Page 118 of A Bride for the Winter King
Elio and I are sitting at the sweetheart table, the ballroom all decked out for our wedding reception. The royals from the other kingdoms were all invited to attend so we can smooth things over with champagne as we address the failed attempt by the Tidecallers to steal the souls.
All have come, except for Elio’s father. From what I understand, the two men haven’t set foot in the same room outside of their royal obligations in Eterna since the bastard clipped his wings.
To my regret, Nell couldn’t attend. Damian is still too wary of announcing their wedding, the secrecy of their union preventing any associate of Morrigan from targeting her. The phantom queen might be safely imprisoned within the confines of the IceCity, but she’s still breathing. As long as she lives, we’ll be in danger.
Sara claps her hands, a bright gleam dancing in her eyes. “And now, ladies and gentlemen, I give you Elizabeth Snow.”
The announcement sends a ripple of excitement through the crowd. The High Fae erupt in cheers, their voices rising in a collective roar, while the royals shift in their seats, eager to catch a glimpse of the singer’s entrance.
“Thank you, thank you.” Beth sits at the piano, her stunning blue gown shimmering under the frozen chandeliers. Snowflakes dust her tulle skirt, and two jeweled straps glint like strands of stardust against her pale alabaster shoulders. “As most of you know, I usually don’t play at Elio’s weddings.” She pauses for effect, the emphasis on the “s” coaxing genuine laughter from the crowd. Winter Fae certainly don’t cry over spilled milk, and her dark humor coaxes a smile out of me. “But this one is different.”
She cranes her neck around and meets my gaze. “Lori… of all the women who won this cruel, cruel pageant, you’re the only one who’s truly won Elio’s heart. And for that, I salute you. And I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.”
Contrary to her popular, revenge-filled pop songs, this one begins slowly, barely above a whisper. Her voice is soft and haunting, with an ethereal quality that captivates the audience as soon as she hits the first note.
“I never knew a love
Quite so rare as yours
Never knew a gaze
Quite so entrancing
You held out your hand
By the river bank
And asked me for a dance
Just one night; in lieu of forever
One chance; it was now or never
As luck had it, my star-crossed lover
I was promised to another
But I only wanted you
I never knew a name
Quite so forbidden
Never knew a love
Quite as doomed from the start
We were oil and water
Sweet and sour
It was never to be
Never to be
But I only wanted you
Just one taste; in lieu of forever
