After tucking her skirt against me so that nothing but her calves would show, my wings unfurled. One beat, two, and we took to the air.
“Stars! You didn’t tell me we’d be flying.” Isolde gripped tighter around my neck. “We’re leaving Ramshold?”
“We are.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“I’ve planned it all. Where we’re going there will be no crowds, and Halladora is behind us. We’ll be safe.”
Though there had been no sightings of Red Assassins or word of any fae sent to kill my mate, we could never be too careful when she or Thyra left the castle.
We soared over the Golden City, and I was half-tempted to remove Isolde’s silken sash so she could see the glittering lights and the fae walking along the streets. Perhaps those walking in pairs were also enjoying an evening for lovers. Though our alone time was only the beginning of my surprises.
The wind gusted against me, stealing my breath in spite of its warmth. Isolde inhaled deeply, taking in the scents of the nearby mountain pines.
“Descending,” I announced minutes later. “Hold tight.”
We lowered into a neighborhood alive with fae. Many of them held hands or stole kisses. Sian hadn’t steered me wrong in pointing out this part of the city. Not that I’d ever doubted him. He, like Thantrel, had always been well-versed in romance.
Upon landing, I set Isolde down and placed my hands on her shoulders before turning her into position.
I removed the blindfold. “Behold The Frosted Rose. It’s known as the most exclusive restaurant in Myrr. Popular among young fae who are courting.”
Isolde caught my eye. “No one seems to be dining. Are they not open yet?”
“They are. Just for us.”
Her lips parted. “How romantic!”
“I never took you out in Avaldenn. If I had, I would have made sure our date was private.”
“Always?” she asked.
“Not always. But at first, yes. I wouldn’t have wanted others to watch me fall in love with you.”
Her face broke into a luminous smile. “We had Ragnor’s cart.”
“And now we’ll have this.” I wove my fingers through hers. “Come. Halladora will watch the front. Astril is already at the back.” Inside The Frosted Rose, workers had begun gathering near the door and window. “Don’t keep your people waiting, my queen.”
She blushed, and my heart gave a hard thud. I was married and mated to the most beautiful fae I’d ever known. Inside and out, Isolde was my perfect match. I didn’t think I’d ever stop thanking the stars for tying our fates together.
We entered the restaurant, and the warm, savory aroma of the place made my stomach rumble. Whatever they were cooking was sure to be as delicious as Sian had assured me it would be. Beyond the food, the restaurant was also a feast for the eyes.
Candles covered every surface, basking the room in an ethereal glow. A staghorn chandelier hung in the center of the circular room, further illuminating the space. And while there was no longer snow outside, some talented fae had enchanted crystal snowflakes to hang, suspended in the air.
“So lovely,” Isolde said as a server showed us to a lone table in the middle of the room. I pulled out her chair, and she settled in, taking in the tabletop and glancing up at the server. “The flowers smell wonderful. I don’t know what they are, but your establishment has good taste.”
The server gestured to me. “Not us, Princess Isolde. Prince Vale picked those out.”
My mate beamed. “He has good taste then.”
“Impeccable.”
Once we were both seated, the server informed us they’d be bringing out courses—pre-selected by me—and she hoped we enjoyed the entertainment. She left us, and Isolde barely had a chance to ask what the server meant by entertainment, when the three-fae band emerged from the adjoining room. The singer stood in front and crooned a haunting song.
Isolde melted in her seat. “Her voice is magic!”
I’d noted many things regarding my mate. That night the rebels broke into the Royal Theater—the very same evening Thyra almost killed her sister without knowing Isolde existed—had started off magical too. A ride to the theater in a reindeer-pulled sleigh with a beautiful female at my side, commanding the attention of those in the room, though she did not notice it. And Avalina Truso, a rebel sympathizer and undeniably talented singer, had enchanted my mate that night.
