Page 83 of A Curse of Breath and Blood

We waltzed around the great hall, keeping our eyes peeled for any sign of Gideon. A string band played. Creatures, already drunk on honey wine, danced seductively. A small satyr offered a tray of cubed elk hearts on gold toothpicks.

“No, thank you,” I said, waving him off.

The dancers moved into a more formal line, preparing for the traditional sylph waltz.

“Would you like to dance?” Caiden extended his hand, leading me toward the dance floor.

“Just like old times,” I said with a smile.

We took our places in the line, bowing to one another, before joining hands, bringing me back to when we danced together at the Ostara Ball in Elyria. A lifetime ago.

Caiden and I had stirred up quite a commotion. It was customary for a princess of the Midlands to dance with potential suitors during Ostara. However, in my eyes, no other person existed in the world but Caiden. We danced until our feet throbbed with exhaustion. I wore a bloodred satin dress, my head crowned with a wreath of roses. Caiden sported an outfit of white and gold, highlighting his golden locks.

My heart ached at the memory. The world seemed so simple then.

I gave my body to Caiden that night, letting him teach me the ways of love. Our bodies entwined, sweat dripping from every pore as rain pelted the glass-roofed cottage.

The world disappeared around us as memories of lustful youth danced in my head.

The music changed, and we switched partners. To my surprise, Tharan waited with an outstretched hand.

“Hello, Lord of Nothing.”I gave him a coy smile.

“Hello, Traitorous Queen.” His hand around my waist made me weak in the knees. “That’s quite the dress you have on.”

“I’m surprised a sylph would bat an eye at such a thing.”

He twirled me. My dress sparkled in the firelight like the sun glinting off a thousand diamonds.

“I can still admire you,” he said, bringing me in so close I could smell the pine on his skin.

I blushed. “Thank you for saving me the other day.”

“It was nothing. No guest of the Alder King will be harmed while in his domain.”His hand on the small of my back hitched the breath in my lungs.

I stared into his eyes. I could not help but be drawn to him. He looked at me in a way few had.

I swallowed the lust blooming in my chest. “Do you know if Gideon is here?”

Tharan shook his head. “No, but not all courts will come on the first night. There are smaller balls taking place throughout the kingdom. Many people attend multiple gatherings in one night. This one is very formal. The others are… more debaucherous.”

I nodded as if I understood.

Tharan leaned in close, making the hairs on the back of my neck perk up. “I am glad to see you, Aelia of the Midlands.” His sultry voice made my mouth dry.

The music changed once again, and we parted ways.

32AELIA

I headed to the bar,where Caiden stood chatting with Amolie and Roderick. My skin still tingled from Tharan’s touch.

“I’ve never seen so many creatures,” Amolie said, sipping wine.

“The Alder King is of the old world. Many creatures pay homage to him,” Caiden said as he surveyed the crowd. “Did you have fun with the Prince of the Forest?”

“He’s my friend,” I said, staring at Tharan, who flirted with a pack of fauns. The females twisted their hair around their fingers, laughing at whatever joke he made.

The night grew late, and Gideon still hadn’t made an appearance. “This is pointless. Baylis isn’t coming.” I slugged back another glass of bubbly, letting the liquor loosen my limbs.

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