54. Reyla
54
REYLA
A fter going to my suite and changing into my evening gown, I met Merrick in the hall. He held out his arm, and we strode to the ballroom. At the entrance, the head of Merrick's guard rushed toward us with masks in his hands.
“Magically inspected and deemed safe, my king,” he said with a short bow. “And heavily warded to prevent anyone from copying them.”
“Thank you.” Merrick took them and held one up for me, a delicate thing of silky fabric and feathers shaped like the dragonfly pendant I wore around my neck. Made in deep green etched through with gold, it perfectly matched my gown. Merrick's had been crafted to resemble two silver ravens, facing each other, their chests meeting in the middle. Their wings and tails splayed out in feathered spirals at the sides.
If the book was a diary, why did it wear the same symbol?
“I'm glad they’re spelled to keep anyone from copying ours,” I said as Merrick went around behind me to secure my mask over my face. “Otherwise, yours is so gorgeous, all the lords would wear the same thing. Then I'd have a hard time recognizing you.”
His low laugh stroked through me, flaming me all over again, and he leaned close to whisper by my ear. “There's only one of me, and he's yours.”
A thrill shot through me. I was eager to give into the feelings growing inside me, to step forward into this new life he offered by his side. We'd face adversity, but we'd do it together. And through it all, there would be love.
Love?
Before I met him, my heart had been a closed book, the pages brittle with grief. Falling for him was like seeing colors for the first time, my world suddenly bathed in vibrant hues after years of living in shades of gray. His laugh was sunshine yellow, his touch a soothing teal. Before, life was flat and predictable, but now every day held the promise of discovery and warmth. It wasn’t just that he made me happy; it was as if he’d reintroduced me to joy itself, allowing me to see beauty where I’d forgotten to look. He was painting my sorrow with bright strokes of hope.
I turned in his arms, holding my hand out for his mask. He gave me a lopsided grin as he pivoted and stooped down for me to secure it around his head. I couldn't resist sliding his thick hair to the side and kissing the nape of his neck, a shiver erupting across my skin when we touched.
He straightened and turned, sliding his fingertips along my jawline to meet in the front. He tilted my chin and kissed me, his mouth lingering on mine. “Think only of me tonight?” he whispered.
My words stolen by his kiss, I could only nod. I was falling in love with him—hard and fast and with no way of turning back.
We stepped inside and were greeted with applause and the lilting tune from the elf orchestra playing stringed instruments on a small platform on the far right of the enormous room.
Entering the grand ballroom was like being enveloped in magnificence. The ceiling seemed to touch the sky, the sparkling chandeliers twinkling stars overhead. At the far end, a towering wall of glass looked out on an endless vista of late-day sunlit gardens and the vast forest beyond. A sweeping balcony fringed the back of the castle, and a few guests stood at the rail, taking in the view.
As we stepped onto the dance floor, the music swelled, filling the room with a pretty tune. Merrick swept me into his arms, his strong grip guiding me effortlessly as we twirled around the dance floor. The room faded away, leaving only the two of us, lost in the joy of the moment.
The vast wooden floor gleamed underfoot, each plank polished to perfection, reverberating with the soft music notes skimming through the air. Creamy walls etched with intricate gilt framed each wall, accented by the fae high lords and ladies drifting gracefully around the perimeter of the room, their gowns and tunics in fabrics of every color.
Merrick's arm remained snug around my lower back, his warmth seeping through my gown. We moved in sync as if we'd danced together a thousand times. The room blurred into a whirl of color and light, the high lords and ladies spectators to this intimate moment between us.
He guided me with a commanding yet tender touch. Each step was a declaration, each twirl a testament to the growing bond between us. The eyes of the court remained on us, some of them tittering behind their hands, others applauding softly.
They meant nothing.
In this moment, it was just Merrick and I, lost in each other.
As we danced, the weight of Erisandra’s gaze raked down my spine, her hatred a blade gouging deep. I refused to look at her, focusing instead on the warmth in Merrick’s eyes. I would not let her bitterness taint our happiness. Nothing would come between us now.
As the dance came to an end, Merrick leaned in, his lips grazing my ear as he whispered. “This is only the beginning, my wildfire queen.”
I truly believed he was right.
“Tonight’s magical.” Our eyes locked, and the intensity in his gaze stole my breath.
He spun me out, the skirt of my gown flaring like moonlight, before pulling me back into his embrace. His arm tightened around me, our bodies pressing close, and the steady beat of his heart against his chest matched my own as if they were destined to beat in sync forever.
“You're mine, Reyla,” The possessive edge in his voice sent a thrill flashing through me. “Every dance, every moment, every breath. Don’t forget.”
I looked up at him, my heart bruising against my ribs. His eyes held a promise, a future filled with emotion and passion. It terrified me, this falling, this letting go. But it also exhilarated me, like I was jumping from a great height, trusting that he would catch me below.
“And you're mine.” I surrendered to the inevitable.
His lips curved into a smile, triumphant and tender all at once. “ Never forget.”
The dance ended, and we remained on the ballroom floor, waiting for the next song to begin. When the head of his guard caught his eye from the edge of the dance floor, Merrick gestured for him to approach. Leaning near, he nodded as he listened to what his guard had to say.
Merrick turned back to me, his expression serious, and his eyes softening with regret. “I'm sorry. I have to leave for a moment.” He leaned down, pressing a swift kiss to my mouth before turning and disappearing through a door on the right side of the ballroom along with his guards.
The music swelled again, and couples stepped out onto the smooth floor, soon swirling around me.
I drifted over to a table set up with light snacks and a bowl of punch. I took a glass from one of the staff, finding the drink too sweet for my palate. After taking a few sips, I handed it to a different staff member and turned to watch everyone dance.
As the moments stretched out, Merrick didn't return.
The crowd buzzed around me, their conversations a dull roar in my ears. I needed a break from the noise and the constant scrutiny of the court. Slipping away, I escaped out onto the balcony.
The sun had set, and moonlight filtered through wispy clouds, casting silvery beams on the flowerbeds below. The forest beyond seemed to stretch forever, the trees swaying gently, their leaves whispering secrets I wished I could hear.
Far in the distance, a dragon flew. Or I thought it did. I could be mistaken.
I leaned against the railing, closing my eyes and letting the cool breeze glide over me.
Someone came up behind me, and I glanced back to see the familiar red tunic and silver raven mask.
“There you are.” I smiled at Merrick, extending my hand to him.
He took it and joined me, pressing his body against mine from behind, his arms wrapping around me, his hands meshing with mine holding the rail.
He leaned in, his breath hot against my ear. “Will you also dance with me, Wildfire?”
A tremor ripped through my core, and my pulse fluttered with both anticipation and dismay.
I gaped up to find hunger blazing in Lore's eyes.