I take my position and spread out my cloak again in front of Ez and hear the shift of metal as Rosalina lifts his helm to kiss him.
Then she darts off into the crowd with a wave and, “I’ll see you soon!”
Ezryn leaves to put the present in Keldarion’s chambers, and I’m left alone with Farron. He looks stunning, like a late autumn leaf dusted with the first frost of winter. His auburn hair falls in deep waves past his jaw. Instead of golden ear cuffs, he wears silver embedded with diamond-shaped snowflakes. And stars, the new beard he’s growing is unbelievably hot, giving him such a rugged look.
He must notice my stare as he meets my gaze. In this light, his bright gold eyes reflect the cold shimmer of the Winter Realm. “Want to dance, Day?”
Soon, Rosalina will be gone, and the Green Flame will creep back. I’m not angry at Farron for doing what he did to save me, because he’s right, I’d have done anything to save him.
But after we were possessed, I felt sick through my whole body, horrified at what had coursed through me. I thought Farron would feel the same. But he wasn’t scared or angry or concerned.
He was elated.
Farron doesn’t want to lose this power, this magic slithering within us that could take control anytime.
You belong to me.
So I sigh and give him an answer I never thought I would. “No, Fare.” And I walk into the party, disappearing among the crowd and hoping I can remain myself long enough to say goodbye to Rosie.
91
Keldarion
Itake in a shaky breath and look over my chambers one moretime. There’s a fire crackling in the hearth, and I’ve laid out piles of furs and pillows before it, though not at the expense of the bed. It’s piled with velvet cushions and throws, silken canopy parted. Candles rest on the tables throughout, burning with a soft blue light. Everywhere must be perfect.
On a chair beside the bed is a more somber note: Rosalina’s travel leathers, a thick linen cloak, and her bag of supplies. After it all, she’ll need to change quickly. There’s no telling how long it will take for the bargain to go into effect. It could be anywhere from a few heartbeats to a few minutes.
The door creaks open, and Rosalina drifts inside. Red firelight paints her gown in a sparkling pattern. Curls have come loose from her hair and fall in front of her cheeks, flushed from a night of dancing and laughing and smiling.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful sight.
My wife. My wife in her wedding dress.
With a soft click, Rosalina closes the door behind her. “You’re staring.”
“It’s hard not to.” I cross the room to her, cupping her face with my hands. “I’m trying to remember you in this dress, figuring soon you’ll be out of it.”
She grins wickedly at me and places her hand over mine. “I’m so happy, Keldarion. Despite everything, today has filled me with so much joy.”
“As it has for me, my Rose.”
“Promise me tonight won’t be sad. I’ve been waiting for this for so long.”
I lower my face to her so we’re mere inches apart. “Promise. Tomorrow, you might belong to the Prince of Thorns, but tonight, you are all mine.”
Her breath catches, and she shudders away, but I grip her waist and crash my lips against hers. She wraps her arms around my neck as I lift her from the ground.
“Kel,” she sighs. “I don’t know if I’m ready. I want this night to last forever.”
“Do not worry. We’re only beginning. I intend to take a very long time satisfying my wife.”
She shivers at the use of that word, and I hope it brings her as much joy hearing it as I get saying it. Carrying Rosalina in my arms, I bring her in front of the fire and set her down.
“Well then, husband,” she says, then giggles. “I can’t believe I get to say that. I can’t believe I’m married. I can’t believewe’remarried.”
Taking her hand, I lift it to my lips and kiss her rings. “Am I not how you imagined your future husband?”
She quirks her head. “Well, I always expected my husband to sparkle in the sunlight. I mean, all the ice around you does sort of sparkle.”
