Page 44 of Enchanted Crown
Malachi now reappeared, swooping down from the ceiling, and landing last of all. Malachi stomped the ground until Esta turned to Amory and gave her a nod.
Amory let out a roar which likely could have been heard throughout the entire massive castle. Esta raised her glass in cheers. “To a healing Dra Skor.”
“To Dra Skor,” we all repeated back.
Whit put up a howl that made every hair on the back of my neck stand up, numerous wolves outside joining in.
Everyone clapped and cheered. I noted that Jagen moved up to Esta, a hand stretched out as if he wanted her to dance with him.
Malachi was back beside me. “How’d I do?”
“Flawless,” I laughed.
“Normally we let the kids do it,” he explained. “But since this is the first time in a decade we’ve done it, I was still honored to do it.”
“Next year, brother,” I told him. “We will have you all healed for the next Yule celebration.”
He patted my shoulder. “That we will.”
“Prince Keiran.”
I spun to find Esta. Esta who should’ve already been dancing. “Queen Esta?”
“May I have this dance?”
Was my jaw on the floor? “Of course.” She had said she would kick off the dancing, I just hadn’t realized she meant with me.
“I think it is only fitting that you get the first dance with me,” she quickly explained. “You have brought great honor back to Dra Skor.”
“Sweetheart,” I took her hand and moved a big step closer, “I’m never going to turn down a dance with you. Notever. That’s not something you will ever have to concern yourself with.”
As we spun around the room, every eye on us, I consideredhow different this was from another such ball in this room. One in which a dance like this was with Zaire in my place. Zaire, who was here, this time not dancing with Esta.
“Tell me,” I whispered to her. “If I were to use my magic to form what looks like snow falling from the sky, would that be received well, or scare them?”
“Do it,” she commanded. “They need to become accustomed to your many talents.”
I grinned. I never even let go of her as I sent my magic sprawling out above us, raining small orbs flowing downward, which I intentionally willed to disappear as they hit the floor or a person.
Multiple gasps were heard across the room.
“Show off,” she muttered.
“Just trying to woo your people.” I spun us around and held her tightly. To think that the traitor was likely in this room right now. Right here. “Your people are always going to need you, Es.”
“I know,” she sighed.
I moved my head to better look her in the eyes. “I do not mind.”
“You don’t?”
“We can share you,” I told her. “You’re not all mine during the day. I understand that Dra Skor needs you. I understand thatwell. But am I a fool for yearning for you to be all mine at night? I can love you all day, but particularly well at night.”
Her footsteps faltered, but I spun us again to disguise it. It wasn’t often the queen of Dra Skor missed a step.
“You are many things,” she said. “An insufferable prince. My annoying moon. But a fool? A fool is not one of them.”
I wasdead on my feet. I had danced with Esta, danced with Nana, danced with Amory, and even danced some sort of dance with justthe men of Dra Skor. By the time I left the ballroom, I was done for.
