Cyrene leaned her head against my chest. “I’m glad. It’s nice having someone looking out for us from beyond.”
“We have more than one guardian, I think.” I thought of my parents, of the way the castle had felt lighter since Cyrene’s arrival, as if the very stones approved of her being here. “This place has been waiting for you.”
“For a joy witch to bring chaos and disruption?”
“For someone to bring it back to life.” I tilted her chin up to meet my gaze. “You’ve done more thanrestore magic to these halls, Cyrene. You’ve restored hope. Purpose. A future worth fighting for.”
Tears glistened in her eyes. “You’re going to make me cry in front of our guests.”
“They’re inside. Out here, it’s just us. Though if you’d like to make a dramatic exit, I could carry you through the room and up to our suite. Very romantic. The court would talk about it for weeks.”
She laughed through her tears. “As tempting as that sounds, I think we’ve given them enough to gossip about for one evening.”
“Fair point.” I offered her my arm. “Shall we at least say our goodnights before we escape?”
“Lead the way, my king.”
We returned to the ballroom, making our way through the crowd. Lords and ladies eased to the side, bowing and curtsying, their faces full of respect.
Broadworthy intercepted us near the main doors, his weathered face creased with concern. “Your Majesty, a word before you retire?”
I nodded, and he drew us aside, lowering his voice. “There’s the matter of Rathley’s estates and assets. They’ll need to be redistributed.” He paused.
“Tomorrow,” I said. “Tonight, my wife and I are celebrating.”
A knowing smile crossed his face. “Of course. Forgive an old man’s inability to let business rest.”
“Your dedication is appreciated. Always.” I gripped his shoulder. “But even you should enjoy the evening. Dance with Lady Aragorn. Scandalize the younger nobles.”
He chuckled. “Perhaps I will. Goodnight, Your Majesties.”
We made our escape, climbing the stairs to our chambers. Quandary flew ahead, and I could swear I heard him singing.
Cyrene laughed. “Quandary is very pleased with how the evening turned out.”
“As we all are.”
Inside our chambers, I closed the door and pulled Cyrene into my arms. She was gorgeous in her gown, but I was desperate to see her without it.
I worked the intricate fastenings loose, my fingers brushing her warm skin. She shivered at each touch, her magic sparking in response to mine.
“Kieran,” she breathed.
“Yes, my love?”
“Stop teasing.”
“I’m not. These laces are genuinely complicated.” I kissed the nape of her neck. “Though I may be taking my time.”
She turned in my arms, the gown loose enough now that it slipped off one shoulder. “Then let me help you.”
Her fingers found the fastenings of my jacket, releasing them fast. Soon we were both shedding layers, magic crackling between us with each piece of clothing that fell away.
When we finally stood skin to skin, the bond between us flared bright enough to light the room. Gold and midnight blue swirled around us, more vibrantthan it had ever been, as if the events of the evening had strengthened our connection.
“Beautiful,” Cyrene whispered, watching the light dance.
“You are.” I tugged her toward the bed.
