“Trystan. I’m glad to see you have made it this evening.”
Trystan turned and, recognizing the man as the Queen’s secretary, nodded with a slight smile. “I would not have missed it for anything, Malik,” he replied, thankful to see a friendly face.
“Lord Emrys is already here,” Malik said, pointing in his direction. “However, the Queen has asked that you sit with her this evening, as an honored guest.”
Trystan nodded and followed Malik to the Queen’s table where an empty chair awaited its intended occupant. Though a little nervous, Trystan took comfort in having a defined place to sit and the company of the Queen, even though he had only just met her.
Queen Endelyn herself wore purple velvet with gold silk accents and trim. Her beautiful gold crown, adorned in white pearls of varying sizes and amethysts, enhanced the beauty of her skin and hair.
“Your Grace,” Malik said. “Trystan Caillot.”
Trystan bowed before Queen Endelyn as Malik introduced him.
“Thank you, Malik. Trystan, please have a seat here and chat with me for a bit,” Endelyn requested. She gestured to the chair on her right.
“Thank you, Your Grace.” Trystan took his seat.
“I’m very glad you were able to make it to this evening’s festivities. How are you enjoying yourself so far?”
“I have only just arrived, however, so far it has been enjoyable.”
“How did you find your lodgings? Were they satisfactory?”
“Beyond my deserving, Your Grace. It was very gracious of you. The books were a nice touch.”
“Think nothing of it. It is the least I could do.”Considering what you’ve done for me.
The Queen gestured a servant for more wine, and once her cup was full again, she took a sip before continuing.
“I too find myself drawn to the history of King Arthur, as well as my husband. You might say it’s a family interest. After all, our first son was named after him.”
The Queen paused for another drink of wine. The song ended and she applauded the lute player for the fine music along with the rest of the guests. Trystan clapped his hands as well in appreciation for his talent.
“Did you know that the King’s personal historians claim they have found him to be direct descendant of King Arthur himself?”
“No, I had not heard.”
A slow, romantic tune filled the hall.
“I was hoping to find you here.”
Startled by the deep voice near his ear, Trystan looked up and found himself captured by Marc’s eyes. Those smoky blue irises pierced his soul as he froze, wanting to move but unable to do so.
“Come. Dance with me.”
His heart in his throat, Trystan glanced at the Queen.
“Go,” Endelyn mouthed, urging Trystan on with a discreet wave of her hand.
The Prince took Trystan’s hand and held it as he led him out into the middle of the hall among the other dancing guests. Trystan’s breath caught in his lungs as Marc’s eyes locked on his.
“By the heavens, I’ve missed you,” Marc muttered, placing a hand on Trystan’s waist.
Throughout the entire dance, Marc never let him go. With every twist and turn, Trystan felt Marc’s strong, yet gentle, touch. Whether on his hand, his shoulder, his elbow, his back—the Prince’s hand was there, guiding him. They floated together as one, and Trystan lost himself in the moment.
Emrys watched Trystan as he danced with Marc. He wanted desperately to take Marc’s place and pull Trystan into his arms. To return his memories and make Trystan his before the Prince could kiss him and awaken their bond, prophecy be damned. He cursed fate for tempting his heart before its time. Had he not promised to guard over Trystan all those years ago, Emrys would leave and return home until such time he and Trystan could be together.
Emrys stood far too long staring after Trystan. He turned and, weaving his way between the mingling guests, crossed the hall to where Queen Endelyn sat. He needed a distraction, and she was an old friend with whom he’d barely spoken over the last few years.
