Page 92 of A Realm of Fire and Ash

"I understand." I nod. "We'll stay in."

He turns away before I can get a read on his expression, but I can tell he's happy with my agreement.

"Thank you, Oceana." I smile at the merfae, and she hops up, curtsying.

"You're most welcome, milady," she says as she scurries away out the door.

Aggonid is already back at the bookcase, but I'm still standing there, the pearl bracelet in my hand.

If I can't convince Finn to bring me home to Bedlam, maybe I can hide out here and find a portal home. I'll miss Az, Emeric, and maybe even Caius, but I'm a prisoner before I'm a friend or lover.

And I don't like being caged, even if it comes with carefully constructed freedoms.

Lowering myself into a thick, cushioned chair by the hearth, I sit in front of the fire and tuck my legs under me. The heat warms my skin from the chill of the morning. "Are we really staying in here until Finn arrives?"

"Yes," Aggonid doesn't hesitate to answer.

I take the pearl bracelet and slip it over my wrist, rubbing it lightly as I ponder my next move.

"Did you bring the letter I wrote?"

"It's in my bag by the bed."

I glance back at him, and he gestures to the leather satchel leaning against the nightstand on his side.

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. I'm so close to potentially going home after all this time.

The afternoon comes and goes, and the drone of music and chatter drifts up from the lawn below my window. I can't help but wonder what I'm missing—the bright colors and joyous laughter of a celebration.

It's a sharp contrast to the quiet, still atmosphere of our chamber.

I unlock the window and slide it open, and music floods the room. I can hear people clapping and cheering for something or someone, but I can't quite make out the words.

Suddenly, a burst of flames shoots up into the air, illuminating the night sky in a dazzling display of fireworks. The spectacle draws me from my thoughts, and I find myself smiling as I watch the sparks dance and die out in the night.

The fireworks eventually fade away, replaced by a sudden cheer that sounds like it's coming right from below me. I lean out the window to get a better view of what's happening.

Dignitaries from all over Romarie mingle and exchange pleasantries. Women in elegant gowns adorned with jewels and intricate embroidery, men in tailored suits and crisp dress shirts, the air electric with the anticipation of a grand celebration. More arrive in exquisite carriages, drawn by elaborately dressed horses and driven by matching liveried coachmen.

Hundreds more buzz with excitement on the lawn and Ollin’s right in the center, crowned in a regal robe of crimson and gold, speaking to a woman wearing feathers for a dress and her breasts spilling over the bodice.

Aromas of roast meat, baked cheese, garlic seafood, and other savory dishes drift from the giant buffet table. Wafts of floral perfumes mix with cologne from the guests. It’s a feast for the eyes and the nose—I’ve never been to a ball before. They have plenty of them in Bedlam, but I’ve never felt much like celebrating when my best friend is stuck in prison.

Aggonid is but a breath away from me, until he notices Ollin's eye lingering on me. In a flurry, he grabs me around the waist and yanks us away from the window, crashing to the floor. His magic slams the glass shut, and he holds me in his arms, his heart beating ferociously against mine.

"Why are we hiding?" I chastise him in a whisper, my lips mere inches from his.

His deep gaze holds mine as he breathes, "Because if he catches those wistful glances you keep giving the party, he'll demand you to come downstairs. And I'm not sharing you tonight."

"You know." My chest heaves against him as I press closer. "If I had magic, he'd be much less of a threat."

Aggonid's smile is like sunlight, brightening up my world. "What will you give me for it?"

My heart races as I look up at him. "Seriously? You'd bargain for it?"

He raises a sultry eyebrow and murmurs against my skin. "Depends on what you're offering."

I whisper, "I can't give you what you want."

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