He took my hands in his. “We’ll solve that mystery after tonight. For now, focus on the dance.”
“And if my magic fails during the Rite?” The fear I’d been holding back resurfaced. “If I can’t complete it properly?”
“We’ll face what comes together. But your magic won’t fail, Cyrene. Not when it matters most.”
His confidence bolstered mine. “How can you be so sure?”
“Because I’ve felt what happens when our magic connects, and that power can’t be drained or stolen.” He lifted my hand to his lips. “It can only grow stronger.”
The warmth of his breath against my skin sent a shiver through me. “We should go. The court is waiting.”
“I don’t care.” His eyes darkened. “I’m not ready to share you yet.”
He drew me closer, one hand sliding up my back while the other cupped my face. His lips captured mine in a kiss full of promise and possession, sweet yet demanding. I melted into him, winding my arms around his neck.
Our magic flared, gold and midnight blue swirling around us. The gown glowed brighter, the patterns shifting faster.
When we finally pulled apart, both breathless, his eyes had gone almost black with desire.
And my joy lanterns were glowing.
Cordelia swept into the room. “See? They’re working perfectly now. Shall I deliver them to the ballroom?”
“Would you?” I asked.
Kieran peered around, still unable to see her.
“She’s going to take my lanterns to the ballroom for me,” I said.
He bowed, though not in the direction where Cordelia hovered. “Thank you, kind ghost.”
Color blooming in her pale face, she tittered. “He truly is quite charming, isn’t he?”
“He is.”
Cordelia disappeared with a pop, the lanterns with her.
Quandary flew in through the open window, settling on my shoulder with a chirp.You’re both looking very royal tonight.
“He approves of our clothing,” I told Kieran.
“Good. I’d hate to offend our most fearsome ally.” Kieran scratched the little drake under the chin, earning a contented purr. Turning, he offered me his arm. “Shall we go astound the court, my queen?”
The title sent a thrill through me. I placed my hand in the crook of his elbow. “Lead on, my king.”
We left our suite, Quandary flying lazy circles above us as we descended the grand staircase toward the first floor. Music drifted up to meet us, strings and woodwinds playing something both melancholy and hopeful, distinctly vampire in its contradictions.
The closer we got to the ballroom, the tighter my chest became. My gown swirled around my ankles, still glowing softly where our magic met.
Guards stationed along the corridor straightened as we approached. Their eyes widened at the sight of us, and I tried not to fidget under their scrutiny.
As we rounded the final corner, I glimpsed the council members gathered near the ballroom entrance, their heads bent together in conversation. Lady Aragorn’s sharp eyes found mine first, her lips thinning into a tight line before she whispered something to Lord Rathley.
“Apparently, we’re the topic of gossip already,” I said.
Kieran squeezed my hand. “They’ll have much more to discuss after tonight.”
In front of the massive double doors, he paused, turning to face me. The torchlight caught the silver in his circlet, casting shadows across the sharp planes of his face.
