“It would be my honor, Caius,” I said, and meant it.
Something like excitement flashed in his eyes, and we continued to dance.
As the music wound down, the hall fell silent. Caius took my right hand, placing a kiss atop it, and I curtsied in return. We walkedarm in arm back to the king. As our footsteps echoed on the polished tile, I became acutely aware of just how many eyes were on us, onme. My skin crawled, and I had to stop myself from crumbling under their scrutiny, holding my back straight and head high.
Caius gave me a wink and whispered, “You’ll get used to it.”
“I don’t think there are enough lifetimes for that,” I said in jest and smiled back at him.
“Enough lifetimes for what?” Thaddeus inquired. I hadn’t realized we were within earshot yet.
“Nyleeria doesn’t think she could ever get used to all eyes being on her,” Caius answered casually, “but I have my suspicions she won’t have a choice in the matter.”
“I think you’re right,” the king said as he took my hand back. “Thank you for returning her to me.”
Now facing Caius, I gave him another small curtsy and said, “Thank you for the dance, Lord Caius.”
“It was my pleasure, Nyleeria.”
And I genuinely believed him.
Chapter 22
New Melodia, New Steps
Awarm summer breeze lazily joined in the festivities through the gaping archways, playing with the hem of my skirt. As the king and I scouted the perimeter, the dance floor became awash with movement once more.
Servants flitted about the bordering promenade, offering us food and drink at every turn. Although, water was the singular offering we indulged in, and even then, only after Nevander or Tarrin had taken a sip first. I hated it. Not only them acting like our lives were more important than theirs, but also their intrinsic mistrust of our hosts—even though it wasn’t without its merits.
We knew abstaining from food and drink throughout our entire visit wasn’t feasible, but as I was slated to dance with the high lords this evening, we didn’t want to risk my body reacting to their foreign delicacies.
The king and I were stopped often by a myriad of fae introducing themselves as we meandered the outskirts. It seemed that was the custom of those not dancing or watching from the balcony above. We exchanged brief pleasantries, nothing more substantive than small talk, and I thanked the stars for that.
“Pardon the interruption, Your Majesty,” Tarrin said formally as he bowed to the king. I almost laughed at the sight of it, but I tamped down the urge.
“Excuse us,” the king said politely to the two fae we had been talking to, then turned to Tarrin.
“The High Lord of Spring and his lady have requested an audience,” Tarrin said. The king raised his brows but didn’t question him before following through the crowd.
I spotted Nevander across the room speaking with two fae. Their backs were to us, but from their clothing and statures, I could tell it was a male and female standing hand in hand.
As we approached, they turned to face us, and my breath caught in my throat like someone witnessing nature’s wonder for the first time.
The female wore a layered gossamer gown as delicate in its making as her refined features, while the male was clad in fine linen that catered to his lean, yet sturdy, form. They radiated health and vitality just like the condensed life force of a bud before its anthesis—full of possibility and hope. I couldn’t help but be drawn to them like a bee to nectar, as if I, too, could drink in their radiance.
Their graceful features lit up when they saw us.
Stars, they were a handsome couple.
Nevander gracefully stepped toward us and said, “Your Majesty, may I introduce you to Myron, High Lord of Spring, and his lady, Fiora.”
Myron nodded in acknowledgment, while Fiora gave a low, elegant curtsey to the king.
“High Lord and Lady Fiora,” Nevander continued. “King Thaddeus of the human realm, and his companion, Nyleeria.” I took my cue from Fiora and gave the high lord of the Spring Court a curtsey, but I made mine deeper still, as I was no lady. I turned and gave Fiora the same consideration. Fiora’s soft cherry-blossom-pink lips curled upward in appreciation, and a look of approval crossed the high lord’s face as he stole a lingering glance at his lady.
“It is an honor to make your acquaintance,” the king offered, meeting both of their eyes.
“The honor is ours, King Thaddeus,” Myron said. “Your reply has caused quite the stir. We’re all curious to meet the first humans who believe after so long.” His voice was kindly, soft even, with the calming lilt of a babbling brook.
