Page 53 of This Midsummer Heart
First she rescues me. Then she tries to leave me behind. Then she admits she doesn’t hate me. Then she begins to look at me differently, with something that might be renewed respect.
I think she has a soft spot for me. I think she has it despite herself, but that it is something deeper than a lingering attraction or admiration of my physique.
And I wonder, as I enter the circular hut that greets me with the smells of cyprus, cedar and fresh linens, whether Titaine wishes she was sharing this room with me.
The Titaine I’ve come to know would love something like this. A little too much drink in the moonlight, close proximity, a little flirtation and confessions of true feelings she could later blame on strong spirits the next time I do something she doesn’t like.
But what would the Titaine I used to be bonded to have done? I remember a bolder maiden with the confidence of the summer sun, before the pressures of our roles and my pigheaded stupidity made her close in on herself. She’s still wounded, still afraid to admit her feelings and make herself vulnerable. Afraid to be the fool again, when so many look to her to know the answers to every problem and to make wise choices for her House.
I wonder if the Titaine I first knew is still in there somewhere.
And I wonder if I can coax her out tonight.
The packed dirt clearing at the center of Embersdeep is filled with music and dance tonight. In its middle, a bonfire grows, the flames lapping at the sky as every elf lines up to contribute a piece of firewood before joining in the celebrations themselves.
Tables laden with roasted meats and vegetables make my mouth water long before I reach them, still guided by Veld. I eat with him, unsure of when Titaine will make an appearance. Perhaps she is still too tired.
Veld is as young as he appears, and concerned. He and Indigo have only been married a few months, and he confides in me that he worries how they will fare here. So far, the magic of Embersdeep is holding.
“If you draw a spiral through the City of Nox and the Chrysanthemum City across the sea, the second layer cuts through the swamp,” he explains. “Our astronomers seem to think this will offer us some protection.”
“And if it doesn’t?” I ask. “Will you take your people to Nox?”
A shadow passes over Veld’s brow. “We won’t leave our home.”
I wish I had his conviction. It makes me question why I am leaving my home behind, too. Why I am heading south instead of east towards Glowarian Forest.
Just as I am losing myself to questions too deep for this late an hour after this long a day, I see her.
Lady Indigo walks beside her, holding Titaine’s hand aloft as they enter the clearing. Everyone but the musicians stop, bowing and murmuring as they spot their lady and their queen. Titaine’s glow is a little stronger now, but I barely notice it for the warmth in her cheeks and the brightness of her eyes. And for that dress.
A dress the color of a pink ruby—the color of the roses that dot the flower urns on the banquet table—hugs Titaine’s curves before flaring around her legs, full of movement as if she is already dancing and not just walking. Her fae grace is on full display—as is her beauty.
She takes my breath away.
Belatedly, I realize Veld is still speaking to me. I turn my attention back to him, a little bewildered, and discover him grinning at me.
“I hope I appreciate my own bride as much as your majesty does, when we have been together as many years as you have,” he says, and I don’t bother to correct him. There’s no reason to.
She is my queen. I only need her to acknowledge it. I only need her to take the heart I am offering to her, and to offer hers to me in exchange.
I only needher.
“Your majesty,” Indigo greets me as she approaches with Titaine. Is it my imagination, or do Titaine’s cheeks grow a little more rosy when sees me, clean and finely dressed in a borrowed embroidered tunic that fits snugly around my chest. “Would you honor us with a dance with your queen?”
I cannot seem to locate my tongue as I stand, still a little breathless, and take Titaine’s soft hand from Lady Indigo. The way Titaine cuts her eyes up at me—somehow both shy and sly at once—nearly has me stumbling.
I lead her into the clearing, the dark elves of Embersdeep making space for us as I lead her in a dance I can barely remember the steps to.
“Now turn me,” Titaine whispers, reminding me when she senses I am at a loss. I do as she says, her red skirts flaring out and shading pink as they catch the light.
Someone cheers, followed by a chorus. Somehow, I make it to the end of the dance without leading either of us astray or trodding on Titaine’s feet. A good thing, as her borrowed slippers that match the dress must lack the protective enchantments of her usual pair.
The music starts again, lively, bright and almost wild. Without needing to think about it, I grip Titaine’s waist and lead her into a freer dance.
Her face lights up in a smile as I whirl her across the clearing, all hesitation gone. When the music stops, I find myself breathing hard. Not only that, but I am laughing with Titaine.
How long has it been since we laughed together?
