it, become it, let it fill you to the brim and overflow. It’s… freeing!” he exclaimed.

When he saw I was about to raise another argument, he spoke again. “I’ll take the lead. It’ll be easy, I promise. Do you trust me?” he asked, his eyes practically glowing, though I knew he’d only had one cup of wine during dinner. His eyes were bright with something else.

Without responding, I slowly stood, taking his hand once again.

Every time our skin touched, the zirilium in my veins sang.

I wonderif he feels it, too.

Before I knew it, he was leading me between countless dancing couples, young and old alike. We weaved between them until we found a spot close to the fire that was a bit more open.

A new song began, and I felt a small wave of panic overcome me.

Before I could completely give in to the panic, I felt Robyn gently cup my cheek and turn my face to look up into his eyes.

“It’s just you and me,” he said reassuringly.

I flashed a quick smile towards him, not breaking eye contact as he removed his hand and placed it on my waist. He guided my hand to his shoulder, then interlaced our spare hands together.

At first, I seemed to block the music out and tried hard to focus on anticipating Robyn’s next move—which I could never get right. He tried to spin me, but I was so stiff I barely budged. I was completely out of my element, and I knew it. I felt awkward, embarrassed, still.

After another failed spin attempt, he leaned down so close to me I felt his lips brush the shell of my ear as he spoke. “Try to relax. Feel the music in your veins like you feel your zirilium.”

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