Ginger
That evening, I pulled Asher aside at the pub and asked him to be my partner in crime.
“You can waltz, yes? It’s simple.” I didn’t mean for the words to come out sounding so snobbish.
“Of course I can waltz!” Asher said arrogantly, flashing a sharp grin. The wolf shifter crossed his arms over his broad chest. “I’ve been waltzing since I could walk. I could crawl on my hands and knees through the ballroom and make it look graceful.”
I smiled tightly. “I didn’t doubt it. I just wanted to be sure. I’m in this to win.”
“As am I, I assure you.”
And that was exactly what I needed, someone as competitive as I was. The trials usually included a dance portion, but the details varied year to year.
One thing remained the same, though: the third trial would result in only two victors.
I needed to form an alliance to secure my chances, and Asher was a perfectly fine candidate. He was bulky andstrong, so he could lift me up and twirl me around if he needed to. He was always kind and respectful when he came into my pub. And he was a bit of a loner, so I didn’t have to worry about him being a popular choice on the dance floor.
I wouldn’t mind winning the Miss Moonvale title with him by my side as Mister.
“Great. So, when Tommins announces the dance, immediately go to the far side. We’re in this together, whatever it entails,” I said, sticking my hand out.
He grasped my palm and shook it twice. “By the door?” he asked.
“Yes, on the edge of the crowd. It should be easiest to find each other that way, in case things get crazy.”
He smiled, his sharp canines on display. “We’re going to crush it.”
“Maybe, by tomorrow, we will be Miss and Mister Moonvale together.”
His smile broadened, crinkling his cheeks. “It would be my honor.”
The morning of the third trial dawned with a surprising swiftness.
The ladies and I gathered in Fiella’s Finds once again, donning our new ball gowns, accentuating our features with makeup, and twisting our hair into pretty updos. We were a mass of glitter, excitement, and flowing fabric as we nearly skipped to the abandoned castle at the edge of town.
I had never felt prettier.
The gold shimmery gown was even more dazzling nowthan when I had first tried it on. The lightweight, beaded fabric hugged my hips and swayed as I walked, only kissing the ground enough to hide my hoofed feet from view.
At a faraway glance, if one could ignore the antlers on top of my head, I looked almost like a witch or a human.
The ballroom in the old, abandoned castle was vast and extravagant, more beautiful than I had ever seen it. The stone castle was tucked far behind the main streets of Moonvale and was usually vacant, except for during special occasions. When it was alive and awake, it shone impressively.
Twinkling enchanted lights were strung across the tall ceiling, warming the space and chasing away a few of the shadows. Plucked flowers were arranged in pretty bouquets on small tables, wrapped onto columns with twine. The aroma of fresh daisies, roses, and lavender clung to the air.
It was a dream.
The historical architecture of the castle was impressive and intricate. Ornate windows and alcoves around the edges of the massive ballroom created an air of mystery, of unexpected privacy. One could slip away and hide, still in the room but protected from prying eyes.
The thought made my ears prick to uncomfortable attention. I refused to let myself examine the alcoves too closely.
The folk of Moonvale milled about the ballroom, chattering excitedly. A hum of anticipation electrified the air, much like the feeling of magic itself. It brought a flush to my cheeks and a spring to my step.
I was ready to win.
When the first string of the violin began to play and Tommins announced the commencement of the final trial—a dance akin to the littles’ game musicalchairs, where the lack of a partner within the timeframe called for immediate elimination from the competition—my eyes darted around the room for Asher.
I pranced, as quickly and gracefully as I could, to our agreed-upon meeting spot.
