Page 56
“These things take time.” His thumb brushes gently beneath my eye. “We need to be smart about this. It would be a disaster if we accused the king of something so horrible without proper evidence. We need to be certain about what’s happening before we take the next steps.”
I sigh softly. “You’re right.”
He gives my cheek a tender stroke. “And until then, we keep Maple safe.”
I nod, drawing in a slow breath.
Lucan smiles softly. “So just try to enjoy yourself tonight, aye?” He glances out the carriage window and nods toward the sky. “It’s a celebration.”
I follow his gaze.
“Just look how beautiful the moons are, Micah. The goddesses are up there together, celebrating their love.”
The two moons hang full and round above us, both glowing a vibrant orange against the dark canvas of stars. Their soft amber light spills across the hills and illuminates the road ahead.
No matter how many times I’ve seen the harvest moons, the sight never stops being breathtaking. Their glow follows us as the carriage climbs the winding road toward the palace. With every turn, the towering structure grows larger. Golden lanterns illuminate the palace grounds, and music drifts faintly through the evening air.
By the time we reach the grand entrance, my nerves have returned.
The carriage slows to a stop among the other arriving guests. Nobles and townsfolk in extravagant gowns and tailored suits make their way toward the palace doors, their faces hidden behind elaborate masks.
Lucan reaches down and grabs a small leather satchel from the floor of the carriage. He opens the drawstring and pulls out two masks.
He slips one over his face. It’s maroon velvet with black accents, ribbons twisted into intricate swirls across the fabric. It looks beautiful on him, the bright blue of his eyes a striking contrast against the dark colors.
Then he lifts the second mask and holds it out to me. It’s beautiful—delicate white feathers edged with silver rhinestones.
I pause. “That’s for me?”
He nods, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. “Aye. It’s a masquerade ball.”
My breath catches when I notice the glass lenses tucked neatly into the eyeholes. “They have… lenses?” I ask.
“Aye. Made them myself.” He shrugs as though it’s no big deal. “Needed them to be custom so you can see without your glasses. You’re already clumsy with good vision—let alone without.”
I snicker. “I can’t believe you.”
A small grin tugs at his lips. “Just looking out for you.”
Before I can say anything, Lucan carefully reaches for my glasses and slips them from my face. He tucks them protectively into the inside pocket of his coat before lifting the mask toward me. He gently slips it over my face and ties the silk ribbon around my curls. His fingers linger as he adjusts the mask, straightening it until it sits perfectly.
I blink.
Miraculously, my vision is clear.
“Beautiful,” he murmurs.
Warmth spreads across my cheeks. “Thank you. This is lovely.”
“You’re welcome.” He smiles and holds my hand to lead me down the carriage steps. “Come along, Doc.”
He guides me toward the palace entrance with a confidence that makes my chest flutter. There’s something about the way he walks beside me—his shoulders squared, his head held high, proudly displaying me as his date—that makes me feel almost giddy.
Nobody has ever shown me off like this before.
Like I’m something precious. A prize to be admired.
But if anything, I feel like the real winner here.
