Page 94 of One Last Promise
“When I get back home, I’ll try and get access to the Dylin book.”
“I don’t want you putting yourself in any danger.Especially now I know Xavier is looking for any reason tobondwith you.”
“I have my allies back home.You don’t need to worry.”Darce didn’t look like he believed me.“I beat your asstwicethis week.You know I can take care of myself.”When I nudged him, he gave me his beautiful grin.The one that reached all the way to his eyes.
“The palace is holding a ball next week.”I could hardly believe that I would be going home shortly after.These blissful weeks had flown by.“I want you to attend by my side.”
“What?Is that safe?What about your parents?”
“They hardly attend these events.A Noxlin ball is one of the most spectacular things to witness.It’s the perfect way to end your first trip here.”
“Does this mean I’ll have to go dress shopping with Nyx?”
“No, I’ll be helping you withthattask.I’ll ask the palace seamstress to make you something exquisite.”
It appeared that the last of my stay in Eallarim was going to be eventful.
****
MY LAST WEEK FLEW BYin a whirlwind of sparring, dress fittings, dance lessons in Firefly Arch, exploring more of the cobbled city, and coming undone over and over in Darce’s bed.I never knew happiness like this existed.
The dress he had made for me was stunning.The backless, black lace was fit for Noxlin royalty, with its sweetheart neckline, cap sleeves, and endless layers of tulle under the skirt that accentuated the details.It was complete with a lace beaded cape that draped over my shoulders, showing my figure off perfectly.
The ladies-in-waiting had curled my hair, placing half of it up with a few clips.Darce had left me alone while I was getting ready.He wandered in wearing a black and gold trimmed suit, complete with an embroidered royal cape.My mouth became dry as I took him in.He waspuresin.
The ladies-in-waiting scurried away quickly, leaving us alone in his chamber.
“You never fail to take my breath away,” he cooed, touching my cheek with the back of his hand.“We better leave now before I lose myself completely.”After placing a beautiful, delicate golden bracelet on my wrist, he stroked the black gem in the middle of it.“A piece of my soul resides in this sapphire.If youeverneed me when I’m not with you, all you have to do is call into the bracelet and I’ll be by your side.”
“What if I’m in the great hall with my father?”I breathed, fearing that would be the only time I might need him.My father’s powers outweighed Darce’s.Sacrificing him that way was not an option.“Some battles I will have to face alone, Darce.I willnotrisk you.”
“Alora, there is no place in thisuniversethat could keep me from you.If Holy Etherstoleyou herself, I would fight throughallthe celestial veils to reach you.Your father doesn’t scare me.My biggest fear islosingyou.”How, after all this time, could he still render me speechless?“Come on.We don’t want to waste all those dancing lessons I’ve given you.”He pecked my lips and then took my hand in his.
As we walked down the tall, lavish corridors, I gazed at the pillars that had huge black and gold fabric hanging from them.I could hear the music before the grand room came into view.When I took a step back at all the eyes that fell upon Darce and me, he gave me a reassuring smile, offering his arm for me to take.There were so many dark eyes on me, but the sweet lullaby of the music put me at ease.Taking his arm, he escorted me into the ball.
Watching all the Noxlin spin around the dance floor in an elegant, synchronised movement was awe inspiring.The string music, all their attire, the grandeur of the room.A race had never appeared so cultural, and more importantly, so...free.
All my life, I had believed Dylin were better than Noxlin because of our purity.Through prayer, we gave ourselves fully to Holy Etherdaily, but that meant nothing.We could honour Holy Ether in any way we chose, and she would still bless us.Noxlins were proof of that.Our males fought in a war that my father and Xavier were controlling.Our females were giving theirsoulsaway to make our males more powerful.Weweren’tfree.It was the ultimatecontrol.
Dylin’s, as much as it pained me, weren’t good.
“What is going on in that beautiful head of yours?”Darce asked, handing me a glass of red wine.
“I have alotof work to do with my race to make them understand that you are not the enemy.”
“There is no rush.We can work it out together.”
“There is onlyoneway for peace and it terrifies me.”Darce gave me a questioning look, urging me to continue.“We need tooverthrowmy father, andIneed to claim the throne.”Animpossibletask without my powers.“We need to work on making my powers fully manifest.”
“Let’s not worry about any of that right now.”Darce looked out at the dance floor.“Down your wine.I very much wish to dance with you.”
“Withallthese eyes on me?”
“Worried I can’t keep you safe?”
“Not at all,” I chuckled.“I can’t see your mother or father.We’re safe.”Finishing the contents of my glass, I passed it over to Darce, who put it on the table behind him.“Go easy on me.I’m still trying to remember all the steps.”
“Dancing is an art.You always have to maintain a certain amount of connection, no matter the dance.As long as you remember that, you’ll be fine.”That didn’t quite help me with the foot sequences.“I’ve got you.All you have to do is follow my lead.”He spun me around as we made our way on the dance floor.Everyone there seemed to part, giving us space in the middle.
