“Tempting, but no.”
She gave a mock sigh and fell back against the seat. “Oh, this is cruel,” she said, laughing. “Are we eloping? Shall I expect a vicar waiting at the edge of the woods?”
“As lovely as that sounds, April,” he said as he leaned in slightly, “I fear we are already wed.”
“You’re enjoying this,” she accused, tapping the toe of her slipper against his boot.
“Immensely,” he replied, still utterly composed.
The carriage slowed, and when it halted, Theo stepped out. He straightened his coat and turned to offer her his hand. She accepted it, letting him guide her down, and looked up at the imposing structure before them; a tall building with a Grecian facade lit by torches that flickered like golden tongues against the dusk.
Her brow furrowed, curiosity overtaking her usual poise. “Where are we?”
“You shall see,” he said, placing her hand on his arm.
He led her inside to a marble vestibule where a liveried majordomo greeted them and offered flutes of champagne. April looked around, curious.
“Is this a theater?” she asked.
“Correct.”
“At last!” She took a sip of her drink and looked around once more. “Now will you tell me what performance we are to see?”
“Patience,” he said, clinking his glass lightly against hers. “Though if you continue pestering me, I might be forced to teach you the virtue properly.”
“Oh? And how do you intend to do that?” She raised her brows, the corners of her lips twitching.
He took a leisurely sip. “Perhaps with repetition. And incentive.”
“I do enjoy an incentive,” she replied, drawing out the words as she tilted her head. “But I warn you, I am not easily trained.”
“All the better,” he murmured. “The challenge will make the reward all the sweeter, my dear.”
Moments later, the majordomo bowed. “It is time.”
Theo led her through twin golden doors, and April gasped. They were no longer in a vestibule. Before them stretched a woodland, bathed in green light and filled with glittering fairies and elves moving between trees.
“What is this?” she whispered.
“The theatre,” Theo replied. “Though not the sort one sits for.”
They followed a path where scenes played out around them. A fairy queen cried for her daughter, the princess who had disappeared. Then the scene shifted. They were in another room, another world. The princess, now clad in a tattered dress, wandered the shadows of an enchanted forest, searching for her lost love.
April’s eyes were wide, enchanted. She watched with parted lips, leaning closer to Theo each time the story shifted rooms. When the princess was caught by a sinister witch and caged in crystal, April’s hand clutched Theo’s arm.
Let me see everything you feel, April.
They moved again. The prince, armed with a crystal sword, ventured into a volcano to battle a fire serpent. Flames eruptedin bursts, and the music swelled. April squealed with delight as the prince dealt the final blow, and the monster crumbled into ash. The princess was freed, and the lovers embraced.
April turned to Theo with bright eyes. “That was extraordinary. How did you find this place?”
“It is one of those hidden gems, but I knew you would love it.”
“I do,” she whispered.
He watched her face, memorizing the joy written upon it.I will do whatever I must to keep that light in your eyes.
The majordomo returned just as Theo and April stepped out of the final chamber, their fingers still laced together. “Did the performance please Your Graces?” he asked with a bow.
