Drat. She’d have to wake earlier on the days she worked at the dress shop to account for the foot traffic. Hopefully the construction wouldn’t last long.
Only itdidlast long because the crown had ordered every single sidewalk and street to be rebuilt.
19
Roman’s hand rested on Violet’s back as they walked down the cobblestone sidewalk of Gruene, a small village outside of Saltu. Both wore light cloaks with the hoods pulled up. The weather in the Tropical Kingdom stayed the same year-round; warm during the day and a little cooler at night beneath the thick jungle canopy.
Saltu had festivals sometimes for this reason or that, but they didn’t compare to Gruene. Fae traveled from all around to attend the tiny village’s summer solstice festival. Occasionally, humans would too.
Violet didn’t venture outside of Saltu much, but Gruene held a famous craft fair every summer solstice. Merchant carts lined the main street that ran through downtown, a lively band played music as people danced, and the street lanterns burned bright enough to light the night.
Violet loved it. She’d only been one other time with Slayton, and when Violet announced she was going again this year, Roman had insisted on accompanying her.
Violet bounced with each step as they passed the dancers twirling around in front of the stage. “Dance with me,” she begged the prince who looked like he would vomit at the prospect. “Please?”
He surveyed the dancers and turned back to her. “I only know ballroom dancing.”
The villagers and visitors from all over the world swung each other around, twirled under another’s arm, held each other close, and every other imaginable dance move one could think of.
“No one knows the steps,” she insisted. “Slayton and I danced with multiple people, and each time it was something different. We just did what felt right.Please. It’ll be fun.”
“You danced with other men?” he asked in a low voice, glaring at every man within eyesight.
Got him.“I did, and it wassomuch fun. It’s okay if you don’t want to dance, I’m sure I can find another partner.”
His head turned so fast, she wondered if it hurt his neck. “You’re playing a dangerous game, princess.”
Violet grinned mischievously and pretended to survey the crowd. “I just need to find a man without a woman. Let’s see…”
The world turned upside down, and she squealed as Roman carried her over his shoulder toward the other dancers. “That man doesn’t have a partner,” she taunted, referring to a gentleman standing to the side. “If you could be a dear and put me down so I can ask him to da—ow!”
Roman slapped her on the ass, hard. “Be a good girl and stop trying to get other men killed.”
He set her in the middle of the dancing area and stood awkwardly. Violet grinned so wide her cheeks hurt. Roman held out his hand, and when she grabbed it, he winked and yanked, then curled his arm around her so that she spun into him. “Do you enjoy training me like a monkey?”
Violet spun out and threw her head back, laughing. “I always wanted a pet,” she joked and stepped toward him to rest her hand on his shoulder.
“You have War.” He moved them around the dancers, spinning and laughing.
“I’m going to tell him you called him a pet.” She tsked. “I’ll bet he bites you for it.”
The world blurred around her with each spin. Upon colliding with Roman’s chest again, he leaned down close to her ear and whispered, “The only person I want biting me, is you.”
Fire burned under her skin, and the silky sound of his chuckle did more than the pleasure house ever could. She looked at him coyly. “One day, prince.”
The future king of the Tropical Kingdom looked happier than Violet had ever seen him as they danced around and laughed without a care in the world. She made a mental note to ensure they came back every year for the rest of their lives.
“I’m thirsty,” she panted and tapped her mouth.
Roman re-situated both of their hoods that’d fallen and ushered her through the crowd toward a refreshment stand. Something in the distance caught his attention, and he leaned down. “You wait here, I’ll be right back.”
“What do you want?” she asked. “In case I’m up to order before you get back.”
“A dark ale.” He kissed the top of her head and disappeared through the crowd with her staring dumbly after him.
Shaking herself, Violet surveyed the different carts around her to keep busy in line. Her eyes brightened when she spied a jewelry cart next to the refreshments. Even from here she could tell the pieces were beautiful.
Violet eyed the jewelry cart. Thelinelessjewelry cart. Popping over to take a look wouldn’t take too long, and she could be back in this line before Roman returned.
