Page 38 of The Divine Shallows
As Elyria withdrew from the embrace, still holding Elowyn’s hands, she smiled again. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Elyria motioned to Sylas to escort her to the outer walls of the kingdom in order to moongate back to Eriden. She offered a small wave as they disappeared through the crowd.
Elowyn let out a disappointed huff. She hadn’t spent as much time with Elyria as she’d like before the Trial. She had five more days to say a proper goodbye. She’d just have to find the right time—no, she would make the time for it.
Scanning the Great Hall, Elowyn didn’t recognize a soul. Lyra was nowhere to be found, probably moping somewhere.Be nice, she scolded herself. If she wanted to keep any friends, she’d have to start with having an understandingattitude instead of a judgmental one.But over Theo, seriously?Elowyn sighed. She had a lot of work ahead of herself if she was going to learn how to be supportive.
Interrupting her thoughts, a pinky finger linked around hers and a warm body pressed against her back. Someone leaned over her shoulder and whispered in her ear.
“Hello, Elowyn, I’ve been searching for you,” Draeden’s voice was warm on her neck.
Elowyn’s face flushed at his closeness. Still linked with his pinky, she twirled around to face him.
“Hello, Draeden,” she returned with a smile, her heart pounding.
“May I steal you away again tonight?” His golden eyes twinkled.
“You may,” Elowyn laughed, feeling playful—she always felt like swooning around him.
Draeden guided her through the bustling crowd, the echoes of celebration drowning out their footsteps. Most revelers were lost in the merriment, oblivious to their passing. As they navigated the throng, Draeden’s linked finger guided her into a secluded hallway, away from the clamor of the Great Hall. Their hushed tones and furtive movements felt like a recreation of the previous night and it sent a flutter through Elowyn’s stomach.
After several turns, they arrived at an alcove nestled within the cavern wall. A cushioned bench, large enough for two, occupied the space, built for contemplation or quiet reading.
Draeden released her finger and settled onto the bench, casually draping his arm across the back. He flashed a charming grin. “What do you think?”
Elowyn surveyed the alcove, her gaze lingering on him before letting out a feigned sigh. “Not quite a balcony, but it’ll do.”
He laughed and so did she.
“Your laughter is beautiful,” he said to her candidly. “In fact, everything about you is beautiful.”
“Everything?” she teased, taking a seat beside him. As shenestled into the cushion, she was well aware of how close she was to him. “Do tell.”
Draeden withdrew a snow-white strand from her shoulder, twirling it between his fingers with practiced ease. “Your pearl hair is beautiful. Your silver eyes are beautiful. Your lilac dress is beautiful. Your skin is beautiful. Your playful banter is beautiful. Your cleverness and charm are beautiful. And most importantly, your aura is beautiful.” Each affirmation fell effortlessly from his lips. “You’re enchanting and I find myself irresistibly drawn to you.”
A shy smile blossomed on Elowyn’s lips. “And do you say this to every princess you steal away in the night?”
“No, only to you,” Draeden replied, his grin widening, dimples appearing. “Just to you.”
“Good,” she asserted, tilting her head towards him, enamored. “Keep it that way.”
“I’ll do anything you say,” he shrugged, his arm slipping down to rest around her shoulders.
“Anything?” she raised her eyebrows, meeting his gaze.
“Anything,” he turned to her. “Anything you want.”
“Hmm...” she tapped her finger against her chin, extending her request. “Will you dance with me again?”
His eyes sparkled with delight at the invitation, and he grinned. “Always.”
Draeden rose to his feet and with a flick of his wrist, summoned his magic. A moment later, a ballad of soft strings sounded as it floated in the small space around them, filling the air with a soothing song. He angled an arm behind his back and extended the other to her with an open palm, silently asking for her hand.
For a moment, she just admired his tanned skin and the moon-inked crescent moon that nestled within his calloused hand. She reached for him, and he pulled her on her feet towards him, his other hand resting at the small of her back. The music drifted around them in dreamy notes,filling their ears with a delightful melody. Draeden held her in his arms assuredly as he began to lead them into a reposeful sway. Their dance tonight was much more serene than the lively twirls from the day before. They spun sweetly in the alcove, their eyes speaking words louder than their voices could.
“I think you’re beautiful, too,” Elowyn whispered, studying his rich scarlet hair and striking golden eyes. His body, strong beneath his auburn tunic, brushed against hers, and his aura enveloped her in warmth and comfort. He was truly unforgettable; his essence was radiant with colors she rarely got to see.
Draeden’s eyes twinkled in response, as though he could sense her thoughts. “You make me feel things I’ve never felt. There’s something about you that’s different... something indescribable. Being around you is enchanting and grounding all at once. You’re all I want.”
