“Oh, Little Baker.” Elden frowned. “What did I tell you about taking more than your dose of one sip a day?”
I swallowed down the potion with a small hiccup.Oops.“Unexpected things?”
“Unexpected indeed.” Elden raised a thick black eyebrow. “Please do not sample the wines tonight, for I think you will feel quite free enough on your own.”
A squirm of fear swirled down into my stomach.Oh no. What have I done?
19
A DANCE WITH THE ELF KING
Dread rolled down my back like a trickle of cold water. Unexpected things? What did that even mean? Well, it could mean just about anything, and here we were heading into a lively wedding party among an entire town of elven strangers—and we had to maintain the lie that we were husband and wife. I’d need to be on guard.
I hiccuped as a golden warmth tickled my nose. I rubbed at the strange sensation absently.
We entered a wide circle of trees, and inside the impressive circle, the festivities were well under way. Elegant elves sat at large tables laden with piles of fruits, nuts, and cheeses. Goblets for wine glimmered red and silver plates gleamed in the firefly glow. Couples and families danced under the gleaming gemstones to the exuberant music.
I took a step in their direction, longing to join in the dance when Elden pulled me back.
“Take it easy, Little Baker.” Elden shook his head. “We do not want to draw too much attention.”
The newlywed couple, one with brilliant pink hair, the other with orange, shone brilliantly at the head of the center table, lost in each other’s eyes.
They were beautiful. Everyone was beautiful. The colors and shapes and patterns that swam in my eyes blurred with a new light, and when I glanced up at Elden, my heart sang. He was strong, rugged, incredibly handsome and tonight, he was all mine. I cared nothing for tomorrow, for the next week, or years. All I cared about was the magnificence of the night and the brilliance of my company.
I smiled up at Elden, running a hand down the side of his handsome cheek—a place I’d longed to touch for days now. Then I trailed my hand down his arm, reveling in the defined muscles there.
“Alright, Little Baker, perhaps we should head back to the inn.” Elden blanched, as if he’d seen a ghost.
“Oh!” I huffed as I pulled his large arm closer to me. “Don’t be such a stick in the mud. You haven’t even asked me to dance yet.”
A small smile formed at the corner of Elden’s mouth. Then he hung his beautiful head, black hair cascading around his shoulders, and held out a hand.
“Very well,” Elden said as he took my hand and led me under the twinkling lights to the dance floor. “Shall we?”
The dance floor was nothing more than a cleared-out lawn of cut grass, yet the elves took to it, dancing with bare feet on the soft green carpet. Dresses and suits of fine silk and homespun cotton mingled together as elves reveled in their familiar company.
“Come on, Elden.” I giggled, then happily removed my own stuffy shoes. Fireflies danced through the trees, and ribbons swayed with the soft breeze. The jaunty music shifted into a lively waltz, and I beamed.
Elden pulled off his great big boots with considerable effort, then he wrapped his arm about my waist, and we set off dancing. My father had shown me several dances growing up. We’d clear the kitchen and pull back the table while mother played the piano. It was exhilarating now, using those steps both familiar and new as I stared up into the eyes of the Elf King. He was so strong, so sure. His steady eyes rested on me as if nothing and no one else existed around us.
I could do nothing but stare at the resplendent male who held me. He was mine. If only for tonight. He was mine.
We danced through the night, cool grass crunching beneath our feet. I stumbled into Elden more than once, reveling in the strength of his arms. The warmth of his touch. We made our way to the tables laden with dripping caramel cakes and creamy pumpkin pies more than once. I laughed at my new friend, Freya’s, silly jokes. Complimented Hannah on the smooth cut of her gorgeous gown. Hailed the newlywed couple with hugs and raised glasses—mine full of a spiced cider. Everyone was kind and gracious, treating Elden and I like old friends. My heart was full to bursting.
How could I have ever thought of the elves as evil, stuffy things? Here, they were free with their ale and laughter, good-hearted, and kind. Eager to please and happy to join in with a hearty laugh.
After we’d danced our fill, Elden and I found a quiet little table tucked in a corner away from the dance floor. I spilled my deepest secrets, telling of the time when I was nine and had fallen madly for Zachary Peppercorn. I’d tried to show off by doing some fantastic flips, but that had only succeeded in him seeing me toppled over into the nearby brook. All the other kids had laughed, but not Sam. He’d yelled fiercely at the other children, then helped me wipe off the mud in the rushing watersof the creek. I’d never told anyone that story before, but my tongue was looser and my confidence rose to the challenge.
Elden laughed kind-heartedly and told me of an incident involving his brother and that time he’d transformed into a small dragon to scare him. But Aldaar had just loved the dragon and tried to pet him. Elden was just as interested as I was in the food. He loved asking after the regional vegetables and herbs used in the cooking. He also admired the floral table settings and eagerly enlightened me on fun facts about each of the flowers in turn.
“Moonflowers are a rare species of plants brought over from my home world.” Elden admired the full white blossoms in the shape of crescents that were part of the floral centerpieces. “They hibernate in the summer and spring, blossoming fully in the autumn and lasting through the winter. They are used in numerous potions to ward off evil. Their soft petals, if harvested under a blue moon, will never rot. We use them for pillow cushions, actually.”
We traded stories all night as the dark of the evening continued to fall. I was having my third helping of the delicious fried dough and curried beef when Elden said, “We must turn in. Our quest continues tomorrow.”
Our quest? Our quest. Yes. Saving the kingdom and whatnot. It was merely a distant buzzing in the back of my mind. Like an annoying gnat flitting about my ears.
I huffed, but stood on quivering legs. Elden wrapped my arm in his and led me away from the party and out into the crisp night. After a few shivers wracked through me, Elden’s large coat settled about my shoulders. I pulled it tight around me and hobbled home.
