Page 26
EDEN
“Ihave a surprise for you,” Lux tells me after dinner, turning the handle to my bedchamber.
“Is it more flowers?” I giggle. After rescuing me from his brother, Lux took me to lunch and surprised me with a bouquet of gorgeous golden flowers. Chrysanthemums, dahlias, the last of the summer’s sunflowers.
“It’s not flowers.” He grins, leading me inside. “Now I know you like to make your own gowns, but I wanted to surprise you with something special I had made for you, just this once.”
I gasp as I spot the glistening blue fabric pouring over my bed. “Oh Lux…” I take a shaky step towards it.
Soft, glittery tulle spills out to form a wide skirt and delicate sleeves. The stiff bodice is made from a darker sapphire-blue fabric, while a thin gold ribbon decorates the neckline. Pearls are scattered over the skirt, gleaming in the evening light. It looks like something a mermaid princess would wear from a fairy tale.
“It’s so beautiful,” I squeal. “I don’t think I could ever make something so beautiful.”
“Oh, you absolutely could. I just wanted to surprise you with something new for the ball tonight.”
The ball… I laugh nervously. I’m supposed to feel excited, but since this morning I haven’t stopped thinking about what Castor said. Twice, I almost told Lux about what really happened the other day, but then I stopped myself.
Even if Lux believes me when I tell him about how Castor dragged me into his bedchamber, what would I want him to do? Exiling him from the manor would be too much. Harsh punishment would be unnecessary – I’d never want someone to suffer because of me.
No. It’s best that I deal with Castor on my own.
I swallow down a heart flutter.
He can wear red himself if he wants to see someone in it so badly.
“I can’t wait to wear this tonight.” I smile at Lux, trying not to think about what Castor threatened to do to me, or how the thought of him tying me up makes me feel strangely warm. “Would you please call for my servants so I can start getting ready?”
“Of course.” He nods, pleased. “I’ll return to escort you to the ballroom in a few hours.” Taking my hand, he places a gentle kiss against it. “I cannot wait to finally dance with you, Eden.” His ocean eyes glint, and with that, I forget all about Lady Charlotte, her odd husband, and Castor’s silly society.
The ball is just as spectacular as I was expecting it to be. Bunches of yellow flowers decorate every column and tall window. Dancers twirl over the peach-coloured floor.
The ballroom here isn’t as big as the one back home, but it’s somehow even prettier with its stunning painted ceiling showcasing a fire and water design. Through the waves and flames, two handsome men reach for each other, one with dark hair and the other with red.
It’s not hard to guess who they’re supposed to represent.
“Finished with your drink, Your Highness?” A servant passes Lux and I with a tray of empty goblets.
Thanking the servant, I place my finished glass on the tray. Lux had a special blueberry wine brought in just for tonight. The syrupy liquid is so sweet, I keep forgetting it’s alcohol.
Lux holds me against his side. “Would you like to dance again?”
“Of course.” I smile at him. A fuzzy glow appears around his face, making him seem even more angelic than normal.
“Are you alright?” he laughs.
I sigh dreamily, “Never better.”
Chuckling, he leads me back to the dance floor and places his hand against my waist. I barely have time to hold his shoulder before the next song begins and he whisks me into a waltz. My skirt twirls around me while my feet struggle to keep up.
It’s funny, I’ve never struggled to dance before.
Then again, I can’t remember how many glasses of wine I’ve had, and with Lux holding me the way he is, I really don’t care.
“You look absolutely breathtaking,” he murmurs as the song slows.
I lean against him, feeling each breath beneath his blue tunic, the deep shade matching my bodice. “You look more handsome,” I say, but the words come out all smushed together.
He chuckles again. “Thank you, sweetheart.”
