He did.
Caeo smiles through the kiss he plants on my lips, and it unravels all the nerves twisting tight within me.
When we break apart, he brings his hand up between us, perpendicular to our faces. I do the same, laughter slipping out as we say, “Good Fortune,” while wiggling our fingers as if pulling invisible marionette strings. The words are important: without them, people often use the gesture to wish bad luck upon others. It all ties back to the monarchy, favored by Fortune to rule.
Our hands drop, and Caeo takes in all of me. “You look beautiful.”
Goosebumps spread across my skin as he traces his hand along my bare back.
“I like the dress.”
A rush of heat, straight to my core. “I’m glad.”
His eyes catch my every curve, his fingers grazing my skin. My entire body must be blushing at this point. I exhale, hoping to cool the desire burning within me.We’ll get to that later, after the ball.
“We don’t need to worry about getting separated,” he says. “I won’t be able to keep my hands off you.”
I curl my lips into what I hope is a playful smile. “We shouldn’t leave that to chance.”
Clasping his hand tight, I run through a quick incantation in my mind. Vines twist from my shoulder down to my wrist, where they drop about a foot before looping back up to wind around Caeo.
He’s bound to me, with two feet of leeway in case either of us loses our grip.
But I don’t plan to.
Caeo eyes my creation before entwining our fingers. “A bold choice.”
I lean in, kissing his lips. “You’re mine. Everyone should know.”
He kisses me back, and a warm smile graces his lips as we pull apart. He squeezes my hand, then leads me beyond the massive, propped-open doors of the Great Hall.
While the third-year students handled the gardens outside, the faculty decorated the hall. Shimmering light fills the cavernous space from flames floating above our heads, with glistening ice sculptures decorating every table, reflecting the golden hues. Between the windows, waterfalls pour out of the air itself, fading into nothing instead of splattering against the floor. Flowers blanket every inch of the walls with a rainbow of color.
My breath hitches at the sight, and my next inhale fills my lungs with the bright, floral scent wafting through the air. Who’d have thought this once-hollow cavern could teem with so much life? It’s practically bursting with the buzz of excited voices alongside the crisp, soaring notes of the string quintet, set up on a small stage beyond the dance floor.
My gaze lands on Theodore, frowning at us. Shame spikes within me, and I quickly turn back to Caeo.
A boyish grin lights up his face.
“What?” I ask, my voice barely carrying over the hum of the hall.
He leans close. “Your face. I’ve never seen anyone so enraptured.”
My cheeks burn with my smile, and Caeo brings his lips to my ear.
“Dance with me.”
I glance toward the center of the room, where couples spin in rhythm with one another, following the music with perfectly timed motions.
“I wouldn’t have thought you’d know the steps.”
Caeo frowns. “The steps?”
“It’s the Grace.” I raise my voice even though he’s inches away. “One of the most popular dances in high society.” Father always joked that it was named after Mom.
“Ah.” He glances at the dancers. “Well, I don’t know that, but my mother taught me to dance. I think we’ll be fine.”
With that, he sweeps me onto the dance floor.
