He grinned, and the effect was as devastating as it always was, sending chills through me. Would I ever tire of looking at this male? I doubted it. Even when our skin wrinkled and hishair took on gray, I’d still find Vale as handsome as the day I’d first seen him.
“I was thinking about how proud I am of you. For today, but for all the days that I’ve known you. For those before I met you, too.” A subtle, serious shift rippled across his face as it so often did when he was considering my past in the Blood Court, but a mischievous glint in his eyes quickly replaced the seriousness. “And then I was thinking I wish to celebrate with you.” He leaned closer and whispered in my ear,“Alone.”
My toes curled at his tone. The promise.
“Well.” I took in our closest dinner companions. Everyone seemed to be happily talking with those next to them. “Now might be a perfect time to slip away. It is getting late, after all. And you had such a long day showing the rebels to their new home—you must be ready to lie down.” Beneath the table, my hand landed on his upper thigh, strayed close to his malehood.
“Isolde,” he growled. “If you plan on teasing me like that, we won’t be able to leave any time soon.”
I laughed and stood. I expected others to notice, and for Vale and me to pretend that we could not wait to fall asleep. What I didn’t expect was for everyone at the table, with the exception of Thyra, Lord Balik, and Lady Balik, to stand.
“Oh.” My tone sounded so mouse-like as others stopped their conversations to watch. “Vale and I are retiring for the evening. No need to . . . do whatever you’re doing.”
Thyra sniggered, but Lady Balik gave an understanding smile.
“They’re showing their leader respect,” the High Lady of the Southlands explained. “Only those of equal standing or your hosts remain sitting on such an occasion.”
Just when I dared to think I understood royal etiquette well enough, a few oaths changed things.
“Thank you,” I said. “Please, continue to enjoy dessert.”
The dinner party sat, and as quickly as we could, Vale and I left the room. The moment we were alone, he loosed a low laugh.
“The look on your face. Priceless!”
I punched him. “The rebels didn’t do that! Nor Lord Riis after he swore to us.”
“Well, my father stood today. Things are different now.”
I couldn’t deny that, so I took my prince’s hand, and we made our way through the castle. We entered a joining of many corridors, one in which we would go right to find our room, when Vale tugged me to the left.
My eyebrows pinched together. “Wrong way.”
“I know exactly where I want to take you. And I mean that in more ways than one.”
My heart fluttered. “It’s private, right?”
The last thing I wanted was for anyone to stumble upon us doing the deed. Especially now that I was in such a position of power.
“Very.”
“Alright then.” I allowed Vale to show me through parts of Ramshold I had yet to step foot in. Like the rest of the castle, it screamed luxury, family, and honor.
“Here we are.” Vale stopped. He gestured to a stretch of wall between two potted plants that rose nearly to the ceiling, their leaves arching together, as if wanting to touch.
“Ah yes, the perfect place for romance.”
My prince smirked as he ran his hand along the wall before seemingly grasping at something. A whine hit my ear and suddenly, the wall was no longer a wall, but a set of double doors, one of which my mate was opening. Fresh air swept over me, still cool, cold even, but not frigid. Things were indeed warming at a shocking rate.
“After you.”
I stepped over the threshold and smiled. Vale had taken me to a balcony on the fourth floor overlooking the backside of the city and the mountains beyond. Stars twinkled above and faelights below, painting a breathtaking picture.
“Stars,” I sighed out, “it’s so lovely here with the city and the mountain view.”
“And it’s unlikely anyone will come this way,” Vale assured me. “A grand ballroom is further down the hall. One they only use for the largest of balls. No chance of that tonight.”
“I’m guessing you found this hidden balcony during some night of revelry? Am I not the first lady you’ve brought out here?” My tone was teasing, but the question was sincere.
