She marveled at the dexterity and grace displayed by the elven performers, their fluid movements weaving stories of mythical creatures and epic tales.
The rhythmic beat of drums and the melodic notes of flutes accompanied the dancers, their costumes adorned with intricate patterns that seemed to shimmer in the sunlight.
As evening descended, the courtyard was transformed into a magical realm illuminated by thousands of glowing lanterns. The soft glow cast a warm and enchanting ambiance, inviting the revelers to dance beneath the starlit sky.
Ella found herself swept up in the merriment, her feet tapping to the lively rhythm, her body swaying in time with the music.
The dances seemed to weave a spell, uniting the elves in a celebration of unity and gratitude. Strangely enough, Ella felt a sense of belonging, as if she had found a place among the graceful movements and joyful laughter.
And then the crowd parted, and she saw Ryu.
He was dressed in a regalkimonothat exuded grandeur and authority. The fabric shimmered with shades of deep blue and black, adorned with intricate golden motifs of dragons, symbolizing power and wisdom. The edges of his kimono were embellished with silver thread, adding a touch of opulence to his attire.
Over it all, he wore a formalhaori, adorned with the crest of the Twilight Court, signifying his noble status. His presence commanded attention, and his steps were purposeful as he moved gracefully in hisgetasandals.
Ella couldn’t help but notice that the colors and motifs of hiskimonoharmonized with hers, as if they were two halves of a whole. She took a step toward him, and his eyes unerringly found hers, even from across the crowded courtyard, trapping her in his silver gaze—
Ella sucked in a breath when she saw Princess Nitya, the emissary from the Sunvaaran Empire, at his side.
The princess exuded grace and confidence, her richly hued garments highlighting her regal stature. The warm rapport between Ryu and Nitya was obvious, and even if it wasn’t, she couldfeelit in the cursed bond between her and Ryu, the genuine respect he had for the princess.
Jealousy pricked at Ella’s heart as she observed the ease with which they conversed.
So, he’d abducted her and brought her here to his court, asked for her help, promised to break the bond between them, and now he was wasting his timeflirtingwith another woman while she had slaved away all week in the library?
If Ryu thought she had nothing to say about that, he was in for a surprise.
He must have felt her anger through the bond, because his head swung toward her, and one eyebrow went up as he looked down his nose at her.
Then, he deliberately turned his gaze away.
Well, two could play that game.
Ella stared back at him waiting until he looked at her to raise her eyebrows, and Ryu huffed through his nose as he looked away.
Ella hid a smile. Well, it looked like she could still affect him.
He’d shown her just how much importance he gave her. To him, his Court and his people would always come first.
Well, she didn’t needhim. She would be a slave to this feeling no longer.
It was only the cursed bond that was affecting her, clouding her mind, and making her think strange thoughts.
If her body demanded satisfaction, it didn’t mean that Ryu was the only one who could give it to her. She could take care of herself.
So, she waited until after the crowd had thinned down, and her companions had settled on one of the platforms across from theokurubi, the traditional bonfire that would soon be lit to guide the visiting spirits back to the other side.
Ella said her goodnights to her companions, demurring their offers to stay back, and glided out of the courtyard and into the main house, and back to her chambers.
When Ella entered, she saw that the bed had been turned down and the fire banked, the room cozy and inviting.
Ella shed her clothing as she walked, leaving heryukataandobion the armchair. She would never be able to hang it up the right way, anyway, and her maid had always tutted condescendingly whenever she’d tried to do it.
Clad in only a light cotton shift, Ella got into bed. Laying there in the dark, she let the dark, possessive feeling that had bloomed in her that evening take hold of her.
She thought of Ryu’s hands on her—his lips on hers, his fingers between her legs, their gasps mingling in the forest air—
A spike of lust slammed into her, and she gasped, her hand drifting to her thigh almost by itself. Her other hand dug into the bedding as she stroked herself through the thin cotton that was growing increasingly wet.
