Page 34 of The Light Falls
Lorn looks appalled. “Where was your father?”
I nonchalantly shrug. “Who knows?”
He studies my face. “Do you know who he is, or is it a mystery?”
The lights in the theatre flicker, startling me. “What’s going on?”
He gives me a strange look. “It’s a signal to find your seats.” His mouth opens, then closes. Shifting in his seat, he leans close to me. “Have you never been to a show?”
I shake my head. “I didn’t have a lot of spare time. My guardian kept me busy running errands.” When I crook my finger, he leans closer. “And we didn’t have money for luxuries.” Or for food and basic necessities, but I made it through, and look where I’m at now. In my own luxury box at a fancy theatre.
For the first time, he has a serious look in his eyes. “That I understand. After our parents died, Allandra and I struggled for a long time. We finally came here and petitioned Queen Nyssa for reparations. She gave us the inheritance we were owed. Things became better, but we never forgot what it was to be hungry.”
Reeling from his announcement, I open my mouth to question him, but the lights dim, and the curtain opens. A brownie riding a dog comes out on stage and captures everyone’s attention.
Except mine. Reparations? The fact that both his parents died certainly points in that direction, but how were they wronged? Could this be the reason Nyssa banned them?
Lorn reaches over and takes my hand in his.
The simple gesture temporarily silences the barrage of questions in my head. Bemused, I stare down at our linked hands until he nudges me. When I glance in his direction, he raises an eyebrow. I give him a reassuring smile and turn my attention to the show.
The play is surprisingly funny, and if it were anywhere else besides here, it would have the audience roaring with laughter. This audience awards them with a few subdued chuckles, but that’s about it. Although, I do see a lot of expressions on those faces below.
Lorn’s deep chuckle is addicting. It does such delicious things to my imagination that it’s all I can do to sit here and platonically hold his hand. One day, I want to hear it when we’re naked in bed. Close to my ear.
He stands. “Intermission.”
I look around and see other people getting up. “What do we do during intermission?”
Lifting a shoulder, he pulls me up and tucks my body close to his. “Eat, drink, mingle.” Using his finger, he swipes a curl off my cheek. “Hopefully not for too long.”
The last part is muttered and makes me laugh. “Let’s be quick.”
As soon as we step outside the curtain, guards surround us, and Lorn’s arm tightens around me. A giddy feeling bubbles up inside me. Is it wrong to like this so much? All my life, I’ve wanted someone to protect me. Lorn is the type of man who would protect any woman in his company. It feels damn good to be that person tonight.
We mingle for fifteen minutes, then head back to the box. Whispers follow behind us, but I can’t tell if it’s because we’re together or if it’s just me. Fidgeting a little, my hand flutters to smooth my skirt.
“Don’t let them get to you,” he murmurs. “Boredom is their enemy, and they’ll do everything to avoid it.”
Nodding several times, I paste on a smile and look up at him with gratitude. “Thank you. I’m used to people whispering behind my back, but it’s usually because my guardian did something to warrant their derision. This is all me, and it’s nerve-wracking.”
A group of ladies nearby catches my eye. They’re whispering and staring, but their eyes are following Lorn, not me.
“Well, maybe it’s not all about me.”
He throws a mock glare my way, but not once does he look in their direction. “Be nice. They can’t help themselves. I’m charming, incredibly good-looking, and a Fae lord. They tell me I’m a catch.”
Laughter spills out of my mouth and into the theatre lobby. Heads turn in disbelief and disdain. Their message is clear. Fae do not show this much emotion, especially not in public.
His eyes widen, then fill with a mischievous glint.
“Don’t look at me like that,” I order him. “Or I won’t be able to hold back.”
With a sad shake of his head, he quickly leads me back to the box. “You’re not helping my ego, you know. What is everyone going to think when the queen is laughing at me on our first date?” His eyes trace my lips, and they tingle in anticipation.
“With you,” I correct him. “And they would take my place in a heartbeat.”
“I’m enjoying my date with you,” he states firmly. “Now, if you can behave yourself during the second act, I’ll surprise you after dinner with an utterly delicious dessert.”
