Page 118 of Enchanted Kisses
Even though Raysa hadn’t fully agreed with my mission, she supported me. She also assured me that Laken would be a perfect gentleman, unless Bianca provoked him. All promises of good behavior were off if that happened. He despised the death-beauty as much as I did.
I turned to greet Laken, the gown swishing around me. I had the slightest urge to twirl in circles until I was dizzy with laughter. Really, I wanted to hold on to the small high radiating from an unknown place inside me.
I can do this. I’m strong.
Laken whistled. “Aren’t you a pretty lass? The night will be loads more fun with you on my arm.”
“Thank you.” I smiled and gestured to his ivory Edwardian suit. “Likewise. I like the blue trim.” It matched his navy eyes and complemented his coffee-colored hair. “Shall we go?”
He lifted his arm for me to take. “Your wish is my command.”
If only it were that easy.Dusty blue mist swirled around us, carrying the scent of rolling green hills and lochs.
I thought our arrival to the coronation was timed perfectly. The only seats left were in the back. I could easily spy Caiden from here without drawing attention to myself.
I scanned the backyard. The gardens’ décor made me think of a wedding. Pillars were lined with yards of sheer gauze swooping from one to another. Glowing white orbs hung from large trees like jumbo-sized Christmas ornaments. White roses, gardenias, and lilies covered every surface, sweetening the cool night air. At the front stood an ornately carved gazebo, with white petals scattered over the wooden floor. They spilled onto the grass, forming a half-circle. In the center of the gazebo, on a crystal throne, sat Raysa. Dressed in a white gown lined with silver and gold, she looked every part the queen.
A male in a black period-style suit approached her, holding a white-and-gold crown and staff. It took me a second to realize it was Caiden. His hair was styled sleek and away from his face. It made him look older, darker—no doubt Bianca’s handiwork. Was this how he’d styled his hair before we met?
His movements seemed stiff and his expression cold, except for the tiny lift at the corners of his mouth. I swallowed and gripped Laken’s arm.
What had Bianca done to him?
After Caiden crowned Raysa, he presented her to the realm as their new queen. Fireworks launched into the sky like shooting stars.
Everyone stood and cheered. That’s when I noticed a theme of white and gold. Everyone wore the two colors of the crown, except for Caiden and me. My eyes opened wide, and my heart pounded. Why had Raysa dressed me differently? She knew I hated standing out in a crowd. I wanted to run and hide.
“Laken,” I squeezed his arm tighter, “you have to hide me. Cross me out of here. Quick.”
“Sorry, lass, I’ll not be doing that. I’ve plans to show you off.”
I tried holding my place, but he dragged me into the crowd. “Look at my dress, Laken. It looks like I came to crash the party. Can you at least use your magic to change the color?”
He laughed, pulling me through clusters of appropriately dressed guests, their gazes on me.No escaping now. I stopped resisting Laken and fell into step with him.
“You’re taking me to see Raysa next.” I elbowed his muscular side.
“Frisky little lass.” He laughed, then greeted two couples. The first was a tall female, whose white hair matched her white dress, and her handsome date, who wore a white suit lined with gold. Their ebony skin glistened with silver shimmer, like the ocean at night reflecting clusters of stars. “Lily, this is Rika and Gareth.”
Laken motioned to the second couple. A petite, auburn-haired girl, not much taller than me—Didn’t know petite sentries existed—stood next to a tall, thin, dashing male.
I knew him.
“Jorhan.” I beamed, remembering our dance in the kitchen. Even though that night had been embarrassing, knowing someone other than Laken was comforting.
“The guest of honor. I should have known.” Jorhan kissed the top of my hand. He placed his other hand over mine and pulled me a little closer. “As expected, you look enchanting and are—”
A brawny arm heaved me back with a sudden jerk.
“Laken?” I narrowed my eyes in question.
He glared at Jorhan. “Don’t be gettin’ any ideas. This lass is spoken for.”
Laken’s college football appearance matched his protective nature, although I didn’t think he was flirting. His actions seemed of the big brother kind. And from what I’d learned in my mother’s book, for a sentry, he was well mannered because they were naturally a flirtatious species. Even when vowed to another, sentries were notorious for making playful advances toward others. Flirting didn’t hold the same meaning to them as it did to humans, but vowed sentries never acted on their flirtations. It wasn’t possible. From what I’d read, the vow caused a magical, protective bond to form around each person’s heart, eternally securing the love promised on the day they spoke their vows. Thinking of it was a sad reminder of what I could have had with Caiden.
I blinked myself back to reality.
Laken and Jorhan were staring each other down.
