My hands wrapped around his neck—our dance long forgotten—when I answered his kiss with my own.
The music stopped as everything around us ceased to exist. The back of my eyes prickled as my starving lips found the Moon’s paradise.
“The humans are to arrive soon,” Francis parted slightly, his lips inches from mine. “Do you wish to go for a walk?”
I nodded, recovering from his kiss.
His fingers wrapped around mine as he lead me through the ballroom—past the musicians that were enchanted by their own creation, past the dancers that were spellbound by their partners—to the back door that led to the depths of the forest: to the door Francis had walked me out through during my very first ball at the Bloodlake Castle.
“I promised Florence I would not go outside today.” I laughed, walking through the melting snow. “She was very worried you would upset me and I’d run away again.”
Francis put his hand on his heart. “I promise not to upset you on our walk,” he chuckled.
The winter’s cold spells had loosened their grip over the last couple of days.
The snow had started to melt under the sun’s gaze during the day. The creatures of the forest slowly awoke from their rest.
The Moon wandered alongside us as Francis walked me through the night forest’s labyrinth.
“I am not going anywhere, you know,” Francis whispered into my ear, glancing at my fingers clutching onto his hand in a strong grasp.
“Sorry.” I relaxed my hold, despite my every wish. “I am merely wary of tomorrow.”
“As I already told you, you needn't go back to the palace.” Francis effortlessly picked me up, carrying me through the narrow stream of water that dared to show so early in spring. “Stay with Florence and Ash back in Faris.”
“I am going,” I whispered against his neck, refusing to let go of our embrace.
Francis sighed, stopping in place: his eyes planted behind me. I followed his gaze until my eyes landed on the Blood lake ahead of us.
“It’s glorious.” I rushed to my feet, taking a few steps towards it. The Moon reflected in the body of water, the corners of the lake still hidden underneath layers of ice.
I filled my lungs, devouring the view that offered the courage I desperately needed.
“There is something I must tell you,” I started, my heart clanging against my rib cage.
“What is it?” Francis pulled me into his embrace, his eyes boring into mine.
My hands fell onto his neck: our skin touched, bringing me safety. “I think—” My voice broke; the claws pierced my lungs. “I’m in love with you, Francis.” I nodded at my own words when a hurricane took over my racing mind, leaving nothing but chaos within. “Yes.” I filled my lungs, searching Francis’ eyes. “I am in love with you, but...” I swallowed as my heart stopped at once. “I don’t know what to make of my feelings, and what they entail...” My hands trembled against his neck as I forced more air into my damaged lungs. “My mind is broken in many ways that I am scared to unravel, and you deserve better than to spend your time on someone who cannot promise you—”
“I will wait for as long as you need.” Francis palmed my cheeks. “And if one day you want me to leave forever, I will: whatever you need.” Francis planted a kiss on my forehead.
“That’s not fair,” I whispered as tears clouded my vision.
“I am to decide what’s fair for me.” His hands wrapped around me, shielding me from the world. “Your mere presence is more than I could ever have asked for.” He met my gaze, his lips stretching into a lazy smile. “But I am honored byyour admission of affection towards me, and apologies for how irresistible I am,” he jested and I couldn’t even find the annoyance at his unseriousness on the subject.
“I needed you to know before we go.” I swallowed the growing anxiety.
“Nothing is going to happen to us, Cordelia.” Francis brought me closer, scaring away the worry and dread.
We stood in our embrace with the Moon as our guardian for a long while before Francis pulled away, taking my hand into his, “We must go back before Florence and Rox send out the search party.”
“All right.” I nodded, following his lead.
The silhouettes of the dancing couples filled the windows of the castle, the music reached us from inside as we made our way towards our home.
Candlelight shone behind the stained windows, life ruled the room.
“Perhaps we should take the main door,” Francis pulled me along the perimeter of the castle. “The humans are still there. Unless you wish for another dance...”
