Aric turns his head, and when he spots the king dancing with a woman I recognize as Alina’s mom, he misses a step, sending us stumbling. But instead of being embarrassed, I laugh.
“Is that really him?” Aric asks, his hazel eyes wide.
I nod. “Yeah. Alina’s grandfather. I met him when we were first-years.”
Aric grins. “I can’t believe I’m seeing him with my own eyes.” Then his gaze finds me. “Thank you for organizing this. What an epic night.”
The music slowly comes to an end, but Aric holds me for a beat longer than necessary, his forehead resting against mine.
I close my eyes and breathe him in, trying to memorize this moment. I never want to forget this.
When we finally break apart, I take a breath and push up onto my tiptoes, bringing my lips close to his ear, where the hoops he wears are catching the light. My heart hammers, but I force the words out.
“Do you want to go back to the academy early?”
He pulls back slightly, confusion flickering across his face. “Early? Why? Are you feeling okay?”
My cheeks flush with heat, and I’m suddenly very aware of how many people are around us.
“I know Felex is gone tonight,” I say quietly, my voice barely audible over the chatter. “And... And I’m ready. To go all the way. To be with you.”
For a moment, he just stares at me, like he’s trying to put the puzzle pieces together. Then color floods his cheeks before spreading to the tips of his ears. His grip on my waist tightens slightly, and his throat bobs as he swallows hard.
“Poppy,” he says, voice rough. “Are you... Are you sure? We don’t have to rush. I don’t want you to feel pressured or—”
“I’m sure,” I interrupt. I’ve never been more sure of anything. “I want this. I wantyou.” I brush my fingers across his lapels, then down his broad chest. “I trust you.”
His expression goes tender, and he cups my face in onehand, his thumb brushing my cheek. “Okay,” he whispers. “Okay. Yes. Absolutely yes.”
Relief and anticipation flood through me.
The orchestra transitions into something new, a faster dance I’m in no way prepared for, but we’re already moving off the dance floor. Aric tucks my arm into the crook of his elbow and leads me toward the refreshment tables.
“We should eat something first,” he says, and I can hear the nervousness beneath his casual tone. “Maybe some cake? I don’t want you to—I mean, we should have energy. Not that I’m assuming—”
“Cake would be perfect,” I say, squeezing his arm and laughing.
He lets out a breath, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. “Right. Cake.”
We reach the buffet table, which is laden with an impressive spread of desserts. Aric grabs two plates and loads them with slices of chocolate cake, probably more than either of us can eat.
As we turn to leave, I catch sight of my friends across the glittering ballroom.
Lyra spots us, and her eyes narrow, darting between our faces and our loaded plates and the way we’re clearly heading for the exit. Then she grins and gives me an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
Maeve, standing next to her, immediately reaches over and pushes Lyra’s arm down, shaking her head with an expression that’s half amused, half exasperated.
I bite back a smile.
Alina and Raelan are still on the dance floor, completely lost in each other.
We continue toward the doors to leave the ballroom. And then I see Morgan.
She’s standing near one of the burbling fountains, a glass of wine in her hand, watching us. When our eyes meet, she doesn’t look away. Instead, she holds my gaze for a moment, and to my eyes, she looks... sad. Resigned. She takes a sip from her glass and then turns away.
I feel a pang of sympathy, but it’s quickly swallowed by the anticipation thrumming through my veins.
Aric and I slip out of the ballroom and into the entrance hall, where the cool night air hits us immediately. Snow is falling gently outside, visible through the tall windows, coating the ground in a fresh layer of sparkling white.
