Page 26 of The Divine Shallows
“Excuse me, Commander Wynward. May I have a dance with the Fangwright princess?” Draeden addressed him.
A pang of irritation rippled through Finnor’s face, but it quickly faded. He reluctantly ceded Elowyn’s hand to Draeden’s palm. “Take care, Princess Elowyn,” he said before stepping away and disappearing into the crowd of fey.
Elowyn turned back to Draeden; he only smiled as he whisked her across the floor, twirling her in place until the skirts of her dress swirled in a champagne spiral. Elowyn giggled at the rush and returned his smile as he artfully placed his hand around her waist, leading her into a dance with spirited steps.
“Hello again, Princess Elowyn.” Draeden greeted her mid-step, keeping his lively pace.
Looking into his golden eyes, she said, “Hello again, Prince Draeden.” Elowyn’s heart began fluttering in her chest.
“Are there any other dreamy portal stories you’d like to share with me?” He teased, playfulness gleaming in his eyes.
“Where do I begin?” She tsked, countering the prince.
He threw back his head and laughed heartily. “Such a clever one you are.”
“I’d sure hope so.” Elowyn retorted.
He added with a wink, “And ever so enchanting.”
Elowyn’s face flushed as Draeden continued leading her across the floor in charming steps. Their eyes remained locked oneach other as they swayed and swirled in fervent footfalls. Their movements blended as they created a twirling mirage of claret-red and snow-white. Bouts of light laughter escaped from Elowyn and handsome smirks bloomed across the surface of Draeden’s face.
The music in the hall guided their graceful steps and as the melody reached its crescendo, Draeden dipped Elowyn by the waist, a grin playing on his lips. They continued their delicate dance that felt like minutes, hours, or days—Elowyn couldn’t tell. Time lost its meaning for her in this moment, it let her forget the weight of the world around her. Too soon, their strides began to slow and the song that shepherded their steps ceased. Elowyn was surprised to find herself breathless.
“Can I get you a refreshment?” Draeden offered, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow.
“Yes,” Elowyn replied, feeling the need for refreshment. “Please.”
He led her through the crowd, weaving them through the waltzing revelers before they stopped at a refreshment table. He filled two goblets with water and offered one to Elowyn. She took it gratefully and drained it entirely as he sipped from his own. He poured her another and it went down quicker than the first. Elowyn rubbed her temple methodically, feeling lightheaded as moved and rested herself on a nearby pillar.
Draeden’s expression colored with concern as he placed a hand on her arm. “Are you feeling all right?”
“I’m just feeling a bit faint. I didn’t eat much earlier, and the lively atmosphere is a bit overwhelming,” Elowyn admitted.
The celebration in the banquet hall was in full swing as nobility and courtiers alike were singing and laughing together in spirited company. Most of the tables were cleared and the dance floor was overflowing. The newest moon marked warlocks and sorceresses, Finnor included, were talking and chatting amongst each other as they sat clustered on one end of a long banquet table. They appeared sapped, butrightfully so.
Finnor sat at the far end of the table, engrossed in conversation with a sorceress possessing mint-colored hair that hinted at her Skyborn lineage, evident from the shimmering aquamarine wings adorning her back. Elowyn observed their interaction, uncertain of what to make of the Fangwright warlock. While their conversation seemed harmless, Finnor’s previous remarks about her father left Elowyn wary of placing too much trust in him.
Her attention briefly shifted to her father, who remained deep in discussion with her uncle at the head table. Elowyn felt a wave of relief knowing that their focus wasn’t directed towards her or her sister. As the festivities continued to escalate, Elowyn longed for a reprieve from the crowded hall. She couldn’t help but wonder where her mother and sister had disappeared to, likely embroiled in yet another argument that only added to Elowyn’s mounting anxiety.
Interrupting her thoughts, Draeden’s voice drew Elowyn’s attention. “Do you have a favorite spot in the castle?”
Elowyn considered the question for a moment before replying, “One of the balconies near the mountainside. Why do you ask?”
“I have a plan,” Draeden announced with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Wait here for me, I’ll be right back.” With that, the Darkmaw prince disappeared into the crowd, leaving Elowyn leaning against the marble pillar.
Moments later, Draeden returned, balancing a tray of delicacies and a bottle ofvinumin his hands, his dimpled smile lighting up his face. The tray offered an enticing array of cured meats, fine cheeses, delicate crackers, dried fruits, nuts, and a generous selection of sweets. Elowyn’s stomach rumbled at the sight.
“Lead the way,” Draeden said simply.
“To where?” Elowyn inquired, intrigued by his sudden plan.
“Where else? To your favorite balcony, of course,” Draeden replied, his smirk suggesting an adventure awaited them.
Elowyn hesitated for a moment, feeling a twinge of uncertainty.However, she recognized Draeden’s offer as a chance to escape the bustling chaos of the banquet hall. Whether it was the allure of respite or simply a spur-of-the-moment decision, she grabbed two goblets and nodded in agreement.
She gratefully led the Darkmaw prince to the exit of the banquet hall and the two of them quietly snuck out, slinking carefully through the castle halls.
The crisp nightair brushed against Elowyn’s skin, invigorating her as she gazed out at the majestic mountain range. Above, the sky displayed a canvas of midnight gray and indigo blue, sprinkled with stars that gleamed like twinkling gems. A shy moon peeked from behind plush clouds, while the breeze continued to caress her in a gentle current.
