Page 54 of The Bound Mage
“Eloria pulls every resource for the big holidays,” Thorne said, following her gaze. “People here have little enough to find joy in most days. And of course, everyone wants to celebrate Loren.”
“And the female who brought him back to us,” Galen added cheerfully. “Eloria’s been begging him to bring you here so youcould see all of this instead of keeping you locked up in that grim old castle.”
Araya flushed, her heart clenching strangely in her chest at Galen’s words. “He was just trying to keep me safe,” she said.
“Of course.” Galen nodded. “Goddess knows, I’d love to keep Eloria locked up in a tower—but she’d skin me alive if I tried. I’m just thrilled that Loren finally saw reason.”
Araya was saved from responding as two guards dragged the main doors open, letting the sounds of laughter and music drift into the hall. Araya craned her neck for a better look, her heart lighter than it had been in months as she stared out at the countless fae that filled the square, talking and laughing without a trace of fear. To get to see this, even just one time—it was like a dream.
She turned her head, intending to steal a glimpse of Loren—but instead she caught his eyes, her heart suddenly pounding as she ducked her head, heat rushing to her cheeks.
“Someone can’t stop staring,” Galen teased, his voice brimming with mischief.
Araya blushed harder, scrambling for a response. “Are you sure you’re not imagining things?”
“That’s a veryfaeanswer,” Galen shot back, his grin widening. “If I was imagining things, why would you answer my question with a question? What happened between the two of you to put that soft look in our lost prince’s eyes?”
Araya flushed bright red, stammering as she fumbled for an answer. There was no way she was tellingGalenabout her dream.
She was saved by Eloria, of all people.
The Princess Regent swept toward them, her beautiful face brightening as her gaze fell on her mate. Galen’s teasing grin softened the moment his eyes landed on her. Without hesitation, he reached for her, pulling her close and pressing a sound kiss toher lips despite all the eyes that surrounded them. Eloria smiled up at him, her gaze full of a love so open and unhidden that it made Araya’s heart ache.
“It’s time for us to open the dancing.”
Galen groaned dramatically but didn’t relinquish his hold on her. “Shouldn’t Loren do it?”
“No.” Eloria laughed, pressing a kiss to the back of his hand. “Until he’s officially recognized by the Small Council, I’m afraid you’re still the mate of the ranking royal.”
“What a fate.” Galen sighed in mock defeat, but his arm tightened around her waist. “Lead the way, my love. I can never say no to you.”
Eloria threw her head back, laughter ringing through the night as she and Galen descended the stairs into the center of the square. The crowd parted around them, all eyes turning as the music swelled into a bright, joyful rhythm—just in time for Galen to sweep her off her feet, still laughing, into a wild, whirling dance.
“They’re so beautiful,” she said softly.
Thorne chuckled. “Galenhatesdancing—but he rises to the occasion when he has to.”
“Does Loren?” Araya asked without thinking.
“Hate dancing? Or rise to the occasion?” Thorne arched a brow, the corner of his mouth twitching. “Were you thinking about saying yes if he asks?”
Heat rushed to her cheeks. “I didn’t mean?—”
“It’s all right.” Thorne’s voice gentled. “You’re fae in a fae-ruled city. No one will blink twice at seeing Loren Shadowbane with a beautiful young female tonight. They’ve seen too much loss to begrudge anyone a little joy—least of all him.”
The bond bristled in her chest, a heated answer on the tip of her tongue before she bit it back. She glanced back at Loren, unable to help herself as she tried not to think about thebeautiful young femalesthat might have entertained him in the past.
But the prince was only watching her, his customary stoicism replaced by something softer and gentler as his gaze found hers.
Araya turned away quickly, trying to focus on Galen and Eloria’s effortless movements. The music swelled as more fae joined their dance, laughter rising into the spring air. But Loren’s presence pressed constantly against the edge of her awareness, that band around her heart pulling just a little tighter.
“I’ll leave you to it then.” Thorne tossed back the rest of the drink, grinning at her. “Enjoy your night, Lady Starwind.”
“Enjoy my...?” Araya trailed off as cool petals brushed her forehead, blinking up at Loren as he settled a crown of flowers on her head.
“It’s how we ask for a dance,” he said softly.
Araya swallowed hard, her heart stumbling over itself. She looked out at the dancers, their movements light and free. “I don’t know the steps,” she admitted.
