Page 96 of Knightfall
Were you listening?
Of course, I was listening, Dove. I’m a spy.
Well? Will it work? Do you think—
Yes.Quinn’s grin stretched wider.It’ll work.
I turned to Avia and gave her a slow nod. “Alright. You have full reign.”
Avia hugged me and squealed. “Oh! This ball just got a hundred times more exciting!” She sprang to her feet and grabbed Mateo. “Come on!”
“Where are we going?” he asked as she ran out the door.
My sister didn’t respond. She simply tugged him behind her and disappeared down the hall.
Quinn came forward and captured my lips in a soft kiss.
Come, Dove. Let’s get my princess ready for the ball.
Chapter Twenty-Five
I’d never seen the ballroom look more beautiful. The room was lined in archways and marble pillars. The pillars had been decorated with climbing vines with pink leaves that glowed slightly. I was certain Wyle had been put to work. The parquet wood floors had an intricate rose pattern that almost looked woven. They gleamed under the candle chandeliers.
An orchestra sat on a high balcony, overlooking the dance floor. To one side were thrones on a raised dais, overlooking the splendor of it all. Normally, my mother and fathers would look down from those thrones. But my mother’s condition didn’t allow it this time. The thrones remained empty.
Instead of focusing on that, I allowed my gaze to continue around the room, where tables were piled high with food sculpted into different towering shapes.
Along one wall at the end of the dance floor was a mirror. And that’s when I saw the full effect of my gown for the first time.
Mother had commissioned me a silver dress. It was lined with the most delicate lace, lace that was actually soft to the touch. The neckline scooped low, and the waistline high, allowing my skirt to flare out naturally. Diamonds were sewn into the lace lining my collar and the sash that snugged the dress to my waist. A wild crown full of shells and jewels adorned my head. My silver sleeves were thin and covered in lace. I couldn’t help but turn and admire how the silver shimmered in the candlelight. Silver was a color typically reserved for brides.
It was almost as if mother had known. My cheeks flushed at that thought.
It had been a long time since I’d been this anxious. I'd had to deal with nerves day in and day out when I’d been on the run. I’d learned just to ride the adrenaline. But tonight, I was nervous. Quite nervous.
Even as the crowd bowed at my entrance, my attention wasn’t on them.
My eyes searched for my knights, who’d already been announced. Who’d entered the ballroom before I had, due to Avia’s prodding and threats.
I stared down the stairwell at the four men who’d captured my heart.
Ryan wore a metal breastplate, the sign of my house engraved in the middle. A burning rose. Declan wore all blue. His light blue shirt and vest offset his eyes. Someone had thrown Connor into hunter green. Even though his eyes were blue, it had always been my favorite color on him, because his eyes were a shade of blue that could transform based on what he wore. His curls were still a beautiful mess. No one could ever tame his curls. And Quinn wore black. Even at a ball. Even at our own celebration, he was dressed to fade into the shadows. But his eyes, his eyes were alight with happiness.
I looked from man to man, making eye contact with each of them. My heart filled. It filled with so many emotions it felt like my body was a dam about to burst. Heavy guilt. Potent fear. Lust. Gallons of lust. Drops of trust sprinkled like oil among the other emotions. And sweet, new, blooming love, floating atop all the others. I felt sure every emotion inside me would spill out onto the dance floor and sweep every person there away in a riot of feeling.
I loved Ryan's dominance and confidence. And I loved that tiny caring streak he liked to keep hidden. The streak that made him agree to help Declan. I loved Declan for his dedication, his intelligence, and his dry wit. I'd always loved Connor. His beautiful, beautiful soul, and how he went out of his way to help everyone feel good about themselves, feel confident and listened to and important. My eyes met Quinn's. I was pretty sure he'd been reading every thought I had since I walked through the door. I projected thoughts directly at him.
I love you Quinn. Your jokes and your silliness. I love so much that you've trusted me … been there for me, and that you forgave me. From the second I arrived, you forgave me. You let me know forgiveness was possible. If you hadn’t … I might have given up.
His eyes sparkled with tears.
I smiled at him as the herald trumpeted and announced my name.
And then, breaking protocol, Avia appeared beside me, a cleric at her side. As the potential bride for the match with Abbas, she was supposed to be the last to enter. And she was supposed to enter alone. She’d forgone her moment … for this.
Avia clapped once, breaking up the scattered murmurs that had started upon her arrival.
My eyes scanned the crowd. Abbas stared at my sister with interest. Mateo stared with open adoration. Meeker, the Sedarian ambassador, crossed his arms. Lady Agatha frowned. The expressions for this break in protocol ran the gamut.
